Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Biophysical Pathway
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Biophysical Pathway
This Course at a Glance
- Pursue a career in biophysics or related fields
- Get to university without A Levels
- Prepare for degree-level study
- 100% online learning
- No classrooms
- No exams
About Your Diploma
If you have an analytical mind and a passion for scientific discovery, a career in biophysics will suit you perfectly. For those of you that have career ambitions to work in this field, you will need accredited qualifications to reach your goals.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biophysical Pathway is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares you for degree-level study. You will gain a solid understanding of biology and physics, delving into human nutrition, cell biology and other crucial topics.
An Access to HE Diploma is the equivalent to 3 A Levels, making it the ideal qualification to obtain if you do not already possess them. Most universities accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas as part of their entry requirements instead of A Levels, but please check with your chosen establishment before applying.
Studying for this accredited qualification has the potential to guide you towards a rewarding and important career in biophysics. With this foundation knowledge, you will develop a solid understanding of the core principles of biology and physics.
As a result, you can present yourself as an attractive candidate to universities and employers, such is the vast knowledge you will have gained from achieving an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biophysical Pathway.
Getting Started
Once you have enrolled on the course, you will have two years to complete it, but on average, learndirect learners achieve their Diploma in 9 months. The time you take to work through the course is dependent on you, but you will have assignment deadlines to meet.
To help keep track of deadlines and your learning journey, you will be issued with an Individual Learning Plan. Given that the course is 100% online, you can tailor your study to fit around your existing commitments, and without the stress of exams, you can focus solely on your assignments.
One of the many benefits of online learning is that you are not restricted to classroom study; all you require is a computer/laptop and a stable internet connection.
88%
Modules
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: 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 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: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 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
- 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
Unit 12: Human Immunity
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand non-specific defences against disease
- Understand specific immunity
- Understand the biology of vaccination
Unit 13: 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 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 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 16: 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 17: Mechanics
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to do vector addition calculations
- Be able to do vector resolution calculations
- Be able to do uniformly accelerated motion calculations
- Be able to do projectile motion calculations
- Be able to apply Newton's Laws of Motion
- Be able to do calculations involving the principles of momentum and its conservation
- Be able to do work/force calculations
- Understand internal energy
- Understand the ideal gas laws
- Understand the simple kinetic theory of gases
Entry Requirements
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 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
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.
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, illustrated report, work sheet, experiment, presentation (video and audio recording), essay, scenario analysis, revision guide, series of questions, academic writing skills tasks
Exams required
There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.
Is 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.
Course Fees
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.
A range of units make up this qualification, with an assignment at the end of each. You will submit your work to your tutor for marking and tailored feedback. You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biophysical Pathway. Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units which focus on the academic subject areas. The remaining 15 come from ungraded units included to help you to improve your academic writing and study skills.
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.
Open College Network West Midlands
On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3 (QAA ref: 40008848. This course has also been assigned 60 credits.
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.
By obtaining an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biophysical Pathway, you will be able to progress to degree-level study and eventually work towards a career as a biophysicist. This career has an essential component of scientific study as you will be responsible for studying biological systems through an interdisciplinary research programme.
As part of your role, you will be conducting and analysing research into molecules and organisms, interpreting your findings for scientific evidence. The main purpose of a biophysicist is to provide information to the scientific and medicinal community.
To put you on the path towards a career in this field, after you have obtained your Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biophysical Pathway, you can go on to university to study one of the following degrees:
- Biophysics
- Physics
- Biology
If you want to venture into another region, perhaps in healthcare, you may want to consider using your Access to Higher Education Diploma to study the following degrees:
- Medical Science
- Physiotherapy
- Radiography
Further Qualifications and Prospects
If becoming a biophysicist is your career goal, then once you have achieved your degree, you will need to continue your academic journey by studying for a Master’s degree. This is a requirement for an aspiring scientist who wants to work in applied research and product development. It may also be beneficial for you to gain laboratory experience during your studies.
Aside from biophysics, if you go on to study a medical science, physiotherapy, or radiography degree, you could pursue the following careers:
- Physiotherapist
- Dental Hygienist
- Radiographer
- Physicist
- Biomedical Science
- Optometrist
- Paramedic
Whatever career you choose to pursue, you can kick-start your journey by studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biophysical Pathway with learndirect.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Biophysical Pathway
This Course at a Glance
- Pursue a career in biophysics or related fields
- Get to university without A Levels
- Prepare for degree-level study
- 100% online learning
- No classrooms
- No exams
About Your Diploma
If you have an analytical mind and a passion for scientific discovery, a career in biophysics will suit you perfectly. For those of you that have career ambitions to work in this field, you will need accredited qualifications to reach your goals.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biophysical Pathway is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares you for degree-level study. You will gain a solid understanding of biology and physics, delving into human nutrition, cell biology and other crucial topics.
An Access to HE Diploma is the equivalent to 3 A Levels, making it the ideal qualification to obtain if you do not already possess them. Most universities accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas as part of their entry requirements instead of A Levels, but please check with your chosen establishment before applying.
Studying for this accredited qualification has the potential to guide you towards a rewarding and important career in biophysics. With this foundation knowledge, you will develop a solid understanding of the core principles of biology and physics.
As a result, you can present yourself as an attractive candidate to universities and employers, such is the vast knowledge you will have gained from achieving an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biophysical Pathway.
Getting Started
Once you have enrolled on the course, you will have two years to complete it, but on average, learndirect learners achieve their Diploma in 9 months. The time you take to work through the course is dependent on you, but you will have assignment deadlines to meet.
To help keep track of deadlines and your learning journey, you will be issued with an Individual Learning Plan. Given that the course is 100% online, you can tailor your study to fit around your existing commitments, and without the stress of exams, you can focus solely on your assignments.
One of the many benefits of online learning is that you are not restricted to classroom study; all you require is a computer/laptop and a stable internet connection.
Modules
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: 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 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: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 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
- 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
Unit 12: Human Immunity
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand non-specific defences against disease
- Understand specific immunity
- Understand the biology of vaccination
Unit 13: 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 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 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 16: 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 17: Mechanics
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be able to do vector addition calculations
- Be able to do vector resolution calculations
- Be able to do uniformly accelerated motion calculations
- Be able to do projectile motion calculations
- Be able to apply Newton's Laws of Motion
- Be able to do calculations involving the principles of momentum and its conservation
- Be able to do work/force calculations
- Understand internal energy
- Understand the ideal gas laws
- Understand the simple kinetic theory of gases
Entry Requirements
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 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
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.
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, illustrated report, work sheet, experiment, presentation (video and audio recording), essay, scenario analysis, revision guide, series of questions, academic writing skills tasks
Exams required
There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.
Is 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.
Course Fees
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.
Assessment
A range of units make up this qualification, with an assignment at the end of each. You will submit your work to your tutor for marking and tailored feedback. You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biophysical Pathway. Of these credits, 45 will be taken from graded units which focus on the academic subject areas. The remaining 15 come from ungraded units included to help you to improve your academic writing and study skills.
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.
Qualifications
Open College Network West Midlands
On successful completion of the Open College Network West Midlands Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) you will receive a QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3 (QAA ref: 40008848. This course has also been assigned 60 credits.
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.
By obtaining an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biophysical Pathway, you will be able to progress to degree-level study and eventually work towards a career as a biophysicist. This career has an essential component of scientific study as you will be responsible for studying biological systems through an interdisciplinary research programme.
As part of your role, you will be conducting and analysing research into molecules and organisms, interpreting your findings for scientific evidence. The main purpose of a biophysicist is to provide information to the scientific and medicinal community.
To put you on the path towards a career in this field, after you have obtained your Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biophysical Pathway, you can go on to university to study one of the following degrees:
- Biophysics
- Physics
- Biology
If you want to venture into another region, perhaps in healthcare, you may want to consider using your Access to Higher Education Diploma to study the following degrees:
- Medical Science
- Physiotherapy
- Radiography
Further Qualifications and Prospects
If becoming a biophysicist is your career goal, then once you have achieved your degree, you will need to continue your academic journey by studying for a Master’s degree. This is a requirement for an aspiring scientist who wants to work in applied research and product development. It may also be beneficial for you to gain laboratory experience during your studies.
Aside from biophysics, if you go on to study a medical science, physiotherapy, or radiography degree, you could pursue the following careers:
- Physiotherapist
- Dental Hygienist
- Radiographer
- Physicist
- Biomedical Science
- Optometrist
- Paramedic
Whatever career you choose to pursue, you can kick-start your journey by studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biophysical Pathway with learndirect.
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learning
learning hours
