Course at a glance
Introduction
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 3 Anatomy + Physiology Diploma Entry Requirement
Entry to this Accredited Level 3 Anatomy + Physiology Diploma requires that potential students have gained GCSE/IGCSE or equivalent qualifications and have, good English oral, reading and writing skills.
Advice on enrolment and guidance of prior learning (APL) can be obtained through out contact centre. The course is a rolling programme and can be started at any point in the year. Successful students can go on to Higher Education, including remaining as students at COLC to complete courses in our portfolio of higher awards.
All students must be aged 16 or over.
Assessment
The coursework is assessed through continuous assessment with no formal exit examinations.
Study Hours
Approximately: 200 hours of personal study time for the entire course is recommended. All of which is supported by the COLC Course Tutor, who we greatly encourage students to access support from throughout their course.
Quality Assurance
This course has been developed by the College’s professional team of tutors to meet the needs of sector based employers and employees.
Further details of our accreditations are provided on our website.
Course Length
1 Year.
Awarding Body
Accredited Level 3 Anatomy & Physiology Diploma Course Content
Accredited Unit 1: Introduction to the Human Body
This first unit introduces students to the course material and guides them through the structure of the human body in an organised, logical sequence. Learners will explore body systems and their interconnections, preparing for in-depth study in later units. This unit also covers basic body chemistry and organisation, essential knowledge for students pursuing distance learning in anatomy and physiology.
Key areas covered include:
- Homeostasis: Understanding vital feedback mechanisms, survival functions, transport, and internal communication systems crucial for maintaining body balance.
- Body Chemistry: Insight into atoms, molecules, and compounds, fundamental for learners of complementary and alternative medicine.
- Organisation: An overview of cell structure, tissues, and body system organisation, preparing students for advanced study in later units.
Accredited Unit 2: Communication Systems within the Body – Part 1
This unit is part of a trio that examines the body’s communication systems. Students in this distance learning programme will delve into the functions of blood and the cardiovascular system, exploring how the body communicates and adapts internally and externally.
Topics include:
- Blood: Composition, functions, and common blood disorders.
- Cardiovascular System: Structure of vessels, heart, circulation, blood pressure, pulse, and prevalent disorders—knowledge essential for remote learners in health sciences.
Accredited Unit 3: Communication Systems within the Body: Part 2
This unit explores the lymphatic and nervous systems, focusing on the structures that enable efficient body communication. Distance learning students can expect a comprehensive look at these systems, with guidance on understanding key physiological functions and related disorders.
Covered topics:
- Lymphatic System: Structure, function, and disorders of vessels, organs, and tissues.
- Nervous System: Brain and spinal cord functions, the autonomic nervous system, and common neurological disorders.
Accredited Unit 4: Communication Systems within the Body – Part 3
The final unit in the communication systems series gives online learners insights into special senses and the endocrine system. The course material presents how these systems interact with the environment and maintain balance within the body.
Key study areas:
- Special Senses: Structure and function of the ear and eye, physiology of smell and taste, and common disorders.
- Endocrine System: Structure, function, and commonly associated diseases.
Accredited Unit 5: Intake and Elimination Systems of the Body – Part 1
This first unit on intake and elimination guides distance learning students through the respiratory system, focusing on its structure and the essential role of respiration.
Students will explore:
- Respiratory System: Detailed study of the upper and lower respiratory tracts, the physiology of respiration, and prevalent respiratory disorders.
Accredited Unit 6: Intake and Elimination Systems of the Body – Part 2
In this online unit, learners cover essential nutrition and digestive system functions, focusing on what the body requires for growth and energy. This is fundamental knowledge for students in remote anatomy and physiology programmes.
Topics include:
- Nutrition: Structure and function of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and water.
- Digestive System: Structure, function, nutrient absorption, metabolism, and related disorders.
Accredited Unit 7: Intake and Elimination Systems of the Body – Part 3
Focusing on the urinary system, this unit offers distance learners insights into crucial body functions and waste elimination mechanisms.
Areas covered:
- Urinary System: Structure, function, the physiology of micturition, and common urinary disorders.
Accredited Unit 8: The Survival and Protective Systems of the Body – Part 1
In this unit, students explore immunity and the skin, examining defence mechanisms essential for human survival. This unit is crucial for distance learners studying health science remotely.
Key topics:
- Skin: Structure, function, wound healing, and common skin disorders.
- Immunity: Inflammatory response, cell-mediated and antibody immunity, acquired immunity, and common immune-related disorders.
Accredited Unit 9: The Survival and Protective Systems of the Body – Part 2
This unit focuses on the musculoskeletal system, giving distance learning students an in-depth understanding of bones, muscles, and movement.
Topics include:
- Musculoskeletal System: Study of the axial and appendicular skeleton, joints, muscles, and common musculoskeletal disorders.
Accredited Unit 10: The Survival and Protective Systems of the Body – Part 3
In the final unit, students explore genetics and the reproductive system, rounding out their distance learning experience with foundational knowledge in these critical areas.
Topics covered:
- Genetics: Chromosomes, genes, DNA, protein synthesis, cell division, inheritance, and related disorders.
- Reproductive Systems: Structure, function, and common reproductive disorders.
This revised course content provides a comprehensive, structured, and accessible distance learning experience, ideal for those pursuing education remotely in anatomy and physiology. Each unit is designed to build foundational knowledge, preparing students for further study or careers in complementary medicine, health science, and public health sectors.
Progression
This Accredited Level 3 Anatomy + Physiology Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4+5 Diploma or higher.
You can view a lit of our Level 4+5 Diplomas here: Accredited level 4+5 Diplomas
