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Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biochemical Pathway.

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  • Accreditation by Skills & Education Group Access
  • 100% online learning
  • 19 units
  • 600 notional learning hours

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biochemical Pathway

This Course at a Glance 

  • Start a career in the most vital area of science 
  • Gain the skills to make life-changing discoveries 
  • Course completion possible within a year  
  • Study a degree without A Levels 
  • Flexible payment methods 
  • 100% online learning 
  • No exams 

About your Diploma 

If you were amazed and intrigued by the scientific experiments you performed in school, you could get qualified for a career that relies on this interest and thirst for knowledge.  

Biochemical science is the combination of biology and chemistry studies. It examines the structures and functions of cells to gain a better understanding of how living systems operate, survive and die. 

Because all life depends on biochemical reactions and processes, biochemistry is arguably the most important avenue of science. The discoveries and breakthroughs biochemists make drive change in health, science and industrial sectors, and are responsible for the creation of essential diagnostic tools, therapies and medicines. Without biochemical research, we wouldn’t be able to sustain life like we do today.   

If you want your career to contribute to protecting life on Earth, studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Biochemical Pathway, will help you get started. The qualification is equivalent to three A Levels, so you can progress onto university. Plus, the knowledge you gain will prepare you for a number of fascinating degree topics. 

Throughout this course, you will study modules that cover the typical scope of biochemistry. Such as the atomic structure, the Periodic Table, human nutrition, cell division and heredity. The knowledge you gain allows you to move towards an array of careers in medical science, such as a Pharmacologist, Forensic Scientist or Dentist! 

Getting Started 

Stonebridge Associated Colleges is one of the UK’s leading distance learning providers. Our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Biochemical Pathway is a Level 3 nationally recognised qualification. It is also regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). 

Studied online, you can work towards your science-related future outside of your current commitments. So, there is no issue if you have to balance a full-time job or childcare with your studies.  

You will have up to two years to complete the course. Though, the freedom to move through the modules at your own pace allows most of our students to complete their Access to HE Diploma within 9-12 months.  

Once enrolled, you will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments, to help you stay on track throughout your studies. 

*Please note, entry requirements differ between universities, so it’s always best to check with your chosen institution that your qualification will be accepted before enrolling on a course.  

On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biochemical Pathway, (QAA ref = 40014411), you will receive a Skills & Education Group Access, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.

Requirements for Entry

You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.

University Entry Criteria

It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted.

In many cases, to get started on healthcare courses at university, you will need:

  • A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade
  • A face-to-face interview at the university
  • Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university
  • Course-related work placements or work experience
  • GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.)

It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.

Minimum age restriction

This course is ideally suited to those who have completed full-time education but have not achieved the grades required to get into university.

Average completion timeframe

The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.

Assessment requirements

A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: academic report, essay, scenario analysis, illustrated report, presentation (video and audio recording), revision guide, series of questions, work sheet, academic writing skills tasks

Exams required

There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.

Membership required?

No membership is required to enrol on this course.

Additional requirements

Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.

Certification Timeframe

You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities.

You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.

University Entry Criteria

It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted.

In many cases, to get started on healthcare courses at university, you will need:

  • A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade
  • A face-to-face interview at the university
  • Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university
  • Course-related work placements or work experience
  • GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.)

It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.

Minimum age restriction

This course is ideally suited to those who have completed full-time education but have not achieved the grades required to get into university.

Average completion timeframe

The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.

Assessment requirements

A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: academic report, essay, scenario analysis, illustrated report, presentation (video and audio recording), revision guide, series of questions, work sheet, academic writing skills tasks

Exams required

There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.

Membership required?

No membership is required to enrol on this course.

Additional requirements

Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.

Certification Timeframe

You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

Unit 1: 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 ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
  • Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas

 

Unit 2: 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 3: Cell Biology  

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the structure and organisation of cells
  • Understand cellular metabolism
  • Understand how cells grow and divide

 

Unit 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: Trigonometry

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Be able to use trigonometrical functions
  • Be able to use trigonometry to solve equations and problems
  • Be able to use trigonometric functions and identifies in the context of proofs
  • Be able to produce trigonometric graphs

 

Unit 8: Human Reproduction, Growth & Development 

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the structure and function of the human reproductive systems
  • Understand how hormones regulate the reproductive system throughout life
  • Understand human development from conception to birth

 

Unit 9: Differentiation and Integration 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Understand differentiation 
  • Understand integration 
  • Be able to solve problems involving differentiation and integration 

 

Unit 10: 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
  • Understand the formation of covalent bonds

 

Unit 11: The Human Endocrine & Nervous System 

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the anatomy, organisation and function of the nervous system
  • Understand how the endocrine system co-ordinates body functions
  • Understand the role of the nervous and endocrine systems homeostasis

 

Unit 12: Chemical Bonding and Structure   

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand electronic configuration using s, p, d notation
  • Understand ionic, covalent and dative covalent bonding
  • Understand polarisation and intermolecular forces
  • Understand the relationship between structure and properties of molecules
  • Understand electron pair repulsion theory
  • 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
  • Understand the biology of vaccination

 

Unit 14: Human Disease and Prevention

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the categories and causes of disease 
  • Understand the epidemiology of disease
  • 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 the anatomy, organisation and function of the muscular system
  • Understand the anatomy, organisation and function of the skeletal system
  • Understand how the muscular system and skeletal system interact in locomotion

 

Unit 17: The Human Nutrition and the Digestive System

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the structure and functions 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:

  • Be able 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 metabolism and metabolic pathways
  • Understand the tricarboxylic acid cycle
  • Understand the dark reactions in photosynthesis
  • Understand the biochemical basis of generating adenosine triphosphate in subcellular organelles

 

The assignments for this course aim to prepare you for your next step in higher education while providing the number of credits necessary to achieve your qualification. At the end of each unit of study, you will need to complete an assignment which your tutor will then mark and provide you with feedback and a grade to help you to progress. 

To successfully achieve this Access to HE Diploma you will need 60 credits in total. 45 credits are taken from graded units which are focused on the academic subject areas included in the course. The remaining 15 credits are from ungraded units included to help improve your academic writing and study skills.  

As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance with your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma. 

Each unit of this course has been carefully selected to match the selection requirements of most universities with a science profile. The course also helps you prepare for university level study, as the work and assessments allow you to get familiar with academic reports and essay writing.  

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)
OUR PASS RATE
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
83%
(National Average 77.1%)
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biochemical Pathway

This Course at a Glance 

  • Start a career in the most vital area of science 
  • Gain the skills to make life-changing discoveries 
  • Course completion possible within a year  
  • Study a degree without A Levels 
  • Flexible payment methods 
  • 100% online learning 
  • No exams 

About your Diploma 

If you were amazed and intrigued by the scientific experiments you performed in school, you could get qualified for a career that relies on this interest and thirst for knowledge.  

Biochemical science is the combination of biology and chemistry studies. It examines the structures and functions of cells to gain a better understanding of how living systems operate, survive and die. 

Because all life depends on biochemical reactions and processes, biochemistry is arguably the most important avenue of science. The discoveries and breakthroughs biochemists make drive change in health, science and industrial sectors, and are responsible for the creation of essential diagnostic tools, therapies and medicines. Without biochemical research, we wouldn’t be able to sustain life like we do today.   

If you want your career to contribute to protecting life on Earth, studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Biochemical Pathway, will help you get started. The qualification is equivalent to three A Levels, so you can progress onto university. Plus, the knowledge you gain will prepare you for a number of fascinating degree topics. 

Throughout this course, you will study modules that cover the typical scope of biochemistry. Such as the atomic structure, the Periodic Table, human nutrition, cell division and heredity. The knowledge you gain allows you to move towards an array of careers in medical science, such as a Pharmacologist, Forensic Scientist or Dentist! 

Getting Started 

Stonebridge Associated Colleges is one of the UK’s leading distance learning providers. Our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Biochemical Pathway is a Level 3 nationally recognised qualification. It is also regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). 

Studied online, you can work towards your science-related future outside of your current commitments. So, there is no issue if you have to balance a full-time job or childcare with your studies.  

You will have up to two years to complete the course. Though, the freedom to move through the modules at your own pace allows most of our students to complete their Access to HE Diploma within 9-12 months.  

Once enrolled, you will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments, to help you stay on track throughout your studies. 

*Please note, entry requirements differ between universities, so it’s always best to check with your chosen institution that your qualification will be accepted before enrolling on a course.  

Access to Higher Education Diplomas
OUR PASS RATE
(National Average 77.1%)
83%

On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biochemical Pathway, (QAA ref = 40014411), you will receive a Skills & Education Group Access, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.

Requirements for Entry

You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.

University Entry Criteria

It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted.

In many cases, to get started on healthcare courses at university, you will need:

  • A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade
  • A face-to-face interview at the university
  • Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university
  • Course-related work placements or work experience
  • GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.)

It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.

Minimum age restriction

This course is ideally suited to those who have completed full-time education but have not achieved the grades required to get into university.

Average completion timeframe

The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months.

Assessment requirements

A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: academic report, essay, scenario analysis, illustrated report, presentation (video and audio recording), revision guide, series of questions, work sheet, academic writing skills tasks

Exams required

There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.

Membership required?

No membership is required to enrol on this course.

Additional requirements

Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.

Certification Timeframe

You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities.

Unit 1: 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 ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
  • Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas

 

Unit 2: 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 3: Cell Biology  

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the structure and organisation of cells
  • Understand cellular metabolism
  • Understand how cells grow and divide

 

Unit 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: Trigonometry

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Be able to use trigonometrical functions
  • Be able to use trigonometry to solve equations and problems
  • Be able to use trigonometric functions and identifies in the context of proofs
  • Be able to produce trigonometric graphs

 

Unit 8: Human Reproduction, Growth & Development 

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the structure and function of the human reproductive systems
  • Understand how hormones regulate the reproductive system throughout life
  • Understand human development from conception to birth

 

Unit 9: Differentiation and Integration 

On completion of this unit you will: 

  • Understand differentiation 
  • Understand integration 
  • Be able to solve problems involving differentiation and integration 

 

Unit 10: 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
  • Understand the formation of covalent bonds

 

Unit 11: The Human Endocrine & Nervous System 

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the anatomy, organisation and function of the nervous system
  • Understand how the endocrine system co-ordinates body functions
  • Understand the role of the nervous and endocrine systems homeostasis

 

Unit 12: Chemical Bonding and Structure   

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand electronic configuration using s, p, d notation
  • Understand ionic, covalent and dative covalent bonding
  • Understand polarisation and intermolecular forces
  • Understand the relationship between structure and properties of molecules
  • Understand electron pair repulsion theory
  • 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
  • Understand the biology of vaccination

 

Unit 14: Human Disease and Prevention

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the categories and causes of disease 
  • Understand the epidemiology of disease
  • 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 the anatomy, organisation and function of the muscular system
  • Understand the anatomy, organisation and function of the skeletal system
  • Understand how the muscular system and skeletal system interact in locomotion

 

Unit 17: The Human Nutrition and the Digestive System

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the structure and functions 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:

  • Be able 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 metabolism and metabolic pathways
  • Understand the tricarboxylic acid cycle
  • Understand the dark reactions in photosynthesis
  • Understand the biochemical basis of generating adenosine triphosphate in subcellular organelles

 

The assignments for this course aim to prepare you for your next step in higher education while providing the number of credits necessary to achieve your qualification. At the end of each unit of study, you will need to complete an assignment which your tutor will then mark and provide you with feedback and a grade to help you to progress. 

To successfully achieve this Access to HE Diploma you will need 60 credits in total. 45 credits are taken from graded units which are focused on the academic subject areas included in the course. The remaining 15 credits are from ungraded units included to help improve your academic writing and study skills.  

As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance with your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma. 

Each unit of this course has been carefully selected to match the selection requirements of most universities with a science profile. The course also helps you prepare for university level study, as the work and assessments allow you to get familiar with academic reports and essay writing.  

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)
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