Access to Science – Biomedical Pathway

Access to Science – Biomedical 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 Science – Biomedical 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 atoms, bonds, and structure, the chemistry of pollution, nutrition and digestion, cell division and genetics.

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 Science – Biomedical 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

Module 1: Academic Writing Skills

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Be able to structure a written response
• Be able to develop a structured response to a plan
• Be able to present the response appropriately for audience and purpose
• Understand how to apply academic writing principles to own work

Module 2: Reading and Note Making

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand a range of reading strategies
• Understand the use of language in terms of the purpose and context of a range of texts
• Be able to use methods for developing notes from a range of sources

Module 3: The Structure and Function of Cells

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand cellular structure and organisation
• Understand cellular activity
• Understand the cell cycle

Module 4: Atoms, Bonds and Structure

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand atomic structure
• Understand bonding, structure and properties
• Understand intermolecular forces

Module 5: Cell Division and Genetics

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand mitosis
• Understand meiosis
• Understand genetic variation

Module 6: Moles, Equations and Acids

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the mole concept and perform related calculations
• Understand chemical formulae and equations
• Understand acids and bases

Module 7: Nutrition and Digestion

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the concept of a balanced diet
• Understand the structure and function of the human digestive system

Module 8: Redox and Periodicity

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand oxidation and reduction
• Understand periodicity
• Understand the chemistry of Group 2 elements and compounds
• Understand the chemistry of halogens and their compounds

Module 9: Human Musculoskeletal System

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the human skeleton and how it relates to locomotion
• Know how muscles contract
• Understand the development of bone

Module 10: Chemistry of Drugs and Medicines

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the key definitions used in medicinal chemistry
• Understand the significance of the molecular structure of drugs upon their function
• Understand analytic methods used for drug detection
• Understand the importance of isomerism in drug action
• Understand the common processes involved in drug design

Module 11: Nervous System

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the basic structure and function of the nervous system
• Understand the nature of nerve impulses
• Understand the principles of synaptic transmission

Module 12: Chemistry of Pollution

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the causes and effects of atmospheric pollution
• Understand the effects of rising CO2 levels on the chemistry of the oceans
• Understand causes and effects of pollution of the hydrosphere
• Be able to evaluate sources of trace-metal pollution and their effects on local soils and/or water courses

Module 13: Endocrine System

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand terms hormone and endocrine gland
• Understand homeostasis and feedback mechanisms
• Understand the action of hormones

Module 14: Kinetics, Energetics, Equilibria and Acid-Base Equilibria

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand chemical kinetics
• Understand energetics
• Understand chemical equilibria
• Understand acid-base equilibria

Module 15: Infection and Immunity

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand the contributions of Snow, Semmelweiss, Pasteur, Jenner and Koch to the understanding of infectious disease
• Understand how the human body responds to infection
• Understand the cause and transmission of different pathogens
• Understand how infections can be prevented by vaccination
• Understand the mechanism of action of antibiotics

Module 16: The Cause and Control of Disease

Upon successful completion of this module, you will:

• Understand categories and causes of human disease
• Understand the epidemiology of a named disease
• Understand measures for disease prevention

In addition to the qualification units, you will also be required to complete short introductory tasks at the start of your course to support the development of your academic study skills.

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.

In addition to the qualification units, you will also be required to complete short introductory tasks at the start of your course to support the development of your academic study skills.

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 3 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.

In addition to the qualification units, you will also be required to complete short introductory tasks at the start of your course to support the development of your academic 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 Science – Biomedical Pathway, (QAA aim code: 40012906), 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 Science – Biomedical 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

Check out how this course has helped real-life learners – people just like you - to reach their goals and achieve success! 

Chaya
The 18-year-old completed the Access to HE Diploma in just 7 months and has since secured a place at university.

“The reviews were good, so I gave it a go and I'm glad I chose to go through with it. I have [now] been accepted into the University of Gloucestershire. I definitely would recommend it to others as it allows you to achieve what you want, and you can learn in your own time.”