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Free entry - booking recommended

Tuesday to Saturday: 10am – 5pm

Intricate resin cast of the internal structure of an organ (the liver), on a black metal stand. The majority of the organ in blue. There is a yellow ovoid structure in the center (the gallbladder).

Corrosion cast of the liver after injection of the portal vein (light blue), hepatic artery (red), biliary tract (yellow) and inferior vena cava (dark blue).

Anatomy and Pathology workshop and RCS Library visit

Call for Year 13 A Level and Level 2 BTEC/ T Level pupils to take part in a trial workshop in the Anatomy and Pathology Museum.

As part of the Hunterian Museum school programme, the Royal College of Surgeons of England is developing a new workshop in the Anatomy and Pathology Museum, usually only open to medical/healthcare professionals or trainees. This would include small groups of students observing specimens with a medical volunteer to discuss and study curriculum based themes.

Based on the English curriculum syllabus of A Level Biology, International Baccalaureate - Biology, BTEC/ T Level Health and Social Care, Physiology and Science courses - we have selected a number of  themes to study during the workshop. 

RCS Library and Archives

  • Anatomical Drawings 
  • Illustrations of Disease, disorders, organs, cells and tissue
  • Pasteur, Koch and Rudolph Virchow - microscopy,  public health and sanitation

Further information:

Surgical Library - The Royal College of Surgeons of England Library Surgical Library Archives — Royal College of Surgeons

About the workshop

This session is intended to encourage students to study real specimens and make observations.

Based on the English curriculum syllabus of A Level Biology, International Baccalaureate - Biology, BTEC/ T Level Health and Social Care, Physiology and Science courses - we have selected a number of themes to study during the workshop.

Groups of maximum 5 students will be studying specimens with a medical volunteer to observe and discuss anatomy and pathology inside the body. 

The workshop can be led by the museum staff or tailored by you to meet specific teaching and learning needs.

Curriculum Links

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Suitable for

This workshop is designed for Year 13 A Level Biology, International Baccalaureate - Biology, |Level 2 BTEC/ T Level Health and Social Care, Physiology and Science courses.

Group size

This workshop has a maximum capacity of 15 students. The ratio of adults to pupils depends on students’ age:

  • Age 17-18: 1 adult to 15 pupils

The minimum group size is 6 people, including 1 adult.

Duration

2 hours

45 minutes in the Library followed by a 60 minutes workshop in the Anatomy and Pathology Museum. There is a 15 minute buffer for arrival time, toilet break and walking to the workshop room.

Running period

September 17 (morning and afternoon), 18 (morning and afternoon), 24 (morning), 25 (morning)

October 1 (morning and afternoon)and 2 (No Library)

Location

Royal College of Surgeons of England, 38-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London. WC2A 3PE

Please select up to three curriculum based themes listed below to focus on. If you may wish to explore a specific theme not listed here or focus on a particular specimen of interest please contact [email protected].


Heart

AQA A-level Biology

3.3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment

3.3.4 Mass transport in animals
  • The general pattern of blood circulation in a mammal – Names are required only of the coronary arteries and of the blood vessels entering and leaving the heart, lungs and kidneys
  • The gross structure and function of the human heart
  • Information associated with specific risk factors and the incidence of cardiovascular disease
  • Information associated with risk factors affecting cardiovascular disease

Edexcel A-level Biology

Unit 1: Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health

Topic 1 – Molecules, Transport and Health
  • Understand why many animals have a heart and circulation (mass transport to overcome the limitations of diffusion in meeting the requirements of organisms)
  • Know the cardiac cycle (atrial systole, ventricular systole and cardiac diastole) and relate the structure and operation of the mammalian heart, including the major blood vessels, to its function
  • Recommended Additional Practical: Investigate the structure of a mammalian heart by dissection
  • Understand why people’s perception of risks are often different from the actual risks, including underestimating and overestimating the risks due to diet and other lifestyle factors in the development of heart disease
  • Understand how people use scientific knowledge about the effect of diet, including obesity indicators, such as body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio, exercise and smoking to reduce their risk of coronary heart disease
  • Know how factors such as genetics, diet, age, gender, high blood pressure, smoking and inactivity increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
  • Understand the link between dietary antioxidants and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
  • Know the benefits and risks of treatments for cardiovascular disease (CVD) (antihypertensives, statins, anticoagulants and platelet inhibitors)

OCR A-level Biology A

Module 3: Exchange and transport

3.1.2 Transport in animals
  • The external and internal structure of the mammalian heart
  • The dissection, examination and drawing of the external and internal structure of the mammalian heart
  • The cardiac cycle

Eduqas A-level Biology

Component 3: Requirements for Life

2. Adaptations for transport
  • Mammal double circulatory system
  • The mammalian circulatory system including the structure and function of heart and blood vessels and the names of the main blood vessels associated with the human hear
  • Specified Practical Work: Dissection of mammalian heart

BTEC Level 3 National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate)

Unit 2: Human biology and health

B1 The cardiovascular system
  • The structure and function of heart and cardiac cycle

Unit 2: Human biology and health

C1 The main disorders of the body systems
Coronary heart disease:
  • causes – atherosclerosis, hypertension
  • primary effects – heart attack, angina, heart failure
  • secondary effects – shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and vomiting
  • body systems – cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive

BTEC Level 3 National in Medical Science (Extended Certificate)

Unit 1: Principles of human physiology, anatomy and pathology

D1 The cardiovascular system
  • Double circulation (including overview of anatomy of double circulation)
  • Structure and function of the heart and its parts
  • Outline of disorders associated with the cardiovascular system: for example, cardiovascular disease (CVD) (diseases of the heart or blood vessels and includes atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, heart disease and stroke)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology

B3.2 Transport
  • Connect with Blood vessel (see the section below)
  • Causes and consequences of occlusion of the coronary arteries: Evaluate epidemiological data relating to the incidence of coronary heart disease
  • Adaptations of the mammalian heart for delivering pressurized blood to the arteries: Include form–function adaptations of these structures: cardiac muscle, pacemaker, atria, ventricles, atrioventricular and semilunar valves, septum and coronary vessels
  • Stages in the cardiac cycle: Understand the sequence of events in the left side of the heart that follow the initiation of the heartbeat by the sinoatrial node (the “pacemaker”)

T Level Technical Qualification in Health

A9: Health and wellbeing

How lifestyle choices impact good health and wellbeing:
  • nutrition and diet choices affecting body mass index – obesity increases risk of developing range of disease including heart disease
  • smoking – increased risk of heart disease
  • low physical activity – risk factor for a range of long-term conditions, including heart disease
  • consumption of alcohol – long-term effects include organ damage including heart, and increased risk of hypertension and heart disease
  • substance abuse and addiction – longer term effects include risk of heart disease, cancer and hepatitis

Lung

AQA A-level Biology

3.3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment

3.3.2 Gas Exchange

  • Structure of the human gas exchange system including the alveoli, bronchioles, bronchi, trachea and lung
  • Ventilation and the exchange of gases
  • Information relating to the effects of lung disease on gas exchange and/or ventilation
  • Information relating to the effects of pollution and smoking on the incidence of lung disease
  • Information relating to specific risk factors and the incidence of lung disease

3.3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment

3.3.4 Mass transport in animals

  • The general pattern of blood circulation in a mammal – Names are required only of the coronary arteries and of the blood vessels entering and leaving the heart, lungs and kidneys

Edexcel A-level Biology

Unit 1: Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health

Topic 2 – Membranes, Proteins, DNA and Gene Expression

  • Understand how the structure of the mammalian lung is adapted for rapid gaseous exchange

OCR A-level Biology A

Module 3: Exchange and transport

3.1 Exchange and transport

  • The structures and functions of the components of the mammalian gaseous exchange system
  • The mechanism of ventilation in mammals

Eduqas A-level Biology

Component 3: Requirements for Life

1. Adaptations for gas exchange

2. Adaptations

  • The common features of the specialised respiratory surfaces of larger animals and the adaptation of respiratory surfaces to environmental conditions - fish have gills for aquatic environments and mammals have lungs for terrestrial environments
  • The structure and function of the human breathing system, including examination of microscope slides of T.S. lung and trachea
  • Ventilation in humans and how gases are exchanged
  • The function of red blood cells and plasma in relation to transport of respiratory gases, dissociation curves of haemoglobin of mammal (adult and foetus), including examination of microscope slides of erythrocytes
Option A: Immunology and Disease
  • The following diseases in terms of the types of organisms; source of infection; tissue affected; mode of transmission; prevention; control methods and treatment, including vaccines: Bacterial infections: tuberculosis

BTEC Level 3 National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate)

Unit 2: Human biology and health

B2 The respiratory system

  • The structure and function of trachea and lungs, including the bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli
  • Ventilation

Unit 2: Human biology and health

C1 The main disorders of the body systems

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder – emphysema and chronic bronchitis:
    • causes – chronic exposure to irritants e.g. smoking, leading to damage to the alveoli (emphysema) and persistent inflammation of the airways (chronic bronchitis)
    • primary effects – breathlessness, excess mucus production and persistent cough, frequent chest infections, persistent wheezing, increased heart rate
    • secondary effects – weight loss, muscle weakness and reduced mobility
    • body systems – respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive and musculoskeletal
  • Asthma:
    • causes – a combination of genetic and environmental factors leading to inflammation and narrowing of the airways
    • primary effects – shortness of breath, wheezing, a tight chest and coughing. In an asthma attack this becomes severe and constant leading to breathlessness, faster breathing and heartbeat, confusion, drowsiness and dizziness, fainting, blue lips and fingers
    • secondary effects – anxiety and depression, pneumonia, delays in growth (children)
    • body systems – respiratory, cardiovascular
  • Lung cancer:
    • causes – an uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells, due to a combination of: (a) genetic factors – cancer-risk genes o lifestyle factors – smoking cigarettes and tobacco use (b) environmental factors – passive smoking; exposure to certain chemicals and substances which are used in several occupations and industries such as arsenic and asbestos
    • primary effects – on the respiratory system (a) persistent cough, recurrent chest infections, coughing up blood, pain when breathing or coughing
  • secondary effects – on interlinked body systems (a) effects on cardiovascular system: anaemia and persistent tiredness due to internal bleeding/coughing up blood. Increased risk of blood clots (b) effects on digestive system: loss of appetite and weight loss (c) effects on musculoskeletal system: loss of bone and muscle mass. metastasis (spreading to other parts of the body such brain, bones, liver and adrenal glands) leading to organ failure and death

BTEC Level 3 National in Medical Science (Extended Certificate)

Unit 1: Principles of human physiology, anatomy and pathology

D2 The respiratory system

  • Overview of anatomy of respiratory system
  • The structural adaptations of alveoli that allow gas exchange
  • Features of the airways
  • Role in ventilation

Unit 4: Diseases, disorders, treatments and therapies

B1 Physiological diseases and disorders

  • Cancer – lung

International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology

B3.1 Gas exchange
  • Maintenance of concentration gradients at exchange surfaces in animals: Include dense networks of blood vessels, continuous blood flow, and ventilation with air for lungs and with water for gills
  • Adaptations of mammalian lungs for gas exchange: Limit to the alveolar lungs of a mammal. Adaptations should include the presence of surfactant, a branched network of bronchioles, extensive capillary beds and a high surface area
  • Ventilation of the lungs: Understand the role of the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, abdominal muscles and ribs

T Level Technical Qualification in Health

A9: Health and wellbeing
  • How lifestyle choices impact good health and wellbeing: smoking – increases the risk of lung cancer, as well as other cancers
B2: Further science concepts in health
  • The role of the components in performing the functions of the respiratory system: trachea, lungs, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, pleural membranes, ribs, intercostal muscles, diaphragm
  • Functions of relevant components within the respiratory system: inspiration and expiration, including pressure changes within the chest cavity, gas exchange
  • The role of the alveoli as a specialised exchange surface in the process of gas exchange: how adaptation of the alveoli maximises the rate of diffusion
  • The development, impact and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): causes of the disease, impact on systems within the body and on physical and mental health, how common treatments relieve symptoms

Digestive system

AQA A-level Biology

3.3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment

3.3.3 Digestion and absorption
  • During digestion, large biological molecules are hydrolysed to smaller molecules that can be absorbed across cell membranes, covering organs including ileum

Edexcel A-level Biology

Unit 1: Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health

Topic 2 – Membranes, Proteins, DNA and Gene Expression
  • Understand how the expression of a gene mutation in people with cystic fibrosis impairs the functioning of the gaseous exchange, digestive and reproductive systems

Eduqas A-level Biology

Component 3: Requirements for Life

3. Adaptations for nutrition
  • The adaptations of the human gut to a mixed, omnivorous diet that includes both plant and animal material, including examination of microscope slides of duodenum and ileum

BTEC Level 3 National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate)

Unit 2: Human biology and health

B6 The function of further body systems

  • The primary functions of additional body systems and how they link to other systems to include digestive system: role of the alimentary canal – oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, ileum, colon, and the accessory organs – liver, pancreas, gallbladder and salivary glands, in the breakdown and absorption of food materials.

Unit 2: Human biology and health

C1 The main disorders of the body systems
  • Bowel cancer:
    • causes – an uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells, due to a combination of: (a) genetic factors – cancer-risk genes (b) lifestyle factors – smoking; consumption of red and processed meat; alcohol consumption; overweight and obesity (c) pre-existing conditions – inflammatory bowel disease
    • primary effects on the digestive system (d) changes in faeces, changes in occurrence of defaecating, bleeding from the anus/blood in stool, pain in the abdomen, bloating, weight loss
    • secondary effects on interlinked body systems (a) effects on cardiovascular system: anaemia and persistent tiredness due to internal bleeding/bleeding from the anus (b) effects on musculoskeletal system: loss of bone and muscle mass (c) metastasis (spreading to other parts of the body such as liver and lungs) leading to organ failure and death

BTEC Level 3 National in Medical Science (Extended Certificate)

Unit 1: Principles of human physiology, anatomy and pathology

E2 The digestive system
  • Appearance and location (as seen on diagrams) of components of the digestive tract: mouth and salivary glands, oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, ileum, colon and rectum
  • Appearance and location (as seen on diagrams) of components of accessory organs: liver, gall bladder and pancreas
  • Digestion, absorption and assimilation of macronutrients
  • Stomach (site of more mechanical digestion and chemical digestion and action of pepsin
  • Duodenum (action of bile, action of pancreatic enzymes – lipase, amylase and trypsin)
  • Ileum
  • Large intestine and small intestine
  • Outline of disorders of the digestive system: gastric ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and coeliac disease

T Level Technical Qualification in Health

A9: Health and wellbeingHow lifestyle choices impact good health and wellbeing: consumption of alcohol – weakens immune system, increasing risk of infections
B2: Further science concepts in health
  • The role of the components in performing the functions of the digestive system: mouth ▪ oesophagus ▪ stomach ▪ pancreas ▪ liver ▪ duodenum, ileum and colon, including layers of the gastrointestinal tract ▪ associated glands linked to these components, including salivary glands in the mouth, gall bladder and bile duct
  • Function of relevant components within the digestive system: chemical digestion ▪ physical digestion ▪ absorption processes
  • The development, impact and management of Crohn’s disease: cause, impact, treatment

Kidneys and liver

AQA A-level Biology

3.3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment

3.3.4 Mass transport in animals
  • The general pattern of blood circulation in a mammal – Names are required only of the coronary arteries and of the blood vessels entering and leaving the heart, lungs and kidneys

3.6.4 Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment (A-level only)

3.6.4.2 Control of blood glucose concentration
  • The role of the liver in glycogenesis, glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis

Edexcel A-level Biology

Unit 5: Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology

Topic 7 – Respiration, Muscles and the Internal Environment
  • Know the gross and microscopic structure of the mammalian kidney
  • Understand how urea is produced in the liver from excess amino acids (details of the ornithine cycle are not required) and how it is removed from the bloodstream by ultrafiltration

OCR A-level Biology A

Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy

5.1.2 Excretion as an example of homeostatic control
  • The structure and functions of the mammalian liver
  • The examination and drawing of stained sections to show the histology of liver tissue
  • The structure, mechanisms of action and functions of the mammalian kidney
  • The dissection, examination and drawing of the external and internal structure of the kidney
  • The examination and drawing of stained sections to show the histology of nephrons
  • The effects of kidney failure and its potential treatments

Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy

5.1.4 Hormonal communication
  • The structure and functions of the adrenal glands
  • The histology of the pancreas
  • The examination and drawing of stained sections of the pancreas to show the histology of the endocrine tissues
  • The differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • The potential treatments for diabetes mellitus

Eduqas A-level Biology

Component 3: Requirements for Life

4. Homeostasis and the kidney
  • The structure of the mammalian kidney and the nephron, including examination of microscope slides and electron micrographs of kidney
  • The functions of the mammalian kidney including nitrogenous excretion and water regulation
  • The adaptations of the cells of the proximal tubule for reabsorption
  • The effects of kidney failure and its potential treatments
  • The need for different excretory products and adaptations of the loop of Henlé in different environments
  • Specified Practical Work: Dissection of kidney

BTEC Level 3 National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate)

Unit 2: Human biology and health

B4 The endocrine and renal systems

  • The role of the hypothalamus in controlling the endocrine system

Unit 2: Human biology and health

C1 The main disorders of the body systems
  • Diabetes – type 1 and type 2:
    • causes – type 1: the body produces insufficient insulin, or none at all; type 2: the body produces insufficient insulin and/or becomes insulin resistant
    • primary effects – uncontrolled blood sugar levels leading to weight change, blurred vision, feeling thirsty, hunger, mood changes, tiredness, excessive urination, itching, thrush infections, cuts and wounds heal slowly
    • secondary effects – heart disease and stroke, nerve damage, foot problems, vision loss, miscarriage and stillbirth, kidney problems, sexual problems 
    • body systems – endocrine, cardiovascular, nervous, immune, digestive, reproductive

BTEC Level 3 National in Medical Science (Extended Certificate)

Unit 1: Principles of human physiology, anatomy and pathology

E1 The renal system
  • The functions of the kidneys: excretion and osmoregulation
  • The relationship between the structure, function and processes of the renal system (which, along with the lungs, makes up the excretory system)
  • Overview of anatomy of the renal system
  • Outline of disorders of the renal system (overview of causes, symptoms and treatment): kidney failure and kidney stones

International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology

D3.3 HomeostasisRole of the kidney in osmoregulation and excretion: understand the distinction between excretion and osmoregulation

T Level Technical Qualification in Health

A9: Health and wellbeing
  • How lifestyle choices impact good health and wellbeing: nutrition and diet choices affecting body mass index – obesity increases risk of developing range of disease including type 2 diabetes; consumption of alcohol – long-term effects include organ damage including liver and pancreas
B2: Further science concepts in health
  • The role of the components in performing the functions of the endocrine system: hypothalamus ▪ pituitary ▪ thyroid ▪ parathyroid ▪ adrenals ▪ ovaries ▪ testes ▪ pancreas
  • Functions of relevant components within the endocrine system: the production and secretion of hormones: the activity of common hormones and their specificity in relation to target cells/organs: ▪ thyroxine ▪ cortisol ▪ oestrogens ▪ testosterone ▪ gastrin ▪ growth hormone ▪ follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • The development, impact and management of diabetes: causes of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes; impact and treatment
  • The role of the components in performing the functions of the renal system: ▪ kidney nephron (Bowman’s capsule, glomerulus, proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, collecting duct) ▪ ureter ▪bladder ▪ urethra
  • Functions of the renal system: ▪ removal of waste products from the body ▪ process of urine production
  • The development, impact and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD): cause, impact and treatment

Blood vessels

AQA A-level Biology

3.3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment

3.3.4 Mass transport in animals
  • The general pattern of blood circulation in a mammal – Names are required only of the coronary arteries and of the blood vessels entering and leaving the heart, lungs and kidneys
  • The structure of arteries, arterioles and veins in relation to their function.
  • The structure of capillaries and the importance of capillary beds as exchange surfaces
  • The formation of tissue fluid and its return to the circulatory system

Edexcel A-level Biology

Unit 1: Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health

Topic 1 – Molecules, Transport and Health
  • Understand how the structures of blood vessels (capillaries, arteries and veins) relate to their functions

OCR A-level Biology A

Module 3: Exchange and transport

3.1.2 Transport in animals
  • The structure and functions of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules and veins

Eduqas A-level Biology

Component 3: Requirements for Life

2. Adaptations for transport
  • Connected with Heart: The mammalian circulatory system including the structure and function of heart and blood vessels and the names of the main blood vessels associated with the human heart

BTEC Level 3 National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate)

Unit 2: Human biology and health

B1 The cardiovascular system
  • The structure and function of blood vessels: arteries, veins, capillaries

BTEC Level 3 National in Medical Science (Extended Certificate)

Unit 1: Principles of human physiology, anatomy and pathology

D1.4 Structure and functions of blood vessels
  • The structural features and functions of blood vessels
  • How the structures of the vessels adapt them for their functions
  • Linkages with cardiovascular disease (CVD) (diseases of the heart or blood vessels and includes atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, heart disease and stroke)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology

B3.2 Transport
  • Adaptations of arteries for the transport of blood away from the heart: Understand how the layers of muscle and elastic tissue in the walls of arteries help them to withstand and maintain high blood pressures
  • Adaptations of veins for the return of blood to the heart: Include valves to prevent backflow and the flexibility of the wall to allow it to be compressed by muscle action

T Level Technical Qualification in Health

B2: Further science concepts in health
  • The role of the components in performing the functions of the cardiovascular system: arteries, veins and capillaries

Skeleton

Edexcel A-level Biology

Unit 5: Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology

Topic 7 – Respiration, Muscles and the Internal Environment
  • Know the way in which muscles, tendons, the skeleton and ligaments interact to enable movement, including antagonistic muscle pairs, extensors and flexors

Eduqas A-level Biology

Option B: Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy
  • The structure of the appendicular and axial skeleton (pectoral and pelvic girdles, forelimb and hind limb)
  • The types of fractures that can occur in the skeleton and their causes
  • The structure and function of the vertebral column, general structure of a vertebra and the differences between cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae and be able to relate them to their function
  • Postural deformities, including scoliosis, their causes and treatment
  • The functions of the skeleton, including support, muscle attachment, protection, production of red blood cells and as a store of calcium

BTEC Level 3 National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate)

Unit 2: Human biology and health

B5 The musculoskeletal system
The role of the structures of the musculoskeletal system in providing support and structure to the body and enabling movement: bone

BTEC Level 3 National in Medical Science (Extended Certificate)

Unit 1: Principles of human physiology, anatomy and pathology

C1 The skeleton

  • Names and locations of bones and structures: the axial skeleton, the appendicular skeleton – limbs and limb girdles, the functions of the skeleton (protection, support, movement, blood cell protection, storage of calcium and phosphate), basic structure of a typical long bone

Unit 1: Principles of human physiology, anatomy and pathology

C3 Disorders of the musculoskeletal system
  • Outline of disorders – osteoarthritis, osteoporosis/rickets, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Myasthenia gravis

International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology

B3.3 Muscle and motility
  • Roles of skeletons as anchorage for muscles and as levers: arthropods have exoskeletons and vertebrates have endoskeletons

T Level Technical Qualification in Health

A9: Health and wellbeing
  • How lifestyle choices impact good health and wellbeing: consumption of alcohol – effects on the brain including cognitive function, neurotransmitters and brain tissue
B2: Further science concepts in health
  • Structure of the musculoskeletal system:
    • Anatomical skeletal structure: cranium ▪ vertebrae ▪ clavicle ▪ sternum ▪ rib cage ▪ humerus ▪ radius ▪ ulna ▪ carpals ▪ metacarpals ▪ phalanges ▪ pelvis ▪ femur ▪ tibia ▪ fibula ▪ tarsals ▪ metatarsals
    • Types of bones: long ▪ short ▪ flat ▪ irregular ▪ sesamoid
    • Types of joints: fibrous ▪ cartilaginous ▪ synovial
  • Functions of relevant component within the musculoskeletal system: skeleton - provides support, protection, attachment for muscles/ligaments, is a source of blood production and stores minerals
  • The development, impact and management of rheumatoid arthritis: cause, impact, treatment

Brain


Edexcel A-level Biology

Unit 5: Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology

Topic 8 – Coordination, Response and Gene Technology
  • Know that the mammalian nervous system consists of the central and peripheral nervous systems
  • Know the location and main functions of the cerebral hemispheres, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, cerebellum and medulla oblongata of the human brain
  • Understand how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) are used in medical diagnosis and the investigation of brain structure and function
  • Understand how imbalances in certain naturally-occurring brain chemicals can contribute to ill health, including dopamine in Parkinson’s disease and serotonin in depression, and to the development of new drugs

OCR A-level Biology A

Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy

5.1.5 Plant and animal responses
  • The organisation of the mammalian nervous system
  • The structure of the human brain and the functions of its parts

Eduqas A-level Biology

Option C: Neurobiology and Behaviour
  • The structure of the human brain – the position of the cerebrum, hypothalamus, hippocampus, cerebellum and medulla oblongata
  • The main functions of the cerebrum, hypothalamus, cerebellum and medulla oblongata
  • The role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems

BTEC Level 3 National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate)

Unit 2: Human biology and health

B3 The nervous system

  • The structure and function of central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and autonomic nervous system

Unit 2: Human biology and health

C1 The main disorders of the body systems
  • Stroke:
    • causes – blocked artery (ischaemic stroke) or burst blood vessel (haemorrhagic stroke)
    • primary effects – brain damage, bleeding and clotting in the brain
    • secondary effects – muscle weakness, lack of co-ordination, dysphasia, increased incidence of respiratory infections
    • body systems – cardiovascular, nervous and musculoskeletal
  • Dementia – Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia:
  • causes – Alzheimer’s disease: build-up of proteins within and around brain cells · vascular dementia: reduced blood flow to the brain caused by narrowing of blood vessels, strokes and transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs)
  • primary effects – disrupted cognitive function
  • secondary effects – significant slowness of thought and confusion, memory loss, problems concentrating, severe personality changes, depression, incontinence, difficulties swallowing or coughing
  • body systems – nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system
  • Acquired brain injury – traumatic and non-traumatic:
    • causes – · traumatic: blow to the head or brain damage that occurs after birth · non-traumatic: caused by e.g. infection, disease, lack of oxygen
    • primary effects – concussion, unconsciousness and coma, amnesia, damage to blood vessels in the brain
    • secondary effects – traumatic: headaches and dizziness, memory loss, fatigue, personality changes; both: delayed growth and development (in children), issues with balance and coordination, cognitive, sensory and physical impairments, irritability, sleep disturbance
    • body systems – nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal

BTEC Level 3 National in Medical Science (Extended Certificate)

Unit 1: Principles of human physiology, anatomy and pathology

B1 The nervous system
  • Central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nerves
  • The structure and function of neurones (sensory, motor and relay neurones)
  • Outline of disorders of the nervous system (brief overview): Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) and ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology

C3.1 Integration of body systems
  • The brain as a central information integration organ: Limit to the role of the brain in processing information combined from several inputs and in learning and memory
  • The spinal cord as an integrating centre for unconscious processes
  • Role of the cerebellum in coordinating skeletal muscle contraction and balance

T Level Technical Qualification in Health

A9: Health and wellbeing
  • How lifestyle choices impact good health and wellbeing: consumption of alcohol – weakens bones, increases risk of fracturing and breaks
B2: Further science concepts in health
  • The role of the components in performing the functions of the nervous system: components of the nervous system: brain and spinal cord
  • Function of the relevant component of the nervous system: ▪ sensory neurones carry impulses from receptors to the central nervous system (CNS) ▪ motor neurones carry impulses away from the CNS to effectors ▪ the process of synaptic transmission and the function of the components of a motor neurone
  • The development, impact and management of Parkinson’s disease: cause, impact and treatment

How to book a free trial workshop

Please email [email protected] with your preferred date and preferred time.