Biology Year 12 - Module 7 - Lesson 1
What Is Infectious Disease?
1. Key Ideas
In 2020, a novel coronavirus brought the global economy to a halt within weeks. Understanding why — and how — requires knowing exactly what a pathogen is, what it does, and how it spreads.
- The definition of infectious disease and pathogen
- Why classifying pathogens matters for treatment and prevention
2. Success Criteria
By the end, you should be able to:
- The definition of infectious disease and pathogen
- The three categories of pathogen: microorganisms, macroorganisms, non-cellular
- Examples of each category causing disease in plants and animals
3. Key Terms
4. Activity: Build the Lesson Map
Use the lesson to complete the table. Keep answers brief but specific.
| Prompt | Your answer |
|---|---|
| Main concept | |
| Important example | |
| Common mistake to avoid | |
| How this links to the next lesson |
5. Short Answer Questions
1. Explain this lesson goal in your own words: "The definition of infectious disease and pathogen". Use one specific example from the lesson.
2. Apply this idea to a new example: "The three categories of pathogen: microorganisms, macroorganisms, non-cellular". Show your reasoning clearly.
3. Analyse why this idea matters for understanding What Is Infectious Disease?: "Examples of each category causing disease in plants and animals".
6. Extend: Apply the Idea
A student gives a memorised answer about What Is Infectious Disease? but does not use evidence or reasoning.
Improve the answer by writing a stronger response that uses accurate terminology, a relevant example and a clear explanation.
7. Multiple Choice
1. What is the best first step when answering a question about What Is Infectious Disease??
A. Identify the key concept being tested
B. Write every fact from memory
C. Ignore the command word
D. Skip examples and evidence
2. Which answer would show stronger understanding of What Is Infectious Disease??
A. An answer with accurate terms and reasoning
B. A copied definition only
C. A single-word response
D. An answer with no example
3. What should you do if a question asks you to explain?
A. Link the idea to a reason or cause
B. List unrelated facts
C. Only draw a diagram
D. Write the shortest possible answer
8. Success Criteria Proof
Finish with evidence that you can do each success criterion.