Unit 1: Principles of Human Physiology, Anatomy and Pathology
Knowing how the human body works, in good and poor health, is key to learning how you can make a difference to others in the field of medical sciences.
In this unit, you will study how the human body functions at a cellular and tissue level. You will gain understanding of the various organ systems that comprise the human body – nervous, endocrine, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and digestive systems.
You will gain the foundational knowledge required for biological study in medical science, as you gain knowledge of how the human body functions. You will also gain some insight into the factors that affect health and how an understanding of such factors may help to make a positive impact upon our lives.
Unit 2: Health Issues and Scientific Reporting
You will explore a number of key areas in the field of medical science, with a focus on health issues faced by the human population today to explore their impact on the world we live in. You will gain an understanding of diagnostic techniques, before focusing on health issues themselves alongside associated initiatives including, cancer and various aspects of immune dysfunction, to the increasingly important world of genetics.
You will learn how to research the impact of such health initiatives through developing knowledge in how to interpret and analyse different forms of scientific information, from newspaper articles to scientific journals. You will develop your critical thinking and analysis skills, including data analysis, learning how to assess the reliability of sources of published scientific information.
Unit 3: Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Microbiology is an essential element within pathology, clinical and infection sciences and also in veterinary science. Over 15 million people die every year from infectious diseases, with emerging diseases and our inability to provide appropriate treatments a constant threat. An understanding of the nature of microorganisms will enable you to appreciate the various methods available to treat or cure diseases and to recognise the need to continue to develop new and innovative treatments.
You will carry out an investigation into the effect of antimicrobial agents on the growth of microorganisms. This will enable you to begin to understand the role of clinical microbiologists. You will explore a variety of tests using good laboratory practice. You will develop an understanding off the significance of microorganisms as pathogens. You will link understanding of cell and tissue adaptation, function of biological molecules and the relationship between the structure, function and processes of key body systems with your knowledge of the immune response to understand how diseases develop.
Unit 4: Diseases, Disorders, Treatments and Therapies
This unit gives you theoretical knowledge of diseases representing significant global health challenges, an insight into current and future treatments, and knowledge of how biology is applied to make a positive impact on our lives.
Biological molecules are at the forefront of treating many diseases and disorders. You will have the opportunity to research how drugs and medicines are discovered, altered, designed and synthesised to treat physiological diseases and disorders. This unit requires you to become familiar with current treatments and their potential benefits, while understanding their potential adverse effects. Potential treatments for the future are often covered in news stories and in television documentaries, and you will explore and research how new treatments are discovered. You will also explore the moral, ethical and legal implications of treating or not treating individuals.
