Access to Higher Education Diploma – Science (Biology and Chemistry Pathway)

The Access course has been designed for those adults who feel they missed out on higher education when they were younger or would like a change of career. The Access to Science (Biology and Chemistry) pathway will develop your practical skills in both biology and chemistry, leading to career opportunities in a wide variety of science disciplines. This programme aims to provide a firm foundation for study at degree level. Study skills and educational guidance form essential parts of the course.

Want to be able to make informed decisions about your health, the environment or technological advancements? Students are highly successful on our courses due to experienced staff and their ability to develop your knowledge and enquiring mind through interesting units and research opportunities.

Tutorial sessions support learners and offer guidance with the UCAS process and study skills.

The Diploma is taught by subject specialist teaching staff in a supportive environment to develop the academic skills necessary to progress onto higher education. You will have homework and assignment work set each week with strict deadlines.

Although you only need to attend College part time, you’re expected to dedicate up to 20 hours per week to self-study, making it equivalent to a full time commitment.

Students will develop practical laboratory skills, scientific writing skills, note taking, reference writing and exam practice, as well as confidence in independent study and good time management. Additional support is available for students for particular difficulties/needs.

There is also:

• Learning Support
• Future Steps Team
• Learning Resource Centres (LRCs)
• a Learner Support Fund (apply through College)
• Designated study space specifically for our HE and Access to HE students

Funding
Funding and Advanced Learner Loans are available for this course. Click here to view Funding Options A and C.
A bursary may also be available. For further information on your funding options, please phone 01392 400170 or email adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk for advice.

For further detail please visit our Awarding Body website here.

The programme consists of compulsory core units and subject options.

The course currently covers the following units:

Study Skills and IT

• Academic Study Techniques
• Word Processing

Biology

• Human Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• Respiration and Circulation
• Photosynthesis
• Genetics
• Introduction to Ecology

Chemistry

• Introduction to Chemistry
• Acids and Bases
• Alcohols, Amines and Carboxylic Acids
• Periodic Table
• Physical Chemistry

Practical Scientific Project

• Mathematics
• Statistical Analysis
• Exponentials and Logarithms

Please note these are subject to change.

Students may also be enrolled on a supplementary IT course, at no extra cost. Essential Digital Skills has been designed to enhance and polish IT skills for use in the real world and is vital for university and future careers.

Progression routes: Past students have gone on to work in or study various subjects, including: Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, Computer Science, Biosciences, Dietetics, Forensic Science, Radiography, Medical Science, Paramedic Science and Veterinary Science. You could also progress on to study Coaching and Fitness or Sports Therapy at a higher level at Exeter College. If you are considering applying for medical science, dentistry or veterinary science, please be advised there are additional requirements such as UCAT tests taken between July and September you would need before applying to University. You are strongly advised to check admissions criteria for any university you are planning to apply to.

Please note: this course does not cater for progression into Maths based higher education courses such as Engineering, Architecture and Physics.

This course takes place in the Maths and Science Centre and the Tower Building on the Hele Road site.

• GCSE Maths Grade 4/C or above
• GCSE English Grade 4/C or above or IELTS score of 6.5 overall and no less than 6.5 in any other section for all International and non-speaking English students. The test should be no older than 2 years prior to the start of the programme.
• GCSE in any Science Grade 4/C or above

You can also access English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) or adult GCSE English courses at the College.

We also offer a Preparation for Access to Higher Education – Science course.

• Digital and Data Centre – there are many spaces for adult students to study and an Access to Higher Education student computer room
• Cafes – for example, in the Digital and Data Centre and the Tower building
• Learning Resource Centres (LRCs)
• You will have access to fully equipped laboratories (Maths and Science Centre)

As well as the course fees, applicants need to factor in food, travel, books, stationery and printing costs. Applications for our college Learner Support Fund or the Bursary Fund are advisable for applicants who know that they may struggle financially.

Please be aware that there are no car parking facilities at Exeter College city centre sites, but public car parks are available across the city.