Aligned to Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Health & Social Care, Unit 13: Microbiology for Health Science. Explore the requirements for microbial growth, human health impacts, global disease control, and the positive use of microbes in society—through safe, guided practicals.
This page supports delivery of Unit 13: Microbiology for Health Science in the BTEC International (Schools) suite. Content below mirrors the unit’s learning aims (A–D), indicative activities, and assessment style.
Senior secondary students on BTEC International L3 Health & Social Care pathways. All practicals are school-safe and supervised.
A1: Micro-organisms • A2: Requirements for growth • A3: Structure & reproduction • A4: Control methods (disinfectants, antibiotics, hygiene).
B1: Epidemiology • B2: Transmission routes • B3: Normal flora & the body • B4: Types of infection • B5: Immune system basics.
C1: Factors in controlling diseases globally • C2: Controlling a global disease outbreak • C3: Consequences to society.
D1: Using micro-organisms in food production • D2: Further beneficial uses (e.g., industry, health).
This unit is internally assessed. There may be up to three summative assignments across A–D. Evidence typically includes researched reports and practical portfolios.
| Assignment | Focus | Typical evidence |
|---|---|---|
| A (Report) | Requirements to thrive for four named micro-organisms; justify control methods linked to structure/growth/transmission. | Written report with figures/tables; references. |
| B+C (Report) | Positive/negative aspects of human interaction; reasons & consequences of global spread; effectiveness of control factors; immune protection with examples. | Written report with case studies; annotated posters/diagrams. |
| D (Report) | Two microbes with positive benefits (e.g., food biotech); reflect on both benefits and potential risks. | Written report; comparative analysis; portfolio extracts. |
Quizzes, reflections, practical checklists, and a curated portfolio can supplement the main reports.
Students research organism groups, growth needs, structure & reproduction, then present to peers.
Annotated posters on transmission routes; presentations on infection types with handouts.
Walkthrough of immune response; learners build an annotated flow chart of stages.
Talks from public health/epidemiology/infection-control; research WHO severity ratings and outbreak control.
Unit 2 (Anatomy & Physiology), Unit 5 (Safe Practice), Unit 6 (Promoting Public Health).
Madigan et al., Biology of Microorganisms; Taylor, Microorganisms & Biotechnology; Waites et al., Industrial Microbiology.
Microbiology Society (incl. Microbiology Today); Discovery Education simulations; Education World pandemic intros.
Virtual Microbiology Classroom
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