• the characteristics of the main groups of micro-organisms: bacteria, viruses and fungi
• the role of white blood cells in the immune system
• how vaccination prepares the body to deal with infection
• the history of vaccination against smallpox
• the conditions that favour the growth of bacteria
• the reasons for hygienic practices in the food industry and other industries
• the production of antibiotics by fungi

After viewing the programme and doing some relevant follow-up work, pupils should be able to:

• describe the differences between bacteria, viruses and fungi
• state an example of a disease caused by a bacterium, a virus and a fungus
• describe the effects that disease causing micro-organisms can have on our bodies
• explain how white blood cells can fight infection
• explain how vaccination prepares our bodies to fight infection
• retell the story of the development of a vaccination against smallpox
• list the conditions needed for rapid growth of bacteria
• give examples of some extreme conditions in which bacteria can survive
• give reasons for some common hygienic practices, eg washing hands after using the toilet, wearing gloves when handling food
• describe how antibiotics are made
• explain the meaning of antibiotic resistance