Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE PRACTICE
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BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE PRACTICE
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Biomedical Science
Class: SHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 1
Grade code: 1.1.1.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 1.1.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.1.1.LI.2
Theme: BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE IN SOCIETY
Subtheme: BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE PRACTICE
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This lesson moves biomedical science out of the textbook and into our communities. We often think of science as something done in a distant, sophisticated laboratory. However, the principles of biomedical science are applied every day here in Ghana to solve real, pressing problems that affect our families and friends. From understanding why a cholera outbreak happens in a neighbourhood to managing a genetic condition like sickle cell disease, biomedical science provides the tools to improve and save lives. This lesson will empower you to look at societal challenges through a scientific lens and see how you can be part of the solution.
A. What is Biomedical Science?
Definition: Biomedical Science is a field of science that focuses on understanding how the human body works, what happens when it gets sick (disease), and how we can treat or prevent those diseases. It is the science behind medicine. It combines biology, chemistry, and other sciences to solve health problems.
Think of it as the "detective work" of medicine. While a medical doctor treats the patient, a biomedical scientist works in the lab to figure out the cause of the disease, develop the tests to diagnose it, and research new ways to treat it. B. Key Branches of Biomedical Science
To solve problems, biomedical science is divided into specialised areas. Here are a few important ones: Microbiology: The study of microscopic organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Microbiologists help us understand infectious diseases like malaria, cholera, typhoid, and tuberculosis. Haematology: The study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood diseases. Haematologists diagnose and manage conditions like anaemia, sickle cell disease, and leukaemia. They are crucial in blood transfusions. Genetics: The study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity. Medical geneticists help diagnose inherited conditions like sickle cell disease and provide counselling to families. Biochemistry (or Clinical Chemistry): The study of chemical processes within living organisms. Biochemists analyse body fluids like blood and urine to check for organ function (e.g., kidney, liver), measure glucose levels for diabetes, and check cholesterol levels for heart disease risk. Immunology: The study of the immune system. Immunologists develop vaccines, understand allergies, and research diseases where the immune system attacks the body (autoimmune diseases). Pharmacology: The study of how drugs and medicines affect the body. Pharmacologists are essential for developing new drugs and ensuring they are safe and effective. Epidemiology: The study of how diseases spread in a population. Epidemiologists track outbreaks (like COVID-19 or Cholera), identify risk factors, and help design public health interventions. C. Applying Biomedical Science to Solve Societal Problems: A Step-by-Step Approach