Course at a glance
Introduction
This subject covers all the aspects of the life-science study of humans and all organisms from the tiniest single-celled animal cells that make up the body to plants, cells combining to form all our various organs, how these work and what affects us. Details about how our body works, how and why we get sick, as well the environment that we live in is covered. The human life-cycle is covered so we know everything from how we reproduce to how we inherit our genetic make-up, as well as what makes up all the organisms surrounding us.
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 Human Biology Diploma Entry Requirement
Entry to this Accredited Level 3 Human Biology 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
Course Content
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Unit 1: The Chemistry of Life and Cells
The first simple organism that formed on earth was only one-cell big. These cell creatures developed and became complex. The basic structure and function of cells is explored since all the chemical processes essential to life occur here. These cells are the building blocks of, e.g., our organs from skin to the heart to the brain, as well as of biological synthesis for all organisms. In order for our body to function, the transport of materials in and out of cells as well as around e.g., the body is considered. We look at cells in detail and their functions from how they transport, reproduce, and join to form more complicated structures. How we studied and used techniques like chromatography to investigate and learn about cellular activities is also covered.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Unit 2: Gaseous Exchange, Enzymes and Digestion
This unit looks at the structure and function of the digestive system, respiratory system, and the role of enzymes in vital processes essential to nutrient extraction and assimilation. Each topic is linked to provide a logical overview of how oxygen is exchanged between the atmosphere and the blood, together with how the biochemical processes are initiated in order to maintain equilibrium within the body tissues, so how oxygen is used to convert glucose to energy, for example. How digestion occurs and all waste is removed in both cellular to larger organisms is discussed as this helps us understand how life on earth has developed from how bacteria and fungi compost garden waste to the breakdown of food in bodies.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Unit 3: Genes, Cell Cycles and Genetic Engineering and its Applications
The processes that continually occur within the cells of our body are essential to growth, repair and function. This unit examines processes of how cells replicate and reproduce in detail, and presents both description and explanation of the genetic code, DNA – gene expression in humans and how variation and mutation occurs within a species. The unit links the biological evidence to techniques and concepts of genetic engineering which is relevant to human existence today, for example in how we produce seeds to grow pest-resistant wheat. In addition, there will be discussion about genetic markers for disease screening and the issues surrounding gene therapy. Historic discovery through experiments and development of theories related to each topic is also discussed, e.g., Mendelian genetics.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Unit 4: The Mammal, Bacteria and Viruses
In this unit we look at the structure and function of the human circulatory system including cardiac cycle and cardiac output. We also examine the composition of blood and the microbiology of viruses and bacteria which are similar in function to the cells within the body; also discussing how these are transported around the body. How oxygen and what else is needed gets to each cell and is able to have all its waste removed is shown. This is a comprehensive unit, spanning many body systems but will provide a logical overview of how ‘foreign’ material enters the body and affects wellbeing, e.g., how a coccus bacterium gives a sore throat and how taking medicines or antibiotics can make us better.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Unit 5: Biotechnology, Antibiotics, Disease and Diagnosis
As well as causing disease and illness, there are also “good” micro-organisms such as those used in making bread, yoghurt, beer, ethanol, antibiotics, or those found in human stomachs. How the best organisms are selected and how they work is discussed, as well as how resistance builds up, e.g., to antibiotics. This unit is a logical progression from unit 4, and so looks at a variety of diseases (many but not all are caused by Bacteria and Virus e.g., ‘flu, laryngitis, Mumps, HIV) and their diagnosis. It will briefly present a range of symptoms and discuss the possible outcomes of these diseases in relation to each system. The unit also looks at the history, production, and application of antibiotics, screening processes, and disease differentiation.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Unit 6: Respiration, Photosynthesis, Stimulus and Response
Respiration and photosynthesis are the two most important processes in Biology; they are the reverse of each other. Metabolism refers to all chemical reactions in the cell, and respiration and photosynthesis are two such examples of light energy being changed into useful energy so we can move, talk, etc. We are also able to react to stimuli in the environment. The way we react to stimuli is vital to continued successful existence and is done by the endocrine and central nervous system. The structure and function of the nervous system, so how humans respond to various stimuli such as pain, danger, etc., and how this information is passed around the body is detailed in order to understand how everything in humans is controlled from, e.g., sight, breathing, memory, moving away from fire to producing hormones and enzymes.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Unit 7: Hormones, Homeostasis, Muscle and Movement
The nervous and endocrine systems complement each other in order to control biological systems. This unit will explore the way in which the human body maintains a steady internal environment. Endocrine glands secrete hormones into tissue fluid which directly diffuses into the bloodstream, and exocrine glands secrete into cavities e.g., digestive chemicals or to the outside such as sweat glands. Incorporated within this unit will be the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system and how this relates to maintaining homeostasis, particularly movement such as walking and the heart pumping blood around the body.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Unit 8: Genetics, Variation and Evolution
Evolution and natural selection within any species is dynamic. Continuing from the earlier mention of Gregor Mendel (1822-84), this unit examines human evolution, the various theories (e.g., Darwin’s), and the impact of genetics on diversity, variation, and natural selection processes. Sex determination is discussed in some depth and related to different non-genetic influences. In addition, inheritance will be looked at in respect of evolutionary processes, how organisms developed and are classified.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Unit 9: Environment
Why do we live where we do, in such diverse environments from Greenland to the deserts in Mali, Africa? The environment is crucial to human survival. In this unit we will examine energy and nutrient flows (through various cycles e.g., the carbon and Nitrogen cycles), as well as looking at ecosystems and their role in human endurance. The unit will examine farming methods and food production relevant to human nutritional needs and problems. In addition, various trophic levels and the role of other animals and plant life in relation to our own existence is discussed. Concepts of human survival, population, competition for survival, and health related to planetary wellbeing and changes will be covered.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Unit 10: Life Cycle
Clearly, reproduction sets living and non-living things apart, otherwise robots really could replace humans. In this final unit, reproduction, growth, and development will be looked at in some detail. Exploration of different ages of human beings will include looking at relevant processes such as language acquisition, child development stages, and what affects us and happens to us in old age. The marvel of pregnancy and birth will be covered and related to different essentials of life such as a healthy diet, digestion, wellbeing, and how these things are linked to cognitive and physical development.
Progression
This Accredited Level 3 Human Biology 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
