Access to Higher Education Diploma (Veterinary Science)
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Ofqual Code | 40013443 |
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Delivered Through | learndirect ltd |
Qualification Level | 3 |
Guided Learning Hours | 600 |
Enrolment Will be Valid for | 2 years |
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).
Additional requirements
Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have completed and passed the course induction and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.
What You Will Study:
Unit 1
Unit 1: Academic Writing Skills
On successful completion of this module, you will:
• Be able to structure a written response
• Be able to develop a structured response to a plan
• Be able to present the response appropriately for audience and purpose
• Understand how to apply academic writing principles to own work
Unit 2
Unit 2: Reading and Note Making
On successful completion of this module, you will:
• Understand a range of reading strategies
• Understand the use of language in terms of the purpose and context of a range of texts
• Be able to use methods for developing notes from a range of sources
Unit 3
Unit 3: The Structure and Function of Cells
On successful completion of this module, you will:
• Understand cellular structure and organisation
• Be able to analyse cellular activity
• Be able to analyse the cell cycle
Unit 4
Unit 4: Atoms, Bonds and Structure
On successful completion of this module, you will:
• Understand atomic structure
• Understand bonding, structure and properties
• Be able to analyse intermolecular forces
Unit 5
Unit 5: Animal Cells, Locomotion and Senses
On successful completion of this module, you will:
• Understand the biology of animal cells
• Understand locomotion of different non-human animals
• Understand sensory organs in non-human animals
Unit 6
Unit 6: Cell Division and Genetics
On successful completion of this module, you will:
• Understand mitosis
• Understand meiosis
• Understand genetic variation
Unit 7
Unit 7: Animal Behaviour and Welfare
On successful completion of this module, you will:
• Understand non-human animal behaviour
• Understand non-human animal communication
• Understand animal welfare needs and issues affecting welfare of animals in specific contexts
• Understand the role of animal welfare legislation and the role of animal welfare organisations in the UK
Unit 8
Unit 8: Respiration in Cells
On successful completion of this module, you will:
• Understand the principles of energy release from respiratory substrates in living organisms
• Understand the aerobic respiratory pathway of glycolysis, Krebs cycle and the electron transport system
• Understand how anaerobic respiration releases less energy than aerobic respiration
Unit 9
Unit 9: The Digestive System and Dietary Needs of Animals
On successful completion of this module, 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 of animals at different life stages
• Understand the causes, signs, impact and treatments for issues arising from nutritional imbalance
Unit 10
Unit 10: Organic Concepts and Hydrocarbons
On successful completion of this module, you will:
• Understand general concepts of organic chemistry
• Understand the chemistry of alkanes
• Understand the chemistry of alkenes
• Understand the chemistry of arenes
Unit 11
Unit 11: Animal Physiology
On successful completion of this module, you will:
• Understand feeding behaviours of different non-human animals
• Understand the respiratory and circulatory differences between different animals
• Understand reproductive processes and factors of a range of different animals
Unit 12
Unit 12: Chemistry of Drugs and Medicines
On successful completion of this module, you will:
• Understand the key definitions used in medicinal chemistry
• Understand the significance of the molecular structure of drugs upon their function
• Understand analytic methods used for drug detection
• Understand the importance of isomerism in drug action
• Be able to analyse common processes involved in drug design
Unit 13
Unit 13: Numerical Analysis of Statistical Data
On successful completion of this module, you will:
• Be able to analyse a set of data
• Be able to analyse data in a frequency table
• Be able to analyse data in a grouped frequency table
• Be able to analyse bivariate data
Unit 14
Unit 14: Kinetics, Energetics, Equilibria and Acid-Base Equilibria
On successful completion of this module, you will:
• Understand chemical kinetics
• Understand energetics
• Understand chemical equilibria
• Understand acid-base equilibria
Unit 15
Unit 15: Ecology and Environmental Science
On successful completion of this module, you will:
• Understand habitats, ecosystems and energy flow
• Understand ecosystem management
• Be able to evaluate the role of the UK government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved with environmental protection
Unit 16
In addition to the qualification units, you will also be required to complete a course induction which comprises of three short introductory tasks to support the development of your academic study skills.
Veterinary Careers
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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