16+ Malaria Teacher Notes
Introduction
This module covers aspects of malaria within GCE Biology syllabuses. The intention is to provide online content to provide students with an overview of malaria, strategies for its control and eradication, together with basic information concerning protection against mosquito bites.
Special note: The content of this section could be accessed by students studying higher tier GCSE syllabi content pertaining to infectious disease.
Curriculum references
GCSE Syllabus References
| Group | GCSE Syllabus | Content |
|---|---|---|
| AQA | Biology /Human Biology AS Module 3 | Pathogens and Disease |
| OCR | BIOLOGY AS & A2 | Introduction to Health & Disease (5.2.1) Infectious Disease (5.2.5) Immunity (5.2.6) |
Classroom Applications
Introduction
Class discussion to establish basic knowledge and perceptions of malaria. At this point it is worth enquiring of students considering a gap year if they have intentions of visiting malaria infected countries.
What is malaria?
This section can be used to support any classroom discussion and group work.
Learning outcomes
- Malaria is a killer disease.
Extension work
Class discussion on incidence and knowledge of disease.
Where is malaria found?
This section presents a graphic view of global malaria location and level of risk.
Learning outcomes
- Malaria is prevalent in Africa, Central and South America.
- Malaria parasites cannot develop below 16ºC winter isotherm.
- Global warming likely to influence spread of disease.
Extension work
Draw and annotate a map to show potential malaria spread in Europe.
What causes malaria?
This section outlines the cause of malaria.
Learning outcomes
- Two species of Plasmodium cause malaria.
- Plasmodium falciparum is the most lethal species.
- Adaptation to their way of life by Plasmodium.
Extension work
Using Internet references identify and mark on an outline world map locations of Plasmodium falciparum.
How do you get malaria?
This section reviews the life cycle of the Plasmodium falciparum to demonstrate that malaria is a vector borne disease.
Learning outcomes
- Malaria is a vector borne disease.
Extension work
Review other vector-borne transmission.
What are the signs and symptoms?
This section covers the three key stages of malaria.
Learning outcomes
- Malaria has three key stages, cold, hot and shivering.
- Malaria can lie dormant for months after infection.
Activity
Review of homeostasis and temperature regulation.
How is malaria controlled?
This section reviews the methods for controlling malaria; eradication of the vector, eradication of the parasite, antimalarial tablets and avoiding mosquito bites.
Learning outcomes
- Malaria can be controlled by a variety of methods.
Extension work
Students could be tasked to consider the ecological and environmental impact of vector eradication.
Summary
A brief synopsis of the information covered.
Revision time
A typical exam question to test the students knowledge.
Useful web links
Find out more about malaria at the OMNI web site below. OMNI is created by a core team of information specialists and subject experts based at the University of Nottingham Greenfield Medical Library, in partnership with key organisations throughout the UK and further afield.
Guidelines for UK travellers are available at:
Travel Products
For information on Boots products on overseas travel visit:
The World Health Organisation has general information on Malaria and travel at:
Downloads
Pupil Section Exe Files
These are versions of the pupil material for this topic that you can download and use offline. Simply save the .exe file to your desktop and double-click it.
Malaria
PDF files
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