Full Time Access to Higher Education Diploma - Science for Health Practitioners

Access to Higher Education Diploma - Science for Health Practitioners

• School:
  • School of Lifelong Learning
• Attendance Type:
  • Full Time
• Course Level:
  • Level 3
• Course Keywords:
  • Access,
  • science,
  • biology,
  • chemistry,
  • health care,
  • health,
  • nursing,
  • physiology

Summary:

You need to apply early for this course.

This broad-based course will provide a sound foundation to study on a wide range of science-based degrees, particularly those relating to health care. This course will give you an excellent academic foundation for Higher Education and a range of practical laboratory skills.

Course Length:
One year - The full-time course runs over four days for one year and has child friendly hours.
Entry Requirements:

No formal qualifications or experience are needed. Entry is by interview to discuss your suitability for the course and to check that it is the right course for you. At the interview you will be asked to complete a small piece of diagnostic writing and a numeracy and literacy assessment to make sure that you are at the right academic level to start the course. You will also need to convince us that you have the determination to cope with the demands of an Access course.

Core Skills:
This course is built up from a series of short units encompassing a range of different sciences. These include Biology, Chemistry, Physiology and Health.

You will also study Study Skills and produce a research essay

Assessment:
Assessment is continuous and may take the form of exams, presentations, essays and reports.

Academic Progression:
The course has an excellent pass rate and a good success rate in placing people into HE. Many students choose to continue their studies locally but Access students also move to other areas of the country. The Access qualification offered at City College is validated by CAVA and as such is recognised by other Higher Education institutions.

Career Progression:
You may use your qualification to gain employment in a scientific environment such as a medical laboratory, or in a health related profession such as nursing.

Full Description:
Access courses are designed specifically for students who wish to return to education. They provide a flexible alternative to courses such as A Level and are nationally recognised, through the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. So if you enjoy independent learning and can show enthusiasm and commitment, this could be a perfect choice for you. This pathway has been developed specifically to suit the needs of those wanting to move onto a degree in a health-related area.

The course does not assume any previous knowledge of the science subjects that are covered.

The course is made up of the following subjects - Biology, Physiology, Chemistry, Health Studies, General Science, Study Skills and a Dissertation.

Biology covers the structure and function of the cell; genetics; biochemistry;growth and development and evolution. Some aspects of Biology, for example, the actions of selected organ systems, are covered in more detail in the Physiology unit.

Chemistry involves learning about the basic concepts of the nature of matter and how to manipulate matter in the modern world. This is taught from a strongly practical angle and complements the biology units.

Experimental Methods covers a ramge of applied statistical and data handling techyniques to support the science units in the course. General Science provides support for the skills needed in science. It also allows for reflection on the nature of the scientific method and the status of scientific knowledge.

Finally in Health Studies you will investigate the nature of diseases and discuss their management and treatment.

The Dissertation will allow you to develop your interest in any of these areas.

Students who do not have level 2 qualifications in English and Maths are expected to study Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy at level 2 as part of their Access course.