Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) - Natural Science
Overview
Natural science involves any aspect of science related to the physical world. Those who choose to enrol on the Access to HE Diploma (Science) – Natural Science Pathway, will study modules in chemistry, biology and physics. As they do this, they will build up a foundation of knowledge, which will prepare them for the demands of studying science at university. Given that this pathway delves into numerous areas of science, it is perfect for those who have not decided which area they would like to specialise in for their degree.
Check that this course is right for you
If you know which university you want to attend, and the degree course you might like to study, it’s worth doing the research and checking that this course meets their entrance criteria. Admission criteria can differ across universities so we recommend you choose carefully.
Whilst studying towards this distance learning qualification, learners work through modules surrounding topics such as the periodic table, human nutrition and optics and sound. As well as this, they are also required to complete a number of additional academic practice units. These extra modules have been included to help our students build on their academic practice skills. They are particularly useful for students who have been out of education for some time.
How does the course work?
At learndirect, our Access to HE Diplomas are all delivered via distance learning. This means that our students can complete all of their studying and their assignments at home. All of our online learning materials can be accessed anywhere and anytime, just so long as the student has access to a computer and the internet. This is great news for busy parents, workers and carers, who may have found it challenging to attend a traditional college course. Once students enrol, they can start learning straight away. They will then have between six and 18 months to complete the work.
This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) natural science pathway focuses on an equal balance of all the sciences. The units selected provide a syllabus that forms a foundation for students who wish to progress to a biology, chemistry, physics or natural science degree course. It's been created for learners who've been out of full time education for some time and don't have the required entry qualifications.
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: The Human Muscular and Skeletal System
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand anatomical terminology.
- Understand the skeletal system and locomotion.
- Understand the muscular system.
Unit 18: 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 19: 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:
- Having gained a specific number of credits at the level of merit or distinction.
- Turning up to and passing a face-to-face interview at the university.
- Completing a literacy or numeracy test provided by the institution.
- Completion of a work placement or period of work experience specified by the uni.
- 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 in natural 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.
Natural science involves any aspect of science related to the physical world. Those who choose to enrol on the Access to HE Diploma (Science) – Natural Science Pathway, will study modules in chemistry, biology and physics. As they do this, they will build up a foundation of knowledge, which will prepare them for the demands of studying science at university. Given that this pathway delves into numerous areas of science, it is perfect for those who have not decided which area they would like to specialise in for their degree.
Check that this course is right for you
If you know which university you want to attend, and the degree course you might like to study, it’s worth doing the research and checking that this course meets their entrance criteria. Admission criteria can differ across universities so we recommend you choose carefully.
Whilst studying towards this distance learning qualification, learners work through modules surrounding topics such as the periodic table, human nutrition and optics and sound. As well as this, they are also required to complete a number of additional academic practice units. These extra modules have been included to help our students build on their academic practice skills. They are particularly useful for students who have been out of education for some time.
How does the course work?
At learndirect, our Access to HE Diplomas are all delivered via distance learning. This means that our students can complete all of their studying and their assignments at home. All of our online learning materials can be accessed anywhere and anytime, just so long as the student has access to a computer and the internet. This is great news for busy parents, workers and carers, who may have found it challenging to attend a traditional college course. Once students enrol, they can start learning straight away. They will then have between six and 18 months to complete the work.
This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science) natural science pathway focuses on an equal balance of all the sciences. The units selected provide a syllabus that forms a foundation for students who wish to progress to a biology, chemistry, physics or natural science degree course. It's been created for learners who've been out of full time education for some time and don't have the required entry qualifications.
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: The Human Muscular and Skeletal System
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand anatomical terminology.
- Understand the skeletal system and locomotion.
- Understand the muscular system.
Unit 18: 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 19: 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:
- Having gained a specific number of credits at the level of merit or distinction.
- Turning up to and passing a face-to-face interview at the university.
- Completing a literacy or numeracy test provided by the institution.
- Completion of a work placement or period of work experience specified by the uni.
- 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 in natural 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.
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.
Need proof of your English and Maths skills? Want to catch up and learn more English and Maths? You can for free when you sign up to this learndirect course.
Get your NUS Extra card
All professional development students are eligible for the NUS Extra card, which gives you access to over 200 UK student discounts with brands like Co-op, Amazon and ASOS. Apply and find out more at
http://cards.nusextra.co.uk/
19+ Adult learner loans
Note: This diploma is not available for Advanced Learner Loans through learndirect. The same Access to HE Diploma is available to learners wanting an Advanced Learner loan through our sister organisation, Dimensions Training Solutions. You can apply for the loan through this website but will complete your diploma through Dimensions Training Solutions.
Many of our students are looking to change career and that’s why they’ve enrolled on one of our vocational courses. You too can enrol on a life changing RQF distance learning course with the help of a 19+ learner loan.
What is a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan?
The Government has introduced 19+ Advanced Learner Loans to help learners aged 19 and over, in further education, pay a college’s or training organisation’s fee. Getting a Loan doesn’t depend on your household income and there’s no credit check. You won’t have to pay anything back until you’re earning over £25,000 a year. Once you earn over £25,000 a year you’ll pay back 9% of the earnings you’ll receive above this amount. To be eligible for the loan you must be:
- 19 or older on the first day of your course (there’s no upper age limit)
- living in the England on the first day of your course, and have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for 3 years immediately before this starting your course on or after 1 August 2013
** All funded RQF courses on the learndirect website are delivered by Dimensions Training Solutions.
Dimensions Training Solutions are rated "Good" by Ofsted
