ODL53 Clinical Science Diploma

Clinical Science Diploma

This Level 3 Diploma course is designed to appeal to health care professionals who wish to develop their underpinning knowledge, the allied practitioner who needs to expand their basic clinical understanding and skills, and those who have a personal interest in the subject.

Course Description

Clinical Science Diploma

The first five modules are related to body systems, and will include details of common conditions and treatments relative to its function and anatomy. The following modules are devoted to specific elements of clinical practice, and will also refer back to body systems to form an integrated and holistic approach. There will also be activities within some of the modules for revision and clarification purposes these activities will be formative. A glossary will also be included in the majority of modules to act as a useful reference.

The course is divided into ten modules, each with an associated assignment. Following completion of all ten modules, students will be required to complete a project module. The course finishes with an online examination.

Materials can be studied online or there is also the option to have the printed materials delivered for an additional charge of £65.

Course Content

Part one

Module 1: Cardiovascular and circulatory systems

In this module students look at the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular and circulatory systems. Additionally, it will give examples of common conditions and disorders such as; cardiovascular disease, leukaemia, anaemia, and other relevant conditions.

The module will contain detailed images and diagrams to aid in the students learning.

Module 2: Respiratory system

This module looks at the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system. In addition it will give examples of common conditions and disorders such as carcinoma, tuberculosis, pleurisy, asthma, and other relevant conditions.

The module will include detailed diagrams, comprehensive symptom description and treatment indications.

Module 3: Nervous and musculoskeletal systems

This module looks at the anatomy and physiology of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. In addition it will give examples of common conditions and disorders such as tumours, Alzheimer's, arthritis, osteoporosis, and other relevant conditions.

The module will include detailed diagrams, comprehensive symptom description and treatment indications.

Module 4: Gastrointestinal and endocrine systems

This section gives students the opportunity to explore the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal and endocrine systems. In addition it will give examples of common conditions and disorders such as carcinoma, absorption, gastric ulceration, diabetes and glandular problems, and other relevant conditions.

The module will include detailed diagrams, comprehensive symptom description and treatment indications.

Module 5: Skin, reproductive and urinary systems, and special senses

This module looks at the anatomy and physiology of the skin, reproductive and urinary systems. In addition it will give examples of common conditions and disorders such as carcinoma, eczema, psoriasis, infertility, endometriosis, prostate problems, kidney disorders, and other relevant conditions.

The module will include detailed diagrams, comprehensive symptom description and treatment indications.

Part two

Within part two of the course there is a significant amount of chemistry and biochemistry which will be explained in as much detail as possible. Glossaries will be given with each topic so that students have a useful and accessible resource.

Module 6: Clinical pathology

In this module students will focus on the normal pathology and that of disease; therefore exploring cellular composition and pathogens and relating these to specific diseases and conditions.

Module 7: Clinical pharmacology

Students will explore the classification and grouping of drugs and also look at how drugs work in this module. Drug addiction and the processes behind this will also be considered.

Specific examples of drugs will be given, together with the correlating diseases they are used to treat; for example students will look at antibiotics, analgesics, chemotherapy and many more.

Module 8: Clinical immunology and epidemiology

This module will look at the basis of immunology, what it means in terms of disease, and prevention such as vaccination and inoculation. The way in which vaccines are made and also how immunology is linked to epidemiology and predicting disease in the population will be covered.

Module 9: Nutrition and psychology

Nutrition is an important part of health and wellbeing. We look at different food groups, the body's requirements and the way in which food is used by the body to provide energy. We will also be looking at eating disorders within this module, together with malnutrition. Psychological aspects of health and disease are explored.

Module 10: Clinical examination and diagnostic procedures

This module looks at some of the diagnostic procedures such as x-ray, blood tests, MRI scanning, ECG, and other significant and commonly used tests. Within this module we will also be looking at specific examples where these tests are used such as for screening purposes.

Previous Knowledge Required

No previous knowledge or experience is essential to study this course.

Support

This course offers 12 months tutor support. Tutors are available to answer student questions relating to course materials and to comment on the assignments that are sent in to state how well students have understood the unit content.

Assessment

Final online multiple choice examination counts for 100% of the final grade.  Throughout the course there are ten SAPs (coursework) and a thesis.  The course clearly states that this is not mandatory to complete as it has no bearing on the final grade.  We do suggest that students complete these as this will not only assist them in examination preparation but also will give the student the skill set should they wish to continue their studies (continuous professional development) at a higher level.

Modules

• Module 1: Cardiovascular and circulatory systems
• Module 2: Respiratory system
• Module 3: Nervous and musculoskeletal systems
• Module 4: Gastrointestinal and endocrine systems
• Module 5: Skin, reproductive and urinary systems, and special senses
• Module 6: Clinical pathology
• Module 7: Clinical pharmacology
• Module 8: Clinical immunology and epidemiology
• Module 9: Nutrition and psychology
• Module 10: Clinical examination and diagnostic procedures

Awarding Organisation

This Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Science is Quality Assured by OLQA. Upon successful completion of the course you will receive certification awarded by Oxford College. The qualification does not carry UCAS points but is recognised by employers and some universities as a level 3 qualification. For entry into university students will need to check the relevant university’s entry requirements to see if they will accept a Level 3 Diploma in place of A Levels / UCAS points.

For more information about Awarding Organisations click here