Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Biochemical Pathway

Have you always dreamed of working in the healthcare sector? Do you want to work towards a healthier and happier nation? Do you lack the qualifications to make this happen? If the answer to these three questions is yes, the Access to HE Diploma (Science) could be the choice for you.

This Access to HE Diploma is suitable for students who plan to progress to undergraduate study in a healthcare related subject area. It has also been designed especially for learners who have been out of education for some time and need to readjust to academic practices.

If you are itching to begin your studies, then an Access to HE Diploma is an ideal option. Instead of waiting until September strikes, you can get going straight away. This qualification is also as flexible as you need it to be; meaning you can study at home in your own time, when it is convenient for you.
 

How does my Access to HE Diploma (Science) work?

You may be wondering how it is possible to complete a qualification without ever stepping foot in a classroom. With our easy to understand course materials it couldn’t be simpler. Once you enrol, you will be able to access all of your work online. Students will also have access to expert tutors who will be contactable via phone, email and through the online learning platform, PEARL. Your tutors will be there to offer guidance and support if things ever get tough. If need be, learners can also get in touch with their classmates by using the social learning features within PEARL.

How long it takes you to complete your course really depends upon how much time you are able to dedicate to your studies. This programme is designed to give you the flexibility to study at times that are suitable for you, and to fit your studies around your other commitments. The maximum time you have to complete your Diploma is outlined in your Individual Learning Plan (ILP). The minimum time you can complete your course is six months, on average learners complete their course within 8 to 9 months (the maximum time allowed to complete your diploma is 2 years).

How will my Access to HE Diploma (Science) be assessed?

During the course of your Access to HE Diploma you will have to complete regular assignments. These assignments work to prove your knowledge of that specific subject area. Once they are done, they should be returned to a tutor for marking. The tutor will spend time carefully grading your work and flagging up strategies which will help you improve next time. The Access to HE Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Before you are awarded the Access to HE Diploma you need to earn 60 qualification credits in total. It is worth noting that 45 of these credits are taken from graded units which make up the academic parts of the course. The remaining 15 credits are ungraded units which are included to help you to cultivate your study methods.

What happens after the Access to HE Diploma (Science)?

On completion of the Access to HE Diploma, you should be ready to enrol on a science related degree programme. Whether you choose to choose a general science path or focus on a medical route is up to you. The skills and confidence you have gained during your Access to HE Diploma should have prepared you for all eventualities. After successfully completing an undergraduate course at university you can enter a wide range of careers. Depending on which degree courses you picked, these could include:

• Hospital Technician
• Biophysicist
• Teacher
• Research and development
• Healthcare assistant

Unit 1: Preparing To Study

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how study is organised and planned
• Understand how to apply theories of learning in relation to personal approaches to learning
• Understand a range of constraints upon study
• Understand the importance of assessment feedback.

Unit 2: Academic Writing Skills 

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task.
• Know how to interpret and discuss concepts and debates in responding to a set, academic writing task.
• Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas.
• Understand the role of reference, allusion and paraphrase to avoid plagiarism.

Unit 3: Preparing a Written Assignment   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how to use key information sources.
• Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced.
• Understand a range of reading strategies.
• Understand note-making methods.
• Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment.

Unit 4: Cell Biology  

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the cell.
• Understand cellular metabolism.
• Understand how cells grow and divide.

Unit 5: Atomic Structure 

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand protons, neutrons and electrons in terms of their relative charges and masses.
• Understand the distribution of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom given its Atomic number and Mass number, including some isotopes.
• Understand the number and relative energies of the s, p and d orbitals for the principal quantum numbers and know the shapes of s, p and d orbitals.
• Understand how ionisation energies of elements relate to reactivity.
• Understand the position of elements within the periodic table from ionisation energy data.

Unit 6: Cell Division & Heredity

On completion of this unit you will:

• Demonstrate a knowledge of cell division.
• Demonstrate an understanding of heredity and genetic variation.

Unit 7: Periodic Table

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the periodic table.
• Understand periodicity in the elements of period 3.
• Understand ionisation energy.
• Understand oxidation and reduction.
• Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals.
• Understand the group 7 elements.

Unit 8: Human Reproduction, Growth & Development 

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure and function of the human reproductive system
• Understand how hormones regulate the reproductive tract throughout life
• Understand the sequence of events from conception to puberty

Unit 9: Atomic Structure & Bonding

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure of the atom.
• Understand electronic structures.
• Understand the formation of ionic bonds

Unit 10: The Human Endocrine & Nervous System 

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the anatomy and organisation of the nervous system and how it co- ordinates the body.
• Understand the structure and function of nerve cells and other cells in the nervous system.
• Understand how the endocrine system co-ordinates body functions.
• Understand homeostasis.

Unit 11: The Brain & Nervous System   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the major sub divisions of the nervous system.
• Understand the structure and function of glial cells and neurons.

Unit 12: Chemical Bonding and Structure   

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the nature of organic chemicals

Unit 13: Human Immunity

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand non-specific defences against disease.
• Understand specific immunity and the immune response.
• Understand the biology of vaccination.
• Understand how immune sensitivity may cause ill-health.

Unit 14: Human Disease and Prevention

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the categories and causes of disease using infectious disease to illustrate your answer
• Understand the epidermiology of commonly occurring diseases/conditions
• Understand preventative measures for a chosen disease or condition

Unit 15: Hydrocarbons

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of organic compounds.
• Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkanes.
• Understand the structure and characteristic reactions of alkenes.

Unit 16: The Human Muscular and Skeletal System

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand anatomical terminology.
• Understand the skeletal system and locomotion.
• Understand the muscular system.

 Unit 17: The Human Nutrition and the Digestive System

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure and functions of the organs of the digestive system
• Understand nutrients and their sources
• Understand the components of a healthy diet and the consequences of an unhealthy diet

Unit 18: Chemical Change

On completion of this unit you will:

• Know how to measure the concentrations of solutions.
• Understand energy changes during chemical reactions.
• Understand factors influencing rates of chemical reactions.
• Understand the concept of chemical equilibrium

Unit 19: Cell Metabolism

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the glycolytic pathway and fermentation of sugar to yield alcohol.
• Understand the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
• Understand the dark reactions in photosynthesis.
• Understand the biochemical basis of generating adenosine triphosphate in subcellular organelles. 

What’s included:

• All study materials
• Study guide
• Full tutor and Admin support
• The course fee includes the awarding body registration and certification fee (valued at up to £96)