Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care

UNIT 35: INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARELearners are unlikely to be able to achieve D1 until they have also gained anunderstanding of how microorganisms are transmitted, and studied some specificexamples. It is therefore suggested that a third assignment is used to cover P4, P5,M2, M3, D1 and D2. This would be a substantial piece of work and would need to beclearly divided into tasks. For P4 learners should have a clear knowledge of threedifferent ways of controlling microorganisms, and be able to explain these for M2. D1requires learners to consider difficulties in controlling microorganisms, and will alsorequire knowledge of transmission of disease (P5, M3) in order for learners to be ableto evaluate these difficulties. For D2, the effect of infectious disease on individualscould relate, for example, to signs and symptoms whereas the effect on populationsmight involve looking at morbidity and mortality data, and consequences forcommunities such as the ability of its members to work.A final assignment could be used for P6 and M4, involving a written piece of evidencein which learners explain four benefits of microorganisms for P6. Learners could thenconsider and analyse ethical dilemmas that can arise from the inappropriate use ofantibiotics and as a consequence of the use of microorganisms in genetic engineeringfor M4. This could include a report or a transcript of a class discussion, with clearindication of the learner’s own input — possibly evidenced through a witnessstatement or peer review.Links to National Occupational Standards, other BTEC units, other BTECqualifications and other relevant units and qualificationsThe knowledge and skills gained through this unit link to Unit 12: Public Health,Unit 36: Communicable Diseases, Unit 37: Defence against Disease, Unit 38:Environmental Health and Unit 39: Infection Prevention and Control.This specialist unit may enable learners to gain some of the underpinning knowledgefor the following units of the Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care:• Unit HSC31: Promote effective communication for and about individuals• Unit HSC32: Promote, monitor and maintain health, safety and security inthe working environment• Unit HSC33: Reflect on and develop your practice.This unit should also enable learners to gain some of the underpinning knowledge forthe following units of the Level 3 NVQ in Health:• Unit CU6: Maintain communications and records within the organisation• Unit GEN12: Reflect on and evaluate your own values, priorities, interestsand effectiveness• Unit GEN13: Synthesise new knowledge into the development of your ownpractice.444BN018467 – Specification – Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care– Issue 1 – February 2007 © Edexcel Limited 2007