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 cells combining to form various organs, how they work and what affects them. Details about how the body works, how and why it gets 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 and all the organisms surrounding us inherit their genetic make-up.
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 OLC 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 OLC 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. It is also part of the College’s validated level three Diplomas’, recognised internationally, as verified and moderated Centre for Interactive Education (CIE Global). Further details of our accreditations are provided on our website.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Course Length
1 Year.
Awarding Body
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Course Content
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Module 1: The Chemistry of Life and Cells
The first simple organism that formed on earth was only one-cell big. These cellular 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 the body to function, the transport of materials in and out of cells and around 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 Module 2: Gaseous Exchange, Enzymes and Digestion
This module 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. For example, you will look at how digestion occurs and all waste that is removed from the body in both cellular and larger organisms.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Module 3: Genes, Cell Cycles and Genetic Engineering and its Applications
This module examines processes of how cells replicate and reproduce in detail. Along with presents both description and explanation of the genetic code, DNA and gene expression in humans and how variation and mutation occurs within a species. This module links the biological evidence to techniques and concepts of genetic engineering which is relevant to human existence today. Further to this, there will be discussion about genetic markers for disease screening and the issues surrounding gene therapy.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Module 4: The Mammal, Bacteria and Viruses
The microbiology of viruses and bacteria are discussed with the composition of body cells e.g. blood as they are similar in function. How oxygen and nutrients are transported around the body to each cell and how all waste is removed is shown. This is a comprehensive module, spanning many body systems e.g. the structure and function of the human circulatory system including cardiac cycle and cardiac output is detailed in 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 Module 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 module is a logical progression from module 4 by looking 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 module also looks at the history, production and application of antibiotics, screening processes and disease differentiation.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Module 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 to use to provide movement, speech and function of body systems. We react to stimuli in the environment and 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, e.g. how humans respond to various stimuli such as pain and danger and how this information is passed around the body is described. This helps to understand how everything in humans is controlled e.g. sight, breathing, memory, moving away from fire to producing hormones and enzymes.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Module 7: Hormones, Homeostasis, Muscle and Movement
The nervous and endocrine systems complement each other in order to control biological systems. This module 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 blood stream, and exocrine glands secrete into cavities e.g. digestive chemicals or to the outside such as sweat glands. Incorporated within this module will be the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system and how this relates to maintaining homeostasis, particularly movement such as walking and internal movement such as the heart being able to pump blood around the body.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Module 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 module 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 is looked at in respect of evolutionary processes, how organisms developed and are classified.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Module 9: Environment
The environment is crucial to human survival. In this module we will examine energy and nutrient flow (through various cycles e.g. the carbon and Nitrogen cycles), as well as looking at ecosystems and their role in human endurance. Farming methods and food production relevant to human nutritional needs and problems is examined. Along with, various trophic levels and the role of other animals and plant life in relation to our own existence is discussed. You will also get the chance to look at the concepts of human survival, population, competition for survival and health related to planetary wellbeing.
Accredited Level 3 Human Biology Diploma Module 10: Life Cycle
Clearly, reproduction sets living and non-living things apart otherwise robots really could replace humans. In this final module reproduction, growth and development is looked at in 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 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 Diploma or higher.
