Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Natural Science Pathway

Overview

Natural sciences dominate every aspect of the physical world. For those who want to gain access to higher education in physics, biology, biomechanics or chemistry to learn more about the extraordinary world we live in, this Access to Higher Education Diploma is the perfect choice.

Gaining access to science courses at university level without having any A-levels used to be an impossible challenge. Now, thanks to the Access to Higher Education Diploma – which most universities recognise as an alternative to formal qualifications –more and more students can achieve a degree-level education.

This course was designed to prepare students for independent academic study, with 3 modules on study skills, writing skills and assignment planning. On top of this, the course gets you ready for higher education biology with several theory-based modules on atomic structure, cell biology, electromagnetics, chemistry, biology and genetics, radioactivity, and physics.

Consequently, this online natural science course focuses on an equal balance of all sciences. The units selected provide a well-rounded syllabus that forms a foundation for students who wish to pursue a degree in biology, chemistry, physics or natural science degree course in the future.

At learndirect, all our Access to HE Diplomas are delivered via distance learning. This means that students can complete their coursework at home. All our online learning materials can be accessed anywhere and anytime.

This is great news if you are a busy parent or professional who may find it challenging to attend a traditional college course. Once you enrol, you can start learning straight away. Most learners take an average of between 8-9 months to complete their diploma. The maximum time learners can take to complete their diploma is 2 years.

Modules

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 concepts and debates in responding to a set, academic writing task.
• Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information or central ideas.
• Understand the role of reference, allusion and paraphrase to avoid plagiarism. 

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 cell.
• 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 and the immune response.
• Understand the biology of vaccination.
• Understand how immune sensitivity may cause ill-health.

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 and organisation of the nervous system and how it co- ordinates the body.
• Understand the structure and function of nerve cells and other cells in the nervous system.
• Understand how the endocrine system co-ordinates body functions.
• Understand 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

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 health care.
• Understand the health applications of a selected part of electromagnetic spectrum.
• Understand how ultrasound is used in health care.

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.

Requirements

Students planning to enrol on an Access to HE Diploma should all have achieved an English and maths GCSE at grade C or above. This is because most universities will ask for these grades.

While Access to HE Diploma courses fulfil the entry criteria for most universities, we would like to remind learndirect students to make contact with the specific university or universities they plan to apply to first. The reason for this is that many universities have their own specialised set of entry requirements. Examples of such include but are not limited to:

1. Having gained a specific number of credits at the level of merit or distinction.
    
2. Turning up to and passing a face-to-face interview at the university.
    
3. Completing a literacy or numeracy test provided by the institution.
    
4. Completion of a work placement or period of work experience specified by the uni.
    
5. We strongly recommend learners starting an Access to Higher Education Diploma have a GCSE Grade A – C in maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills etc.) OR a full L2 NVQ qualification in a related subject.

It is vital that every student researches this thoroughly and makes sure that their diploma fits the entry criteria of their chosen university. learndirect will not be able to accept any liability for the inability of any Access to Higher Education Diploma student who fails to secure an offer from a higher education institution.

Assessment

Our diplomas were designed to contain carefully selected units that universities like their future students to have mastered. On completion of each home study unit, students will be required to complete an assignment and submit it for assessment. The tutor will then read and grade the assignment and offer the student useful feedback as well as tips for improvement.

To earn an Access to HE Diploma (Science), students will need to earn a total of 60 credits. Out of this 60, 45 should be earned by completing graded units which are based on academic content. The other 15 credits will be taken from ungraded units. These modules are concerned with improving the student’s study practices.

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: Science (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.

Developing your career

Your Access to Higher Education Diploma and the way it is delivered within our innovative learning platform is designed to give you the best possible chance of fulfilling your dream of studying at university. Higher Education Degrees confirm to any employer your intellect, motivation and ability to work independently to succeed not just in your area of specialism but also life itself. A higher education degree is a gateway qualification that will allow you to apply 1,000's of graduate programmes as well as setting you apart from those who don't have a degree.