Access to Higher Education - Vet Science & Zoology

Research is a fundamental skill in higher education and in this unit we explore the different approaches to academic research and how you can use it in your work to add depth and evidence to points you make. We also look at how to properly credit original authors and use Harvard referencing to show where important information has come from.

In this unit we look at the UCAS system used to apply for higher education, and we learn how to make the most of the application process and the importance of career planning and realistic expectations.

In this unit we explore the idea of chemical equilibria both in terms of dynamic equilibria where a reaction can proceed both forwards and backwards as well as the behaviour and reactions of acids and bases. We explore the nature of buffer solutions and identify that the dissociation of water is an example of a homogenous equilibrium.

In this unit we look at the energy changes that accompany all chemical reactions and identify exothermic and endothermic examples. We introduce the concept of enthalpy and use the Born-Haber cycle to understand and describe enthalpy changes in reactions.

This unit introduces the fundamentals organic chemistry, the chemistry of compounds based primarily on carbon. We look at  the system we use for naming and describing these compounds and we compare different homologous series and their reactions and properties and explain the similarities and differences.

The periodic table is vital in our understanding of the known chemical elements. In this unit we look at the information it provides us and how we can use it to identify trends and patterns in behaviour amongst the groups and periods.

In this unit we explore the different ways in which we calculate and compare amounts of substance. We explain the idea of the mole and demonstrate then methods used in acid-base titrations, following the volumes and pHs and temperature changes involved.

In this unit we look to explain some of the most important chemical properties as a result of the structure of the atom and the subatomic particles it contains. We look at how different elements have different numbers of electrons, protons and neutrons and how this impacts their properties, and we explain the different types of bonding that can occur between elements.

In this unit we explore the human immune system and how the body is equipped with adaptations to protect itself from disease. We consider the role of pathogens as the cause of infectious diseases and contrast specific and non-specific defences against disease.

This unit looks at a group of complex molecules we collectively refer to as biological molecules – carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. We consider the vital role of each and the building blocks from which they are made.

This unit focusses on the different body systems that allow the exchange and transport of gases including the circulatory and respiratory system. We explore the close relationship between the two, identifying the crucial organs and their roles in ensuring the body’s cells are supplied with oxygen and relieved of carbon dioxide.

In this unit we look at how genetic traits and characteristics are passed from parent to offspring. We compare different patterns of inheritance and how the yare impacted by the location of genes within the genome. We also compare continuous and discontinuous variation and how they arise within a given population.

The cell is the fundamental building block of life, and we look here at how our understanding has developed with improvements in microscope technology as well as considering the internal components and organelles and their varying roles in the cell’s processes overall. We also contrast the two forms of cell division 0- mitosis and meiosis – and explain where they arise in human development.

This unit looks at how the body is organised into systems of organs working towards the same goal, which in term are composed of tissues, aggregations of cells of the same type. We look at the importance of stem cells and how they can develop into different specialised cells and we also consider how we can use this phenomenon in therapeutic medicine.

Algebra is a fundamental aspect of maths widely used in the sciences, and here we get to grips with some of the basics. From quadratic functions to simultaneous equations and polynomial expressions this unit gives you the chance to develop your grasp of algebra and to practice using the key ideas.

In this unit we look at how we use differentiation to solve different types of problems and explore how to sketch quadratic and cubic equations. We introduce some of the simple standard derivatives and look at how to use these in problems.

In this unit we look at how we use the trapezium rule to find the area under a curve and we explore the fundamental principles of integration and how it relates to differentiation. We expand on our studies to look at how we integrate more complex functions like 1/x, sin x and cos ⁡x.

Logarithms and exponentials are closely related and important functions in mathematics. This unit explores how we use them in mathematical problems. We look at the use of bases, like base 10 and base 2, explaining the idea of a real number. We introduce the ide of natural logs (ln) as well as the exponential function ex) and tie this all together by putting these into practice.

In this unit we look at how to handle and interpret the numerical data we collect in research and experimentation. We start by exploring data collection and sampling methods and build on this to look at processes like inter-quartile range and statistical analyses like standard deviation and the chi-squared test and how we use these to test the validity of our studies and hypotheses.

Here we introduce the idea of matrices as mathematical objects. We explore what the yare and how we use them and how they are governed by certain rules. We apply them to algebraic problems and simultaneous equations and get to grips with just how useful they can be.