Course at a glance
Introduction
The Accredited Level 2 Diploma in Human Biology is designed to facilitate development of an understanding of biological principles and concepts relating to the human body and the physiology of the body. Students will also learn how to evaluate the positive and negative aspects of scientific developments and advances.
The course is designed to be accessible for those with limited scientific backgrounds, and as such is an excellent starting point for students wishing to learn more about biological science.
The course includes aspects of science that are relevant to everyday life and therefore appropriate for distance and adult learning. There is no practical coursework associated with the course but science skills and knowledge are integral elements of the core topics, so embedded within the course syllabus are independent learning activities and evaluation of practical based components to further assist students understanding of the course.
The course is a year in length and divided into 2 units of study. At the end of each unit there is an associated TMA (Tutor Marked Assessment) which students are required to complete and submit. The course is formally assessed by an average grade being attained from the 2 submitted Assessments.
The following unit descriptors are brief content guides to the course components and should provide a holistic overview of structure and format.
Assessment Objectives (AO)
AO: 1
Students must select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. This assessment, involves two written assignments: one halfway through the course and following the final unit. Both are assessed and graded by the assigned tutor, according to college procedures. The grading procedure if Pass or Fail. If you Fail an assessment you have the opportunity to amend where your tutor has highlighted and resubmit.
AO: 2
Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. Students can include evidence in different formats to support their written work such as documentation or images to support their course remembering Confidentiality and Data Protection.
Quality of Written Communication (QWC)
In addition, COLC require students’ to produce written material in English, candidates must: ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG) are accurate so that meaning is clear; select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to studying a complex subject matter; organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate and Harvard referencing of citation and sources. In this Specification, SPG will be assessed in all tutor marked assignments (TMAs)
To ensure that we maintain quality standards; all our students written assignments are subject to our plagiarism policy and procedure.
Accredited Level 2 Human Biology Diploma Entry Requirements
Basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.
All students must be 16 years of age or above.
Study Hours
Approximately 160 hours.
Course Duration
1 Year.
Enrolment
You can enrol on the course at any time.
Awarding Body
Assessment Method
Two tutor marked assignments; one assignment after each unit.
Course Content
Accredited Level 2 Human Biology Diploma Unit 1: Physiology and the Basics
Module 1: Cells and tissues
- Cell structure and function
- Microscopes
- Grouping of cells into tissues
- Organisation of tissues into organs
- Scientific units of length
- Diffusion, osmosis and active transport
- Surface area, volume ratio, temperature and concentration gradient
- Cellular respiration and energy
- Chemical equations
- ATP
- Role of enzymes
- Experimental design and investigative skills
Module 2: Physiology part 1
- Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids
- Role of glucose
- Vitamins and mineral ions
- Dietary requirements
- Digestion
- Circulatory system (blood, heart)
- Breathing and gas exchange processes
- Applications (conditions and treatments)
- Investigative skills and evaluating data
Module 3: Physiology part 2
- Homeostasis
- Excretion
- Thermoregulation
- Osmoregulation
- Central nervous system
- Sense organs
- Musculoskeletal system
- Movement
- Hormones
- Liver
- Kidney
- Applications (conditions and treatments)
- Investigative skills and evaluating data
Accredited Level 2 Human Biology Diploma Unit 2: Reproduction and Microorganisms
Module 4: Reproduction and Inheritance
- Male and female reproductive systems
- Fertility
- Chromosomes, genes and DNA: variation and mutation
- Cell division: mitosis and meiosis
- Genes and inheritance
- Natural and artificial selection
- Cell division (mitosis and meiosis)
- Investigative skills
Module 5: Microorganisms
- Disease and infection
- Viruses and bacteria
- Vectors
- Immunity and vaccines
- Decomposers, pollution and hygiene
- Ecosystems and the environment
- Global warming
- Deforestation
- Ionising radiation
- Investigative skills
Progression
This Accredited Level 2 Human Biology Diploma can be used in preparation for progressing to higher level study in relevant biological subjects (for example Accredited Level 3 Diplomas) or as a vehicle for career development or to fulfil entry requirements to education courses.
