VCE BIOLOGY Units 3 & 4 - AOS 1 KEY KNOWLEDGE

How do organisms respond to pathogens?

In this area of study students focus on the immune response of organisms to specific pathogens. Students examine unique molecules called antigens and how they illicit an immune response, the nature of immunity and the role of vaccinations in providing immunity. They explain how technological advances assist in managing immune system disorders and how immunotherapies can be applied to the treatment of other diseases.

Students consider that in a globally connected world there are biological challenges that can be mediated by identification of pathogens, the prevention of spread and the development of treatments for diseases.

KK1. physical, chemical and microbiota barriers as preventative mechanisms of pathogenic infection in animals and plants

KK2. the innate immune response including the steps in an inflammatory response and the characteristics and roles of macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, eosinophils, natural killer cells, mast cells, complement proteins and interferons

KK3. initiation of an immune response, including antigen presentation, the distinction between self-antigens and non-self antigens, cellular and non-cellular pathogens and allergens

KK4. the role of the lymphatic system in the immune response as a transport network and the role of lymph nodes as sites for antigen recognition by T and B lymphocytes

KK5. the characteristics and roles of the components of the adaptive immune response against both extracellular and intracellular threats, including the actions of B lymphocytes and their antibodies, helper T and cytotoxic T cells

KK6. the difference between natural and artificial immunity and active and passive strategies for acquiring immunity

KK7. the emergence of new pathogens and re-emergence of known pathogens in a globally connected world, including the impact of European arrival on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

KK8. scientific and social strategies employed to identify and control the spread of pathogens, including identification of the pathogen and host, modes of transmission and measures to control transmission

KK9. vaccination programs and their role in maintaining herd immunity for a specific disease in a human population

KK10. the development of immunotherapy strategies, including the use of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer.

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