Access to Higher Education: Science for Health Practitioners Level 3, Full Time, 1 year 3

Summary

The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Science for Health Practitioners, as validated by CAVA, is a qualification which prepares students aged 19 years and over, without appropriate qualifications, for study at degree level. The Access programme will qualify you to study a wide range of nursing and other health-based degrees, including physiotherapy, midwifery, mental health nursing, occupational therapy and paramedic science, as well as degrees in the natural sciences. The programme is modular and will be delivered over 2.5 days a week. It covers relevant aspects of science, with an emphasis on practical work. There are four units of biology, covering the structure and function of the cell, genetics, biochemistry, growth and development, and evolution/homeostasis.

There are two units of chemistry; which cover basic chemical concepts, biochemistry and the relevance of chemistry to human health in the modern world. These chemistry units include basic concepts of the nature of matter, laboratory skills and how to manipulate matter in the modern world. This is taught from a strongly practical angle and complements the biology units. Further units in this course will cover human physiology, research skills, introductory maths for science, general science and a range of applied statistical and data handling techniques. All are designed to support the science units of the course. In Health studies, you will investigate the nature of health and disease and relate to topical health issues.