Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Biochemical Pathway

Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Biochemical Pathway

This Course at a Glance

• Work in a rapidly expanding area of science
• Pursue a career that makes life-changing discoveries
• Average completion within 9-12 months
• Go to university without A Levels
• Study when you want
• Flexible payment methods
• No exams

About your Diploma

Are you fascinated by the tests and research that goes on in laboratories? Or the major breakthroughs they lead to in health, science and industrial sectors? If you’re scientifically minded, are a keen problem solver and want a career at the forefront of innovation and change, you should consider studying biochemical science.

All life on Earth hinges on biochemical reactions and processes, making biochemistry one of the most vital areas of science. The breakthroughs made by biochemists have led to the creation of essential diagnostic tools, therapies and medicines that keep people alive and healthy each day. As such, the impact biochemical research has on the world is astounding.

By studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Biochemical Pathway, you can get the skills and qualifications to pursue a career that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Equivalent to three A Levels, it allows you to go to university, and with such a detailed focus on this important area of scientific study, you can progress onto an array of fascinating degree topics.

Throughout this course, you will study topics that cover the typical scope of biochemistry. This includes the atomic structure, the Periodic Table, human nutrition, cell division and heredity.

Gaining this knowledge can be a great stepping stone to careers in biomedical science. You could become anything from a Pharmacologist or even a Forensic Scientist!

Getting Started

learndirect is the leading UK online course provider. This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Biochemical Pathway is a Level 3 nationally recognised qualification that is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

As it’s studied entirely online, the flexibility of the course enables you to work towards your science-related future outside of your current commitments. Meaning there is no issue if you have to juggle a full-time job or childcare with your studies.

When studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma, you will have up to two years to complete the course. Though, the freedom to move through the modules at your pace sees most of our students complete their Access to Higher Education Diploma within 9 months.

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.

*Please note, entry requirements differ between universities, so it’s always best to check with your chosen institution that your qualification will be accepted before enrolling on a course.

Modules

Unit 1: Exploring Cellular Structure and Activity

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand cellular structure.
• Understand the processes and products of cellular metabolism.
• Understand cellular growth, division, and the impact of cancer at a cellular level.

Unit 2: Writing and Studying Academic Texts

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to write academically and with relevance.
• Be able to interpret and express ideas in a piece of academic work.
• Be able to analyse and summarise text, and appreciate the problems caused by plagiarism.

Unit 3: Planning and Writing an Assignment

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to select and assess appropriate source information in response to a task.
• Be able to reference sources used in a recognised style.
• Understand different reading strategies.
• Be able to take effective notes.
• Be able to plan, draft and produce a written assignment.

Unit 4 Cell Division and Genetic Variation

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand cell division.
• Understand genetic variation.

Unit 5: Introduction to Human Reproduction

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure and function of the human reproductive systems.
• Understand how hormones regulate the reproductive system.
• Understand the development of human life from the stage of conception to birth.

Unit 6: Exploring Trigonometric Functions, Ratios and Rules

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to use trigonometric functions and ratios.
• Be able to solve equations and problems by employing trigonometric rules.
• Be able to construct proofs by applying trigonometric.
• Be able to illustrate trigonometric functions graphically.

Unit 7: The role of human nervous system and endocrine system in homeostasis

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how the human nervous system is structured and how it functions.
• Understand endocrine system regulation.
• Understand the role of the endocrine system and the nervous system in maintaining homeostasis in humans.

Unit 8: Immunity and Disease Defence

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand examples of first and second line defence against disease.
• Understand third line immunity and immune disorders.
• Understand vaccinations.

Unit 9: Health and Disease

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the categories of disease and contraction of an infectious disease.
• Understand the epidemiology of a chosen disease or condition.
• Understand the preventative action available for a specific disease or condition.

Unit 10: Interaction of the Human Muscular and Skeletal Systems

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure of the human muscular system.
• Understand the structure and function of the skeletal system.
• Understand the musculoskeletal system in terms of locomotion, growth, and repair.

Unit 11: Human Digestive System and Dietary Needs

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure and functions of the human digestive system.
• Understand how to achieve a balanced diet in humans.
• Understand the importance of a balanced diet and dietary needs at different stages of the human lifespan.

Unit 12: The Structure of the Atom

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the properties of protons, electrons, and neutrons.
• Understand the distribution of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom/isotope.
• Understand s, p, and d orbitals.
• Understand the relationship between ionisation energies and reactivity.
• Understand how ionisation energy data is reflected in the periodic table.

Unit 13: Arrangement and Trends in the Periodic Table

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the arrangement of elements in the periodic table.
• Understand the periodicity of period 3 of the periodic table.
• Understand ionisation energies in relation to period 3.
• Understand the oxidation and reduction effects of reactions.
• Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals.

Unit 14: Atomic Structure, Electronic Structures, and bonds

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand atomic structure and relative atomic mass.
• Be able to write and interpret electronic structures.
• Understand ion formation and ion bonds.
• Understand covalent bonds formation.

Unit 15: The structure and bonding of molecules

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand electronic configuration.
• Understand different types of chemical bond.
• Understand polarisation and intermolecular forces.
• Understand the structure and properties of different molecules and compounds.
• Be able to apply electron pair repulsion theory.
• Understand the nature of organic chemicals.

Unit 16: Hydrocarbons, Alkanes and Alkenes

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the impact of organic compounds.
• Understand alkane structure and reactions.
• Understand alkene structure and reactions.

Unit 17: Molarity and chemical change

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to calculate solution concentrations.
• Understand enthalpy change.
• Be able to analyse data to determine reaction order.
• Understand chemical equilibrium.

Unit 18: Cellular and Subcellular Metabolism

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand cell metabolism including metabolic pathways.
• Understand the process of producing ATP via the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
• Understand the dark reactions phase which occurs during photosynthesis.
• Understand how subcellular organelles generate ATP.

Unit 19: Calculus for Scientists

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to differentiate algebraic and trigonometric functions.
• Know how to perform integration.
• Be able to solve problems involving differentiation and integration.

Entry Requirements

To study an Access to HE Diploma you must be resident in the UK and have a UK postcode.

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, essay, scenario analysis, illustrated report, presentation (video and audio recording), revision guide, series of questions, work sheet, 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.

The assignments for this course aim to prepare you for your next step in higher education while providing the number of credits necessary to achieve your qualification. At the end of each unit of study, you will need to complete an assignment which your tutor will then mark and provide you with feedback and a grade to help you to progress.

To successfully achieve this Access to Higher Education Diploma you will need 60 credits in total. 45 credits are taken from graded units which are focused on the academic subject areas included in the course. The remaining 15 credits are from ungraded units included to help improve your academic writing and study skills.

As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance with your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.

Each unit of this course has been carefully selected to match the selection requirements of most universities with a science profile. The course also helps you prepare for university level study, as the work and assessments allow you to get familiar with academic reports and essay writing.

Skills & Education Group Access

On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) – Biochemical Pathway, (QAA ref = 40014204), you will receive a Skills & Education Group Access, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. 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.

An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities by enabling progression into higher education.

Career

Completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Biochemical Pathway and a related degree can open up a broad range of important careers to you. Allowing you to turn your inquisitive mind and thirst for knowledge into a career that can transform global healthcare.

Just some of the many bioscience-related sectors/roles you can work in with a degree and in some cases, postgraduate qualifications, include:

• Research and development in industry or within academia
• Clinical biochemistry, immunology or microbiology
• Technical areas like quality control, or a research technician
• Specialist areas like ecology or pollution control
• Bioinformatician
• Pharmacy

You may also want to consider:

• Teaching or lecturing in school, college or university
• Science communication, journalism or publishing
• Research management and administration
• Scientific sales and marketing

Further Qualifications and Prospects

The knowledge you gain in this Access to Higher Education Diploma will prepare you for a number of degrees that rely on your detailed knowledge of biology and chemistry.

Many students of this course have progressed on to degrees in:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Biomedical Science
• Pharmacy
• Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy

Should you pursue any of these degrees, there will be a number of postgraduate courses you can take to either enter or elevate your science-related career. These can be academic or vocational, research, taught or work-based, and can either be completed in a full or part time capacity.

The type of postgraduate study that suits you will depend entirely on your interests and the type of career you want to go into, as many science-related roles require you to have completed a Masters or PhD.

Frequently Asked Questions