Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science)
Natural Science refers to any science which relates to the physical world. Students who follow the Natural Science pathway will gain knowledge of Physics, Chemistry and Biology and gain the necessary skills needed to enter university.
This Access to HE Diploma (Science) pathway provides a combination of all three sciences, it is ideal for students who are still deciding which area of science they are interested in pursuing at degree level. After this Access to HE Diploma, students should be fully prepared to embark on a Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Natural Science related degree programme. As this Access to HE Diploma has been specifically designed for learners who have spent time away from education, it also includes units which help to develop academic writing and study skills.
With an Access to HE Diploma, there is no need to wait until September to get started. You can start studying towards this qualification at any time of the year. Furthermore, you won’t have to attend inconvenient classes which will interfere with your schedule. With distance learning, you can study at any time of day, in the location of your choice. This flexibility makes an Access to HE Diploma a perfect choice for learners with busy work and family lives.
How does my Access to HE Diploma (Science) work?
The comprehensive course materials are interesting and easy to understand. Each student will also receive a broad range of additional information to support their learning. Everyone will also have access to our expert tutors who will provide guidance and support throughout the course.
How long it takes you to complete your Access to HE Diploma 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. You will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments to keep you on track throughout your studies. An Access to HE Diploma can be completed within two years. However, most students complete their course within 9-12 months.
How will my Access to HE Diploma (Science) be assessed?
Your qualification will comprise a number of units. Each of these units will end with an assignment. Once you have completed the assignment to the best of your ability, you should submit it to a tutor. The tutor will then mark the assignment and return it to you with useful feedback and strategies for improvement. Once you have successfully completed all of the assignments in your course, you will be awarded with the Access to HE Diploma (Science), which is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification, regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). The Access to HE Diploma is worth 60 credits in total. 45 of these credits are graded units which focus on the three sciences. The remaining 15 credits are ungraded units which are included to help you develop your academic writing and study skills.
What happens after the Access to HE Diploma (Science)?
After you have completed your Access to HE Diploma, you will likely be primed and ready for undergraduate level study at the university of your choice. Once you have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, you will have many career paths open to you. These include but are not limited to careers in:
- Hospitals
- Laboratories
- Science publishing
- Teaching
- Universities
- Government
- Scientific Research
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 GCSE in both English and Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) or be working towards these qualifications. They also need to 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 entry and have a proven track record of helping students to secure a place on their chosen degree.
Learners should, however, be aware that Universities each apply their own entry requirements, 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 distinction.
- 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 and Maths at grade C or above, or equivalent such as Functions Skills at Level 2.
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 Access to HE Diploma, and units included in the course, will meet university 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 Colleges will not be able to accept any liability for the inability of any Access to Higher Education student 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 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 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 structure and organisation of cells, including stem cells.
- 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: 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 8: 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 9: Human Immunity
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand non-specific defences against disease.
- Understand specific immunity.
- Understand the biology of vaccination.
Unit 10: 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 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: 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 13: 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 healthcare.
- Understand the health applications of a selected part of electromagnetic spectrum.
- Understand how ultrasound is used in healthcare.
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: 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 17: 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 18: 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.
- Understand the straight line model of the behaviour of light.
- Understand the behaviour and properties of magnets and magnetic fields, electric charge and electric current.
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)
