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Unit 5: Biological Systems (1st Certificate, 1st Diploma) Unit abstract It is important that learners on an applied science programme have a good understanding of basic concepts of biology in order that these may be developed and used in a variety of applications, including the understanding of health-related factors. Learners need to develop understanding of the wide variety of living organisms on the earth, and how they interact with each other and the environment. This unit requires learners to understand the role of DNA in inheritance and evolution, this being applied to the study of inherited factors and conditions. The unit then encourages the learner to study factors that may affect human health and the protective mechanisms of the human body. This unit will enable learners to develop their biology practical skills, underpinning knowledge and understanding of biology, including applications in the workplace and effects on the environment and society. The learner’s technical skills are also developed along with their knowledge and understanding of techniques as they carry out a wide range biology practical investigations. The knowledge and skills developed are essential for technicians and assistant practitioners working in biology, health care, food science, agriculture, horticulture, beauty therapy and other biology-related industries and laboratory services. It is important during the delivery and assessment of this unit that the learner takes on the role of being employed within the biology industry or an organisation that uses biology. Learners will also investigate how body systems respond to internal and external environmental changes using hormonal and nervous signals to maintain the body processes. At the end of this unit learners will understand how living things interact with each other and their surroundings. They will also understand how organisms are adapted to their environment. Learning outcomes On completion of this unit a learner should: 1 Understand the diversity of living organisms and how they are classified 2 Be able to investigate how living things interact with each other and their environments 3 Understand that genes are responsible for inheritance, and variations within species, leading to evolutionary change 4 Understand the factors that may affect human health and the ways human health is controlled. Unit content 1 Understand the diversity of living organisms and how they are classified Classifying organisms: wide variety of living organisms; identification keys; the need to organise/classify; variety of systems; Linnaen system of classification Major characteristics of: viruses; bacteria; protists; fungi; plants (flowering plants, non-flowering plants), animals (invertebrates, vertebrates) 2 Be able to investigate how living things interact with each other and their environments Interdependence of organisms: nature and relationship, eg parasite and host, predator and prey; food chains and food webs; pyramids of numbers; energy and biomass Effects of human activity on the environment: eg greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, ozone depletion, acid rain, recycling of household waste, use and conservation of household utilities (gas, water, electricity), pollution; pollution indicator species; effects on food chains and food webs 3 Understand that genes are responsible for inheritance, and variations within species, leading to evolutionary change Genes control cell function: DNA code; translation; structure of a protein eg enzyme; control of cells’ activities DNA molecule: coded sequence of bases (A, C, T, G) Evolutionary change: role of genetic variation, environmental conditions Inherited factors: conditions and diseases eg sickle cell syndrome/anaemia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cystic fibrosis Gene therapy: for prevention/treatment of disease, eg cystic fibrosis, haemophilia 4 Understand the factors which may affect human health and the ways human health is controlled Factors: medical eg harmful effects of micro-organisms, carcinogens; social the use and misuse of drugs) eg cannabis, nicotine, alcohol, solvents, heroin, caffeine; exercise eg calories ingested v calories used Medical treatments: eg use of antibiotics and immunisation; gene therapy; use of stem cells; ‘in vitro’ fertilisation; cloning Protective mechanisms: nervous and chemical co-ordination; chemical (effects of adrenaline, insulin); electrical (body senses) eg touch, taste, sight, hearing, smell; structure and function of a simple reflex arc Auto-immune diseases: eg multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease Grading grid Grading criteria To achieve a pass grade the evidence must show that the learner is able to: To achieve a merit grade the evidence must show that, in addition to the pass criteria, the learner is able to: To achieve a distinction grade the evidence must show that, in addition to the pass and merit criteria, the learner is able to: P1 construct simple identification keys and describe the main characteristics within the major classification groups M1 explain the need to classify organisms D1 discuss the characteristics which are used to distinguish the major groups P2 describe an ecosystem investigated and indicate the types of interdependence of living things in it P3 describe the possible effect of human activities on the ecosystem investigated P4 describe the relationship between chromosomes, DNA and genes P5 identify and describe two examples of inherited conditions and diseases P6 describe the effects of four different factors which have a detrimental effect on human health P7 describe two control mechanisms which enable the human body to maintain optimum health. M2 describe examples of adaptations to the environment shown by organisms within the ecosystem. M3 describe the effect of these environmental changes over time and the means of measuring them M4 describe (using examples) how variation within a species brings about evolutionary change M5 identify the mechanisms by which these conditions and diseases are inherited M6 explain the mechanisms involved in disrupting body systems, for each of the examples chosen D2 construct quantitative and qualitative diagrams to demonstrate the relationships between organisms living interdependently within an ecosystem D3 analyse data relating to changes in the environment and explain how the environmental impact might be minimised in future D4 explain how genes control variation within a species using a simple coded message D5 investigate and describe the effectiveness of gene therapy to prevent inherited conditions and diseases M7 describe the differences between the actions D6 describe the social issues which arise from each of the conditions described of chemical and electrical protective mechanisms of the body. D7 explain the effects of the chemical and hormonal controls on human health.