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Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science)

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Ofqual Code 40013443
Delivered Through learndirect ltd
Qualification Level 3
Guided Learning Hours 600
Enrolment Will be Valid for 1 year
Credits 60
Study Mode Online
Entry Criteria Learners should aspire to study a veterinary-related degree and be able to meet the other entry requirements for their chosen degree course by the time they apply to university
Assessment Method End of unit assignments
Award Type Diploma
Start Date Anytime
Entry Requirements To study an Access to HE Diploma you must be resident in the UK and have a UK postcode. You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.

Qualification Summary:

This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science) has been specifically designed as a stepping stone to qualifying as a Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary Nurse through online study. The course is a Level 3 equivalent which will allow learners to apply for a veterinary degree without the need for A Levels.

The course covers animal health and care and will prepare learners with study skills ahead of studying at degree level.

This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science) is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification that is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

This course satisfies the entry criteria for many subject-related higher education study programmes, such as the *University of Bristol’s BVSc Veterinary Science degree.

university of bristol logo

*Please note that our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science) has been accepted for 2023 entry. Students should refer to the University prospectus for 2024 entry requirements.

Hartpury University will also consider applications from students with this qualification, for more information on entry requirements, please visit BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing (2023) | University | Hartpury University and Hartpury College.

Get into Hartpury University with an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science)

What You Will Study:

Unit 1

Unit 1: Animal Cells, Locomotion and Senses

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the biology of animal cells.
  • Understand locomotion of different non-human animals.
  • Understand sensory organs in non-human animals.

Unit 2

Unit 2: Animal Patterns of Behaviour, Communication and Welfare Issues

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand non-human animal behaviour patterns and conditioning.
  • Understand non-human animal communication.
  • Understand animal welfare needs and issues affecting welfare of animals in specific contexts.
  • Understand animal welfare law and groups in the UK.

Unit 3

Unit 3: Major Physiological Processes of Non-Human Animals

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand feeding behaviours of different non-human animals.
  • Understand the respiratory and circulatory differences between different animals.
  • Understand how a range of different types of animals move.
  • Understand reproductive processes and factors of a range of different animals.

Unit 4

Unit 4: The Digestive System and Dietary Needs of Non-Human Animals

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand nutrient requirements and sources for an animal.
  • Understand the need for a balanced diet in animals.
  • Understand digestive systems of animals and the impact of ruminating.
  • Be able to calculate the energy requirements and nutritional values required to keep animals healthy.
  • Understand the causes, signs, impact, and treatments for issues arising from nutritional imbalance.

Unit 5

Unit 5: Cell Division and Genetic Variation

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand cell division.
  • Understand genetic variation.

Unit 6

Unit 6: Cellular and Subcellular Metabolism

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand cell metabolism including metabolic pathways.
  • Understand the process of producing ATP via the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
  • Understand the dark reactions phase which occurs during photosynthesis.
  • Understand how subcellular organelles generate ATP.

Unit 7

Unit 7: Arrangement and Trends in the Periodic Table

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the arrangement of elements in the periodic table.
  • Understand the periodicity of period 3 of the periodic table.
  • Understand ionisation energies in relation to period 3.
  • Understand the oxidation and reduction effects of reactions.
  • Understand reactions of the Group 2 metals.

Unit 8

Unit 8: Atomic Structure, Electronic Structures, and bonds

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand atomic structure and relative atomic mass.
  • Be able to write and interpret electronic structures.
  • Understand ion formation and ion bonds.
  • Understand covalent bonds formation.

Unit 9

Unit 9: Hydrocarbons, Alkanes and Alkenes

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the impact of organic compounds.
  • Understand alkane structure and reactions.
  • Understand alkene structure and reactions.

Unit 10

Unit 10: Molarity and chemical change

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Be able to calculate solution concentrations.
  • Understand enthalpy change.
  • Be able to analyse data to determine reaction order.
  • Understand chemical equilibrium.

Unit 11

Unit 11: The structure and bonding of molecules

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand electronic configuration.
  • Understand different types of chemical bond.
  • Understand polarisation and intermolecular forces.
  • Understand the structure and properties of different molecules and compounds.
  • Be able to apply electron pair repulsion theory.
  • Understand the nature of organic chemicals.

Unit 12

Unit 12: Applied Statistical Research

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Be able to devise a statistical investigation.
  • Be able to collect and statistically process data.
  • Be able to apply data analysis to an investigation aim and hypotheses.
  • Be able to critically evaluate an investigation.

Unit 13

Unit 13: Exploring Cellular Structure and Activity

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand cellular structure.
  • Understand the processes and products of cellular metabolism.
  • Understand cellular growth, division, and the impact of cancer at a cellular level.

Unit 14

Unit 14: Exploring the Structure of the Atom

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Understand the properties of protons, electrons, and neutrons.
  • Understand the distribution of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom/isotope.
  • Understand s, p, and d orbitals.
  • Understand the relationship between ionisation energies and reactivity.
  • Understand how ionisation energy data is reflected in the periodic table.

Unit 15

Unit 15: Planning and Writing an Assignment

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Be able to select and assess appropriate source information in response to a task.
  • Be able to reference sources used in a recognised style.
  • Understand different reading strategies.
  • Be able to take effective notes.
  • Be able to plan, draft and produce a written assignment.

Unit 16

Unit 16: Writing and Studying Academic Texts

On completion of this unit you will:

  • Be able to write academically and with relevance.
  • Be able to interpret and express ideas in a piece of academic work.
  • Be able to analyse and summarise text, and appreciate the problems caused by plagiarism.

Veterinary Careers

There are a variety of veterinary career options including:

Veterinary Surgeon: Becoming a vet is a highly popular career choice for those wishing to work with animals. It requires extensive training and, once qualified, there is a need to keep up with current veterinary knowledge through continuing professional development (CPD).

A vet is responsible for the prevention of disease and for the medical and surgical treatment of animals including domestic pets, zoo animals, farm animals and horses. The work of a vet is varied and may involve prescribing medicines, acting as an anaesthetist, radiographer and surgeon, carrying out and interpreting diagnostic tests such as x-rays, laboratory work and ultra-sound, vaccinating animals against various forms of disease, euthanasia, caring for in-patient animals and providing documentation for animals travelling abroad.

Veterinary Nurse: Veterinary nurses work as part of a veterinary team to provide medical and surgical nursing care for animals. This responsible position involves hands on nursing care for sick or injured animals, educating owners about pet health and welfare and carrying out medical treatments and minor procedures. 

Animal Nursing Assistant/Veterinary Care Assistant: Animal nursing assistants work closely with the animals in veterinary practices or veterinary hospitals. Their role is vital in assisting veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons and other practice staff.

Veterinary Physiotherapist: This role involves treating animals with injuries, investigating mobility problems, preventing recurring injuries and helping to reduce pain. Physiotherapists utilise a variety of techniques including massage, soft tissue and joint mobilisation, electrotherapy, ultrasound, magnetic field therapy and hydrotherapy. They may also recommend exercise plans to improve an animal’s fitness and mobility.

Animal Hydrotherapist: Animal hydrotherapists use hydrotherapy techniques to help animals with rehabilitation needs to recover from injury or as part of a pain management plan. It is also used as a type of exercise for animals with mobility issues. 

Veterinary Receptionist: Veterinary receptionists play an important role as part of the team at any veterinary practice, hospital or animal charity. They are responsible for the first impression received by a client (by phone or visit), and they are the interface between the veterinary surgeon, nurses, clients and other veterinary practices or organisations. The work involves administration and requires a good knowledge of animal welfare.
 

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