The germ theory of disease

This short historical topic allows students to learn about the work of some of the scientists who made important contributions to the development of the new theory. The stories are used to illustrate how science works ideas from:

• establishing causal links
• developing and testing scientific explanations
• the scientific community

These ideas will all be developed further in later topics.

The topic introduces students to some of the skills they will need throughout the course, such as effective discussion in small groups, data analysis and reading and comprehension.

Louis Pasteur in his laboratory, painting by A. Edelfeldt in 1885.

Last updated: 9 January 2008