Summary

This qualification provides an engaging and meaningful approach to the development of skills necessary to understand, assess and suggest solutions to real-world medical problems and challenges. The qualification places significant stress on developing the practical skills necessary to monitor health and disease.

This is a two year course leading to a level 3 diploma in medical science. The diploma is the equivalent of one full A level and can be taken in a mixed programme alongside other A levels or diplomas. We do not recommend that it is taken alongside A level biology due to similarities in course content.

Medical science would work well alongside other science or social science subjects and can lead to careers such as nursing, medical laboratory scientist, paramedic, midwife. The course is not suitable for those who wish to study medical science at university.

The course starts with an in depth study of human anatomy and physiology which underpins the whole of the two year diploma. We examine what is going on at the cellular and biochemical level in human biology and then go on to look at the structure and function of the nine main human body systems. Once a good understanding of the human physiology is gained the course moves on to look at methods used to measure physiological systems and the recording and processing of this data. Towards the end of the first year students will be able to plan, carry out and report the findings of their own research project.

The second year of the course starts by developing knowledge and understanding about the science of medicines. It looks at how medicines affect the body and factors that need to be considered when prescribing medication. The course then moves on to look at what measurements can be made in the laboratory from patient specimens and finally students carry out a case study.