Access to Higher Education Medical Science

The units you will study are likely to include:

Core Units: Medical chemistry Medical physics Study of a medical condition Demography & Planning Fundamentals of chemistry Biochemistry Cardiac & respiratory Infectious diseases Skeleton & muscle Nervous system Nutrition & digestion Inheritance & genetic engineering Regulation & Control

*All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.

This course is aimed at 19+ students who have had a year out of education post 18. It is ideal if you have an interest in returning to study with the intention of progressing to university on associated subject degree courses. Our students come from many different walks of life but all wish to make a change in their careers or circumstances and this is achieved through an Access course.

The course is assessed through course work and assessment although some of the assessments may take the form of in class tests, reports, practical activities, research activities. Students must achieve 45 graded credits and 15 ungraded to pass the course. The study skills required for completing assignments at this level and at degree level will be taught so that all students are well prepared for the next stage of their learning.

Your study programme is usually over three/four days between 9-3pm over a 30-week period. It is a full-time course and very demanding so attendance is required in all classes to ensure the highest level of achievement is possible. You will study a variety of units that will enable you to gain the skills and academic experiences to assist in your progress to university. The study programme is made up of subject units, study skills and tutorial and students are expected to attend all classes due to the intensive nature of the course. If you have an interest in a health or allied health profession then it is advised that you have gained work experience/voluntary work in an associated area e.g. care/health/hospital environment as many universities expect you to demonstrate this on your application.

• The quality procedures relevant to the workplace
• How to recognise problems and apply appropriate scientific methods to identify causes and achieve solutions
• The foundations of health and safety including responsibility for health and safety under Health & Safety at Work Act (HASWA).

• Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks
• Demonstrate technical competence in The Use of specified instruments and equipment
• Keep accurate records of laboratory Work undertaken and results.

• Effective teamwork
• Ability to Work independently and take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks
• time management and Ability to complete Work to agreed schedule.

Students apply for university in the first term of the course so having some idea of what you would like to study will help immensely. However, if you are unsure then you still have time to decided and you will have the opportunity to discuss your options with your tutor and subject teachers.
After successful completion of the course, students can progress to directly into university providing they meet the entry requirements.

GCSE English grade 4/C and GCSE maths grade 3/D minimum. Please be aware that some course and universities require you to have a minimum of grade 4/C in both so please check prior to applying. 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.

You must bring your interview letter to your appointment and arrive 15 minutes before your interview is due to take place.