A Level in Health and Social Care (A2) H503

This Health and Social Care GCE will suit those who are working towards gaining a place at university, or hoping to gain employment within a related field. The award comprises elements of human biology, sociological principles, nutrition, law related to Health and Social care contexts, ethical principles and application relevant to practice and delivery of services. Successful study of the course will help students to develop knowledge and understanding of the issues that influence health. Students will also have the opportunity to develop skills or research, evaluation and problem solving through the portfolio elements and independent study requirements of the programme. This award will also prepare students for further study or as a route to enter practical training As a distance learner you will complete all of the unit Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) as this allows authentication of your portfolio work by your tutor. These TMAs will also highlight strengths and weaknesses and so facilitate effective examination revision. Portfolio work (coursework) will need to be marked by an external assessor. It cannot be marked by the tutor. Students can contact 3A Tutors in Bristol who offer a marking service.

Students must be able to access a service user/group (in order to meet the portfolio requirements of unit 2) and conduct wide ranging internet research in order to meet the criteria of this course assessment. The unit content is outlined below. All three AS units are mandatory and the A2 units have been carefully selected to meet the unique needs of distance learners so these are not optional and no further unit options are offered by the college.

A2 content and unit overview Unit 4: F19: Care Practice and Provision The first A2 unit is assessed 100% by portfolio work which will be based on research from the course material and independent research conducted by the student (mainly internet based). This unit will explore: oThe planning and provision of services oThe effects of national policy and legislation on provision of services and care practice oDefinition of quality assurance oHow quality assurance is promoted by services oConducting a quality assurance survey oHow services and practitioners meet the individual needs of service users oThe ways in which service practitioners work within partnerships

Unit 5: F20: Understanding Human Behaviour and Development This second A2 unit is assessed by 100% examination and this is based on the course material and some additional student research (internet based) This unit will explore: oHuman development processes oThe factors that affect human development oTheories of development oHow theoretical principles can be applied to aid the understanding of human behaviour and development

Unit 6: F21: Anatomy and Physiology in Practice This final A2 unit is assessed by 100% examination and this is based on the course material and some additional student research (internet based). This unit will explore: oWhy anatomy and physiology is important to Health and Social care practice oThe respiratory system oThe cardiovascular system oThe digestive system oThe reproductive system oThe renal system oThe musculoskeletal system oThe neural system oLifestyle choices and their effects on health and wellbeing