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Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science)
Key Points
- Study key principles in biology, chemistry and physics
- Learn about atomic structures and chemical change
- Explore cell biology and human immunity
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification
- Get university ready within a year
- Start a new career in the sciences
About your Diploma
Natural science is a branch of science focused on understanding natural phenomena, based on empirical evidence from observation and experimentation.
Natural science includes astronomy, physics, chemistry, Earth science and biology. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) in natural science will give you the opportunity to study a broad range of scientific principles across these disciplines.
This is ideal if you want to gain a solid understanding of science before you specialise in the area of science you’re drawn to the most. You will learn about cell biology, atomic structure, the periodic table, the electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity and more.
The course will help you to understand concepts like human disease and medical physics through optics, sound and chemical change.
By the time you have completed your Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science), you will have gained the understanding needed to study the natural sciences at university.
This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) includes modules to prepare you for degree level studies including study techniques and how to write an assignment.
Getting Started
Stonebridge Associated Colleges is the leading UK distance learning provider. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) is a Level 3 nationally recognised qualification regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
It has been designed to prepare you for the level of study required in university. With this qualification, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to study one of the natural sciences at degree level.
You will get the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be a scientist, which will prepare you for further studies.
Studied completely online, you’re free to learn around any existing work or family commitments. With the ability to log on when it suits, you will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments. On average, learners take 9 to 12 months to complete their Access to Higher Education Diploma. This flexibility often enables students to be finished and applying to university within a year.
You will benefit from access to a dedicated team of tutors who will give you guidance and support as you progress through the different academic subjects within your diploma. They’ll provide you with constructive feedback on your work, so you know where you need to focus your attention to succeed.
There are also flexible payment methods available. Reducing the obstacles in the way of education and helping you take that next step to your new career in the sciences.
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.
Your work will be assessed through your end of unit assignments. These will provide you the opportunity to check up on your knowledge and advance. After each assignment your tutor will offer feedback to help you not only progress further but also improve your skills. This Access to HE Diploma is a level 3 Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulated qualification. To successfully achieve your qualification, you will need a total of 60 credits. Of these, 45 will come from graded units of academic content, while the following 15 will be drawn from ungraded units concerning study skills.
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)
Key Points
- Study key principles in biology, chemistry and physics
- Learn about atomic structures and chemical change
- Explore cell biology and human immunity
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification
- Get university ready within a year
- Start a new career in the sciences
About your Diploma
Natural science is a branch of science focused on understanding natural phenomena, based on empirical evidence from observation and experimentation.
Natural science includes astronomy, physics, chemistry, Earth science and biology. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) in natural science will give you the opportunity to study a broad range of scientific principles across these disciplines.
This is ideal if you want to gain a solid understanding of science before you specialise in the area of science you’re drawn to the most. You will learn about cell biology, atomic structure, the periodic table, the electromagnetic spectrum, radioactivity and more.
The course will help you to understand concepts like human disease and medical physics through optics, sound and chemical change.
By the time you have completed your Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science), you will have gained the understanding needed to study the natural sciences at university.
This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) includes modules to prepare you for degree level studies including study techniques and how to write an assignment.
Getting Started
Stonebridge Associated Colleges is the leading UK distance learning provider. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) is a Level 3 nationally recognised qualification regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
It has been designed to prepare you for the level of study required in university. With this qualification, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to study one of the natural sciences at degree level.
You will get the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be a scientist, which will prepare you for further studies.
Studied completely online, you’re free to learn around any existing work or family commitments. With the ability to log on when it suits, you will be provided with an Individual Learning Plan that outlines the submission deadlines for your assignments. On average, learners take 9 to 12 months to complete their Access to Higher Education Diploma. This flexibility often enables students to be finished and applying to university within a year.
You will benefit from access to a dedicated team of tutors who will give you guidance and support as you progress through the different academic subjects within your diploma. They’ll provide you with constructive feedback on your work, so you know where you need to focus your attention to succeed.
There are also flexible payment methods available. Reducing the obstacles in the way of education and helping you take that next step to your new career in the sciences.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
OUR PASS RATE
(National Average 77.1%)
83%
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.
Your work will be assessed through your end of unit assignments. These will provide you the opportunity to check up on your knowledge and advance. After each assignment your tutor will offer feedback to help you not only progress further but also improve your skills. This Access to HE Diploma is a level 3 Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulated qualification. To successfully achieve your qualification, you will need a total of 60 credits. Of these, 45 will come from graded units of academic content, while the following 15 will be drawn from ungraded units concerning study skills.
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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