Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Biophysical Pathway

If you have a keen scientific mind and take a particular interest in biology, the Access to HE Diploma (Science) – Biophysical Pathway could be your ticket to a bright and successful future. Covering everything from medical physics to human immunity, this course has been designed to provide you with the knowledge you need to get to university.

The modules which make up this course focus mainly on human biology, cell biology and physics. This specific qualification also offers modules in academic practices and study skills. These modules are particularly useful for learners who have been out of education for some time and do not already meet the university entry requirements.

Studying with Stonebridge is unlike attending a traditional college. Firstly, you do not need to wait until September to enrol. You can begin your studies as and when it suits you. Secondly, there are no time-consuming classes to attend. All modules can be studied online at a time and place that is convenient for the student. This flexibility is perfect for people who have busy work or family lives. It also makes study possible for those who haven’t got any time to sacrifice during school hours.

How does my Access to HE Diploma work?

At Stonebridge, our course materials couldn’t be easier to understand. Every student will be provided access to our online study resources and will be offered a range of extra support to assist the learning process. Furthermore, each learner will have the support of our expert tutors. These tutors can be contacted via phone, email or our online platform, PEARL, if the student needs support.

How long it takes you to complete your Access course really depends upon how much time you are able to dedicate to your studies. The programmes are 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 Access course is six months. 

If you ever need help, you can always reach out to other students on your course by using our unique online platform.

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

Every Access to HE Diploma is comprised of a number of units. At the end of the modules, you will have to complete an assignment and return the finished piece of work to a tutor. They will then return the marked piece to you, along with some useful feedback and tips for improvement. Once you have your mark, we are able to provide you with a number of credits. To gain an Access to HE Diploma in science, you will need to earn 60 credits altogether. Of these credits, 45 will be earned by completing graded units which are concerned with academic subject content. The other 15 credits will be drawn from ungraded units. These ungraded modules are focussed on improving the student’s study techniques.

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

The aim of this Access to HE Diploma is to prepare you for the challenges of a biological science related degree. On completion of the course, you should be eligible to apply to study at many of the UK’s higher education institutions.

Once you hold a university undergraduate degree in biological science, you will be able to work towards a number of challenging and exciting careers. You could end up becominga scientist, a healthcare professional or choose from a wide range of other careers areas, such as:

• Pharmacy
• Local Government
• Scientific Publishing
• Medicine
• Cosmetics

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: Electromagnetic Spectrum

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the principles and types of electromagnetic waves.
• Understand the properties of visible and ultraviolet light.
• Understand the properties of microwaves and infrared.
• Understand the biohazards of ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
• Understand the hazards and uses of X- Rays in medical applications.

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: Radioactivity

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the main types of ionising radiations and their measurement.
• Understand radioactive decay.
• Understand the practical applications of ionising radiation and radioisotopes and their use with acceptable safety.

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: Medical Physics

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand atomic structure.
• Understand the nature of alpha, beta and gamma radiation, and X-rays.
• Understand the main uses of ionising radiation in monitoring and treatment.
• Understand how radio isotopes are used in health care.
• Understand the health applications of a selected part of electromagnetic spectrum.
• Understand how ultrasound is used in health care.

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: Physics

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the connection between force and motion and be able to use Newton’s Laws of Motion.
• Understand conservation of energy and momentum.
• Understand the concepts and vocabulary of wave motion.

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: Optics & Sound

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the Laws of Reflection.
• Understand the Laws of Refraction.
• Understand the action of convex and concave lenses.
• Understand the simple optics of the eye.
• Understand the nature of transverse and longitudinal wave motions.
• Understand how the ear detects sound waves.

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: Mechanics

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand vectors and vector addition
• Understand vector resolution
• Understand the nature of uniformly accelerated motion
• Understand projectile motion
• Understand Newton’s Law of Motion
• Understand momentum and it’s conservation
• Understand the concepts of energy, work and power in physics
• Understand internal energy
• Understand the laws which ideal gases obey
• Understand the simple kinetic theory of gases

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)