Course at a glance
Introduction
This diploma is designed to explore Pharmacology. interested in pharmacology in either a personal or professional context. This course is relevant for those who work in the healthcare sector and would like to develop their knowledge and understanding of the subject. This course is also indicated for those who do not work in the medical industry who would like to further their knowledge and understanding in order to progress to higher levels of study or transfer their knowledge to practical based roles.
Learning Objectives
- Students will have an opportunity to learn about Pharmacology
- To review the how drugs act and are used to treat illness and diseases
- Look at different types of drugs and the benefits of these
- A review of how to use different aspects of Pharmacology
- The course encourages the development of Pharmacology as a working role
This course consists of Ten Units and is a qualification awarded by Oxford Learning College, in its own right; with the quality assurance of a leading awarding body (CIE Global) that hallmarks this professional qualification.
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.
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.
Quality of Written Communication (QWC)
In addition, OLC 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 Pharmacology Diploma Entry Requirement
Entry to this Accredited Level 3 Pharmacology 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 Pharmacology Diploma Course Length
1 Year.
Awarding Body
Accredited Level 3 Pharmacology Diploma Course Content
The whole level three diploma has TEN (10) specific units of study, which are sub-divided into topic areas these are:
Accredited Level 3 Pharmacology Diploma Unit 1: What is Pharmacology?
In this unit you will learn about the science has evolved over the years and basis for the practice medicine, nursing, dentistry and veterinarian medicine. There is continuous research by pharmacologists and drug companies to develop new drugs to improve the treatment options for illness and diseases.
Accredited Level 3 Pharmacology Diploma Unit 2: The Principles of Pharmacokinetics
Within this unit you will explore process of Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Elimination (ADME). The main drug administration sites and their corresponding elimination routes in the body are described. You will explore the role of the kidneys and also liver.
Accredited Level 3 Pharmacology Diploma Unit 3: How Drugs Act
Through this unit you will be able to discover how drugs work within the body and the mechanisms for drug actions. In order for drugs to have an effect of the body they must target specific receptors such as pain receptors, this unit will explore the classifications of receptors and how chemical messages and cell communication occurs.
Accredited Level 3 Pharmacology Diploma Unit 4: The Respiratory System
Here you will discover anatomy of the respiratory system (mouth, nose, trachea, lungs and diaphragm) and the physiology of breathing. The unit also addresses the more common respiratory conditions associated with this system such as Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Accredited Level 3 Pharmacology Diploma Unit 5: The Heart and Vascular System
In this unit you will learn understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the heart and the vascular system, and the conditions that can affect each system – such as angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, systemic hypertension and peripheral vascular disease.
Accredited Level 3 Pharmacology Diploma Unit 6: The Kidneys
You will explore the presentation of anatomy and physiology of the kidneys, and their specific diseases and treatments available, with a focus on the drugs that affect the kidneys and associated systems. You will gain an understanding of kidney stones and kidney failure.
Accredited Level 3 Pharmacology Diploma Unit 7: The Digestive System
Here you review how the digestive system accounts for 8% of all prescriptions of medications in the UK ranging from treatment for vomiting and diarrhoea to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease.
Accredited Level 3 Pharmacology Diploma Unit 8: The Pancreas, Pituitary and Thyroid Glands
Within this unit you will explore the anatomy and physiology and functional mechanisms of each gland will be examined, along with associated illnesses such as diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism.
Accredited Level 3 Pharmacology Diploma Unit 9: The Nervous System
This unit is reviewing the central nervous system. You will discover an understanding of drugs and characteristics that are used for treatment purposes for the nervous system as well as reviewing the pharmacological characteristics of antiepileptics, antipsychotics, antidepressants and analgesics.
Accredited Level 3 Pharmacology Diploma Unit 10: Antibiotics and Chemotherapy
In this final unit is reviewing the previous nits as well as looking into how antibiotic drugs destroy infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The unit also explains how cancer cells grow and reproduce, and the mechanism of chemotherapy and its impact on the process of cell division – along with its side effects, such as hair loss and vomiting.
Progression
This Accredited Level 3 Pharmacology Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4 Diploma or higher.
