PowerPoint introducing the topic of homeostasis, including stimulus-response model and negative feedback. Written to support new QCAA syllabus, but suitable for any senior course as an introduction to the topic.

PowerPoint presentation introducing the topic of infectious disease. Objectives are to identify the difference between infectious and non-infectious disease and to identify a range of pathogens, including prions, viruses, bacteria, fungi, protists and parasites. Includes definitions of health and disease. Written for QCAA Biology syllabus, but suitable for an introduction to the topic for most courses.

Powerpoint of Immune Defences aimed at Years 10-12 Based on QCAA syllabus: • understand how pathogens (bacterial and viral) can cause both physical and chemical changes in host cells that stimulate the host immune responses (introduction of foreign chemicals via the surface of the pathogen, production of toxins, recognition of self and non-self) • recognise that all plants and animals have innate immune responses (general/non-specific) and that vertebrates also have adaptive (specific) immune responses • recall examples of physical defence strategies (barriers and leaf structures) and chemical defence strategies (plant defensins and production of toxins) of plants in response to the presence of pathogens • recall that the innate immune response in vertebrates comprises surface barriers (skin, mucus and cilia), inflammation and the complement system • describe the inflammatory response (prostaglandins, vasodilation, phagocytes) and the role of the complement system • explain the adaptive immune responses in vertebrates — humoral (production of antibodies by B lymphocytes) and cell-mediated (T lymphocytes) — and recognise that memory cells are produced in both situations • interpret long-term immune response data • analyse the differences and similarities between passive immunity (antibodies gained via the placenta and via antibody serum injection) and active immunity (acquired via natural exposure to a pathogen or through the use of vaccines) for both naturally and artificially acquired immunity.