Exam Specification Links
AQA
Biology
Human Biology
Vaccination
3.1.6 Mammalian blood possesses a number of defensive functions.
Principles of immunology
 Phagocytosis and the role of lysosomes and lysosomal enzymes in the
subsequent destruction of ingested pathogens.
 Definition of antigen and antibody.
 Antibody structure and the formation of an antigen-antibody complex.
 The essential difference between humoral and cellular responses as shown
by B cells and T cells.
 The role of plasma cells and memory cells in producing a secondary
response.
 The effects of antigenic variability in the influenza virus and other
pathogens on immunity.
 The use of vaccines to provide protection for individuals and populations
against disease.
 The use of monoclonal antibodies in enabling the targeting of specific
substances and cells.
Vaccination
3.1.5 How the body fights infectious disease
 Our reaction to something foreign Antigen and antibody.
 Phagocytosis and the subsequent destruction of ingested pathogens.
 The role of T-cells and B-cells in the response to antigens.
 The role of plasma cells and memory cells in producing the primary and
secondary response.
 The functions of cell types other than those specified and the classes of
immunoglobulins are not required.
Immunity and vaccines
 Antibodies may be acquired naturally through the placenta and via lactation, as
well as artificially. This is passive immunity.
 Vaccines containing attenuated or dead microorganisms, or isolated antigens,
may be used as the basis for vaccines. Vaccination leads to active immunity.
 Evaluate evidence relating to the risks and benefits of mass vaccination
programmes.
How Science Works
Use knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions, define scientific
problems, present scientific arguments and scientific ideas
 Scientists use their knowledge and understanding when observing objects and
events, in defining a scientific problem and when questioning their own
explanations or those of other scientists.
 Scientific progress is made when scientists contribute to the development of
new ideas, materials and theories.
Analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and
causal relationships
 Scientists look for patterns and trends in data as a first step in providing
explanations of phenomena. The degree of uncertainty in any data will affect
whether alternative explanations can be given for the data.
Communicate information and ideas in appropriate ways using appropriate
terminology
How Science Works
Use knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions, define scientific
problems, present scientific arguments and scientific ideas
 Scientists use their knowledge and understanding when observing objects and
events, in defining a scientific problem and when questioning their own
explanations or those of other scientists.
 Scientific progress is made when scientists contribute to the development of
new ideas, materials and theories.
Analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and
causal relationships
 Scientists look for patterns and trends in data as a first step in providing
explanations of phenomena. The degree of uncertainty in any data will affect
whether alternative explanations can be given for the data.
Communicate information and ideas in appropriate ways using appropriate
terminology
OCR
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By sharing the findings of their research, scientists provide the scientific
community with opportunities to replicate and further test their work, thus
either confirming new explanations or refuting them.
Appreciate the role of the scientific community in validating new knowledge and
ensuring integrity
 The findings of scientists are subject to peer review before being accepted for
publication in a reputable scientific journal.
 The interests of the organisations that fund scientific research can influence the
direction of research. In some cases, the validity of those claims may also be
influenced.
Appreciate the ways in which society uses science to inform decision-making
 Scientific findings and technologies enable advances to be made that have
potential benefit for humans.
Vaccination
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4.1.1 Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system
(a) the different types of pathogen that can
cause communicable diseases in plants and
animals
(e) (i) the structure and mode of action of
Phagocytes
(f) the structure, different roles and modes of
action of B and T lymphocytes in the specific
immune response
(g) the primary and secondary immune responses
(h) the structure and general functions of antibodies
(j) the differences between active and passive
immunity, and between natural and artificial immunity
(l) the principles of vaccination and the role of
vaccination programmes in the prevention of epidemics
 To include routine vaccinations
 Reasons for changes to vaccines and vaccination programmes (including
global issues).
(n) the benefits and risks of using antibiotics to manage bacterial infection.
2.3.2 Acquiring Immunity
 The immune system is studied with reference to the role of vaccination in the
control of infectious disease.
 Childhood vaccination remains a contentious issue as do issues surrounding the
availability of vaccines, for example, influenza.
 Vaccination is also key to controlling infections in individuals who work or
holiday where infectious diseases are endemic.
(a) explain what is meant by the term vaccine;
(b) outline the programme of vaccination used in the United Kingdom (HSW7c);
(c) explain what is meant by the term immune response, distinguishing between the
non- specific and specific response;
describe the origin, maturation and mode of action of phagocytes and lymphocytes
in the non-specific and specific immune response;
(e) compare and contrast the modes of action of B and T lymphocytes in fighting
infection;
(f) distinguish between active and passive immunity and natural and artificial
immunity;
(g)
describe the role of memory cells in long term immunity;
(h) explain the role of vaccination programmes in the prevention of epidemics by
establishing herd immunity;
(i) describe, with the aid of diagrams, the general structure of an antibody and
relate its structure to its function;
(j) explain the role of antibodies in ABO blood group incompatibility and Rhesus (Rh)
incompatibility;
(k) outline the biological problems involved in developing and using a vaccine
against HIV (HSW6a, 7b);
By sharing the findings of their research, scientists provide the scientific
community with opportunities to replicate and further test their work, thus
either confirming new explanations or refuting them.
Appreciate the role of the scientific community in validating new knowledge and
ensuring integrity
 The findings of scientists are subject to peer review before being accepted for
publication in a reputable scientific journal.
 The interests of the organisations that fund scientific research can influence the
direction of research. In some cases, the validity of those claims may also be
influenced.
Appreciate the ways in which society uses science to inform decision-making
Scientific findings and technologies enable advances to be made that have potential
benefit for humans.
Vaccination
(l) discuss the ethical issues relating to the development of a vaccine for Human
Papilloma Virus (HPV) to prevent cervical cancer (HSW6b, 7c);
How Science Works
Analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and causal
relationships.
How Science Works
Analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and causal
relationships.
How Science Works
 Analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and
causal relationships
a) Analyse data including use of:
-descriptive statistics (mean, mode and median, error bars,
standard deviation identification of outliers and range)
-graphic representation to identify patterns and relationships (e.g. correlation
and cause)
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Edexcel
Communicate information and ideas in appropriate ways using appropriate
terminology
-Present scientific information using text, graphics and other media as appropriate
using scientific terminology with reference to data and credible sources
 Consider applications and implications of science and appreciate their
associated benefits and risks.
a) Evaluate activities in terms of their associated benefits and risks to humans, other
organisms and the environment.
 Appreciate the ways in which society uses science to inform decision-making
Discuss how science influences decisions on an individual, local, national or
international level.
Vaccinations
1.5 The Wider Curriculum
Incidence of disease; disease control.
Vaccination programmes; antibiotic overuse.
WJEC
Vaccination
Biodiversity and Physiology of Body
2.5 Human defence mechanisms
 Natural barriers against infection including role of lymphatic tissue suchas
spleen. Influence of vitamin C and natural skin flora. Localised defence by
inflammation.
 Immune responses as a result of foreign antigens.
 Humoral and cell mediated immunity.
 Antigen-antibody interactions; the role of T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes.
 Medically induced immunity which may be active, as illustrated by Rubella or
passive as illustrated by Rabies.
 Relative effectiveness of vaccination programmes, as illustrated by the
eradication of smallpox and the continued epidemics of influenza. Ethical
considerations for vaccination programmes.
How Science Works
 Use knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions, define scientific
problems, present scientific arguments and scientific ideas
 Analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and
causal relationships
 consider ethical issues in the treatment of humans, other organisms and the
environment
 Appreciate the ways in which society uses science to inform decision-making
How Science Works
 Use knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions, define scientific
problems, present scientific arguments and scientific ideas
 Analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and
causal relationships
 consider ethical issues in the treatment of humans, other organisms and the
environment
 Appreciate the ways in which society uses science to inform decision-making
Other relevant Curriculum links:
The e-Bug 15-18 resources also cover a range of other A-levels and applied courses:
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AQA Science in Society - 3.1.2 Infectious diseases now
AQA Health and Social Care- 3.10.4 Strategies to Prevent Disease: Immunisation
BTEC, for example:
Applied Biology –Edexcel BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Applied Biology
-The Immune Response System
-Infectious Diseases
-Medical Microbiology
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in Health and Social Care
-Defence against Disease
-Public Health
-Infection Prevention and Control
-Introduction to Microbiology for Health and Social Care
The resources may also be applicable to other examining body specifications, health educators and in a pastoral care setting i.e. Travel Vaccine Information
Skills gained:
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Research
Communication –debate cards, peer education lessons
Analytical – Exam style questions on student worksheets
Written communication
Team Work