Access to Higher Education Science

The units you will study are likely to include:

Core Units:

1. Human biology Biochemistry Regulation and Control Skeleton & Muscles Nutrition & Digestion
2. Chemistry Energetics Fundamentals of Chemistry: Experiments Fundamentals of Chemistry Hydrocarbons
3. Physics Medical Physics
4. Maths Statistics
5. Study Skills
   1. Introductory Academic
6. Practical Investigation

All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.

Students aged 19+ who have been out of education for at least one year post 18 study and aiming to go on to university to study for a Degree or equivalent in a STEM related course. It is also an appropriate course for those wishing to progress into the Allied Health Professions which may require a physics or chemistry element such as radiography, paramedic science.

The course is organised into units. All units are compulsory and achievement in all units is required to pass the course.

Credits will be awarded for the successful completion of the coursework and timed assignments for each unit.

Sixty credits are available on the course and all are required for the Access Diploma.

Most units are graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction

This is a full time, academic course that requires a high level of attendance due to the intensity of the course and the assessments required. There will be a large amount of practical work underpinning many of the units so attendance is compulsory to ensure that these practical elements are taught, learnt and assessed. The course usually runs over 3/4 days between 9am and 3.30 but students must be able to commit to a minimum 15 hours outside of the classroom to complete assessments.

A range of subject knowledge focused on the three main sciences of biology, chemistry and physics plus a a variety of options involving applied science topics and practical based units such as practical skills investigation, medical physics, fundamentals of chemistry, infection & disease.

A wide range of skills will be developed that provide the basics needed for progression to higher level courses such as: -Communicating scientific knowledge Critical thinking Decision making Problem solving Using apparatus and identifying equipment Producing risk assessments Forming conclusions Independent thinking Researching Problem solving

Behaviours are those characteristics that are required by an employer and these are reinforced and developed within your Access classes. They can include a variety of responses such as adaptability, resilience, collaboration, communication, punctuality and time management, teamwork, professional conduct and having a positive attitude, all which will be explored and refined throughout your course. The expectation is that students build upon their own experiences and background to develop the key behaviours to enable them to progress and pursue the variety of pathways available to them in the health industry. Professional behaviours associated with science and health professions are taught throughout.

Students aged over 19 years old - may be eligible to apply for a 19+ loan to fund your course fees - please refer to our student enrolment team for more details.

Help may be available from the Student Bursary Fund towards costs of childcare, books and materials. Please contact the Student Support Team on 01604 734066 for more details.

You will need access to a laptop or computer to complete the course as all work is submitted online through Teams portal. You will be expected to purchase a lab coat, safety glasses and scientific calculator prior to starting the course as these are essential for completing the activities during the course. There may be opportunities to take part in visits/trips to the science/natural history museum and local industry. The cost will be approximately £20-30 and is payable during the year as and when trips happen. There will be the opportunity to experience guest speakers from various organisations to give you an idea of the various industries and occupations that are available to science students

Students on this course can access a variety of science based HE courses such as biochemistry, biology, zoology, biological science, psychology, education and teaching, geology, archaeology. It is recommended that you research the course or degree subject you wish to pursue to determine if there are specific units or subjects that are required for entry onto that pathway.

GCSE English and maths at Grade 4; students must be aged 19+, out of education for at least one year post 18, demonstration of life-experience outside of education. Due to the demands of the Access course it will not be possible to take any GCSEs alongside. GCSEs required for college and/or University entrance must be taken in the year prior to enrolling for the Access course.

We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.