The Certificate in Human Biology is designed for school leavers who are interested in medical sciences and are aiming for higher education or specific career pathways. It’s a vocational qualification, equivalent to 1 A Level, that combines theoretical knowledge and practical skills through external assessments and coursework. You will apply what you learn to real-life contexts such as researching human biology fundamentals, delivering presentations to help patients and health care professionals and performing laboratory investigations involving biomedical techniques. This qualification will encourage you to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically, while developing independence and confidence in applying the knowledge and skills that are vital for progression to university and relevant to the medical science sector and more widely.
Content Overview
Year 1
Fundamentals of Human Biology (assessed by exam)
In this unit you will learn about the key topics that are important in human biology.
Topic Area 1 Human cells and tissues
Topic Area 2 Human physiology, organs and systems
Topic Area 3 Key concepts in endocrinology, neurobiology and reproduction
Topic Area 4 Basics of microbiology
Genetics (assessed by assignment)
In this unit you will learn about DNA, cell division and inheritance.
Topic Area 1 Fundamentals of genetics
Topic Area 2 Mode of inheritance
Topic Area 3 Genetic counselling and genetic testing
Topic Area 4 Gene therapy and genetic engineering
Biomedical Techniques (assessed by assignment)
In this unit you will plan and carry out an investigation using a variety of laboratory techniques.
Topic Area 1 What biomedical science is
Topic Area 2 Diagnostic techniques: cells and microscopy
Topic Area 3 Diagnostic techniques: biological molecules
Topic Area 4 Planning a clinical investigation
Topic Area 5 Report writing
Drug Development (assessed by assignment)
In this unit you will study the stages in the development of a drug, stages in the discovery of a commercial drug/medicine, and pre-clinical and clinical trials.
Topic Area 1 Pharmaceutical drugs
Topic Area 2 Process of drug development
Topic Area 3 Factors influencing drug development
Topic Area 4 Producing a clinical research proposal
The Brain (assessed by assignment)
In this unit you will gain a greater insight into the structure and function of the nervous system, including the spinal cord, brain and nerves.
Topic Area 1 Structure and function of the nervous system
Topic Area 2 Neuron communication and control
Topic Area 3 Nociception, neurotransmitters and drugs
Topic Area 4 The diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders/injuries
Topic Area 5 Monitoring and scanning the brain
