Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science)
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 units which make up this Access to HE Diploma focus mainly on human biology, cell biology and physics. This specific qualification also offers nuits in academic practices and study skills. These units 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 us 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 units 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?
The course materials couldn’t be easier to understand. Every student will be provided access to the 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 expert tutors. These tutors can be contacted via phone, email or the online platform, if the student needs support.
How long it takes you to complete your 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 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).
If you ever need help, you can always reach out to other students on your course by using the unique online platforms social learning features.
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 each unit, 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 units 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
Qualification: Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science)
On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma at level 3 (QAA ref: 40008848. This course has also been assigned 60 credits.
Requirements for Entry
Learners must have a GCSE in maths and english (or an equivalent), a relevant nvq at level 2 or above and aspire to study a Science related degree at university.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas are widely accepted as an alternative to 'A Levels' for University admission. The programmes have a track record of success in helping students to gain admission to University.
Learners should, however, be aware that Universities each apply their own admissions criteria, and these vary broadly depending on the reputation and popularity of the university and of the degree programme that relates to your area of interest.
These ‘variable’ admission criteria may include but are not limited to:
- Achievement of a certain amount of Access to HE Diploma units at Merit or above.
- Successful completion of a face-to-face interview at the University
- Successful completion of literacy and numeracy assessments by the University.
- Completion of specific unpaid ‘work experience’ or a previous ‘job role’.
- Prior attainment of GCSE English, Maths and/or Science – or equivalents, such as Functional/Key Skills at Level 2, NVQ Certificate in a related subject at Level 2 etc.
It is vitally important that each student investigates the entry requirements of a range of universities that they could practically attend to determine if the diploma and unit choices within meet each set of entry requirements.
Students should complete this exercise as early as possible so that they can plan for which establishment they will be applying to, and start to work towards it.
Whilst we have the fullest confidence that the Access to Higher Education Diplomas are compliant and perfectly sufficient to form part of a University application, Stonebridge Associated College will not be able to accept any liability for the inability of any Access to Higher Education learner to secure an offer from a Higher Education establishment due to the ‘variables’ involved.
Open College Network West Midlands are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.
Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.
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: 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 12: 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 13: 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 14: 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 15: 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 16: 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 17: 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 18: 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)
