Lesson Structure: Module Guide – Advanced Diploma in Medical Science (Pre-Medical) VSC008

The ADL Pre-Medical Advanced Diploma in Medical Science consists of the following 9 modules plus non credit Academic Writing:

1  Anatomy and Physiology (Human Biology 1A) BSC101

1. Cells & Tissues
2. The Muscular System
3. The Nervous System
4. Digestion & Excretion
5. Physiological Systems

2  Biochemistry I (Animals) BSC103

1. Introduction to biochemistry
2. Lipids and proteins
3. Enzymes and hormones
4. Nucleic acids
5. Thermo-regulation
6. Carbohydrate metabolism
7. Absorption
8. Acidity and alkalinity
9. Chemical analysis
10. Biochemical applications

3  Biochemistry II (Molecules) BSC203

1. Introduction to Biochemical Molecules
2. Amino Acids
3. Structure of Proteins
4. Protein Dynamics
5. Sugars and Polysaccharides
6. Lipids (Fats) and Membranes
7. Enzymes, Vitamins and Hormones
8. DNA and RNA
9. Laboratory Techniques

4  Biochemistry III (Animal Biochemical Processes) BSC303

1. Introduction
2. Glycolysis and Glycogen Metabolism
3. Movement through Membranes
4. Electron Transport and Oxidative Phosphorylation
5. Sugar and Polysaccharide Metabolism
6. Lipid Metabolism
7. Amino Acid Metabolism
8. Nucleotide Metabolism
9. Enzyme Activity
10. Other Processes

5  Human Anatomy II BSC112

1. Cytology
2. Surface Anatomy
3. Systemic Anatomy I
4. Systemic Anatomy II
5. Regional Anatomy I
6. Regional Anatomy II
7. Radiographic and Diagnostic Anatomy

6  Cell Biology BSC110

1. Introduction to Cells and Their Structure
2. Cell Chemistry
3. DNA, Chromosomes and Genes
4. Cell Division: Meiosis and Mitosis
5. Cell Membranes
6. Protein Structure and Function
7. Protein Synthesis
8. Food, Energy, Catalysis and Biosynthesis
9. Intracellular Compartments, Transport and Cell Communication
10. The Cell Cycle and Tissue Formation

7  Human Physiology II BSC111

1. Cellular Physiology
2. Histophysiology
3. Systems Physiology
4. Neurophysiology
5. Endocrinology
6. Cardiovascular Physiology
7. Immunology
8. Respiratory Physiology
9. Renal Physiology

8  Medical Terminology BSC109

1. Scope and Nature of Medical Terminology
2. Anatomical Structure
3. Medical Equipment and Processes
4. Pharmacological Terminology
5. Musculoskeletal System
6. Cardiovascular, Lymphatic and Immune Systems
7. Respiratory and Reproductive Systems
8. Digestive and Excretory Systems
9. Integumentary System (Skin)
10. Nervous and Sensory Systems

9  Physics

1. Review of Basic Algebra
2. Introduction: Scope and Nature of Physics
3. Forces and Mechanics
4. Waves
5. Electricity and Magnetism
6. Energy and Work
7. Fundamentals of Thermodynamics
8. Light and Optics
9. Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity
10. Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

10 Academic Writing BWR110 (non-credit)
Academic Writing BWR110 (non-credit) is a short ten (10) hour module,
requiring the completion of two assignments.

Each of the above 9 modules is approximately 100 study hours duration (excluding Academic Writing). Self-tests, assignments and a final examination at the end of each module are compulsory. Unlimited one to one tutor and admin access is provided throughout the program.

Modules may be studied in any sequence. Course Credit hours for the  UK are  90 Credits (each module is 10 credits). Alternatively, for those who are considering entering a USA medical school the credit hours equate to 3 credit hours per module – a total of 27 credits hours. Completion of the appropriate credit hours with a grade B+ or more are needed in order to satisfy the academic requirements of this Advanced Diploma. Opportunities do exist for graduates, without further training; but this course by itself does not, nor should be seen as constituting full medical training.

Please see lesson titles for your learning goals.

Does the Program Cover Practical work?

ADL courses contain Practical Tasks – something quite unique in distance education. Practical tasks include:  Field Research, Networking and Analysis, Conducting Surveys, Growing and Dissecting things, Collecting and Photographing things and Processes.

Advanced Diploma in Medical Science (Pre-Medical) General Information:

Pre-requisites: 

Candidates are considered on a case-by-case basis. The basic entry requirement is a High School Diploma or equivalent, with good passes in science subjects (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics).

University graduates, transfer students and mature students with or without any science background are also eligible to apply. Those without any science background may be required to undertake basic science courses first.

English Language Proficiency:

Students whose first language is not English must show proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 +, TOEFL 600+, or equivalent) in order to start the program. Students may begin the program without these scores however, they will not be allowed to graduate until the required score has been obtained, if required. For graduation purposes, IELTS of 7.5 or  TOEFL of 650  or equivalent must be achieved.

Medical School Entry Requirements:

Entry requirements for  Medical Universities vary from University to University.  Each University will have it’s own unique admission requirements and we strongly recommend that you check with the University/Medical School of your choice, to determine if ADL’s Medical Science program meets their entry requirements, before enrolling with ADL.

Medical universities consider each application on a case-by-case basis.  In addition to a Pre-Medical qualification, most medical schools will take into consideration a number of other factors, besides academic qualifications, and this may include: previous academic work, test scores, personal qualities, and intent. While all these components may be considered for admissions entry, the final decision for acceptance is at the discretion of the Medical University/School of your choice.

What Our Students Say About This Course:

“Sir, I would like to take this time to thank you and all my tutors for all the help, encouragement and support given to me, while I was studying the Pre-Medical programme.” – Sivagenesh Pearlaman, Pre-Medical Diploma, Singapore

“Yes – The course, the tuition, and the whole experience exceeded my expectations. I found I was very comfortable being re-educated after 20 years+ of being in the business world.”
Dave Gillies- Morgan, Psychology, China

“I want to thank Daryl and Juliette, and others, for all the help and support whilst I’ve been completing the Pre-Med Diploma. I really appreciate the way you all helped me get through all the topics smoothly and get the required number of credit hours at the end. It’s been a brilliant course, and was a good refresher for the knowledge I need to learn for the USMLE” Aleem, Pre-Med, UK

The qualification for this Advanced Diploma in Medical Science (Pre-Medical) is endorsed and issued by TQUK –  an Ofqual approved awarding organisation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Due to our years of experience and wide range of online courses, here are a list of our FAQs and Answers asked by Students.

General

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, you are not required to purchase expensive text books for any of our courses, since each module has been written by highly qualified tutors and writers, and our courses are updated on a regular basis, adding new information, methods and knowledge. You are supplied with all “essential” references. Extra books are always useful though, especially for special projects. Tutors will advise you what to buy if you decide you would like to have extra reading material, but it is not essential. Check out our eBookstore if you’re looking for a starting point.

Q. What sets the Academy apart from other institutions?
A.  A unique feature of our courses is that we combine knowledge of the subject matter with practical tasks (set tasks, found at the end of each lesson).  So you get to do practical components in each lesson. The benefits of this approach are immense: – your skills and knowledge are developed to a much higher level not normally found at other distance learning institutions.

Q. How do the practical exercises (set tasks) work?
A. The practical component of each lesson can be in the form of : Field Research, Networking and Analysis, Conducting Surveys, Growing, Collecting, Photographing and Processes.

Q. If I do a shorter course first, can I get credits towards a certificate or diploma later?
A. Yes. We will assess previous studies to give you appropriate credits.

Q. Can I pay by instalments?
A. Yes, you can view all available payment options here.

Q. Do I get a discount if two of us enrol together?
A. Yes. You may claim a 5% discount on fees if you both enrol in courses at the same time.

Q. Do I get a discount if I enrol in a second course?
A. Yes. You will be offered a 10% discount on subsequent courses you enrol for.

Q. Can I use more than one discount code when enrolling for my course?
A. No. You can only use one discount code chosen by yourself per course, when more than one is available.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however; have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are there any hidden costs?
A. There are no hidden extras – the tuition fee covers all course material, unlimited tutor support, assignment marking/feedback and any text books where specified and exams. The only extras are for the public examinations fees for the ICB Bookkeeping course and the RHS (Royal Horticulture Society) exams.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are continually updated. The course content is rapidly updated and improved without the red tape and bureaucracy experienced at other educational institutions.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. What Recognition do you have?
A. The Academy for Distance Learning has various forms of recognition:
These include TQUK (Training Qualifications UK) – an Ofqual Awarding Organisation – ADL is an approved TQUK Centre.
IARC – International Approval Registration Centre, approved member.  Accredited Training Provider for ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) and Approved Distance Learning Provider for the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) and many more. Our graduates come from many parts of the world and have used our qualifications for successful employment and progression onto higher education. To view our full list  of recognition and memberships please click here,

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at the Academy our students are our priority – we treat every student as a unique individual. This philosophy allows us to nurture those who are “slow and steady” learners rather than letting them fall through the cracks, while catering for those who are in a hurry to complete.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you. You’re under no pressure to finish by a certain deadline.

Q. Completing the course- how long will it take?
A. Completion of  modules varies from student to student.  Many factors come into play  such as work commitments and family life- there are always distractions.  Some students work quicker than others.  For a 100 hour module many students will take up to 3- 6 months,  others take less time and some are even longer. It’s all up to you.  There is no pressure to complete or deadline to finish. Naturally, longer courses will take more time.

Q. What learning formats are there?
A.  Your enrollment comes with the Online Classroom study option by default. For a small additional cost you also have the options of USB or Correspondence.
USB: Your course is sent to you on a USB stick, so that you can carry it in your pocket. Ideal for those with unreliable internet connections. This option is an additional £5/module

Correspondence:  You download the course content and then print your own copy to your requirements. You can then bind the lessons to suit your needs.

Assessments

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a project instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location, or you can visit us in Canterbury, England to sit the exam if want to.  Exam fees are included in the tuition fee you paid. You can read more about the examination process here. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment. You submit it to the academy who then submits it to the tutor for marking, comments and feedback. Our policy is to have a grade for you within 5 to 7 days.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes – If you’re not happy with your work submitted you may re-submit the assignment again.

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons there would be 10 assignments. The number of lessons per module varies from module to module. See the course content from our website for further details.

Q. When do I have to hand in my first assignment?
A. There is no deadline for handing in the first assignment. Submit when you are ready. There are some students who hand in assignments within the first couple of weeks of enrolment – while there are others who submit their work 6 months later. It’s all at your own convenience to suit you. Everyone has different work and home commitments and we cater to these needs.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country; however, there may be an additional expense. We can appoint an appropriately qualified person anywhere to work through curriculum documentation supplied by us, to satisfy the requirements set down in a course.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would receive a Certificate (providing you complete all assignments and the exam). If you just want to complete the assignments only, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications awarded please click here.

Q. Is there a next level to progress to?
A. Yes – you can progress from one module to a combination of many modules and to higher qualifications i.e. Advanced Certificates, Diplomas and Higher Advanced Diplomas. Read more about course levels here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to design your own diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. It’s a very popular option and widely used by many students. You quite simply choose the appropriate number of related modules needed to complete the qualification and submit them to us for approval as a custom diploma.

Q.  What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of a 100-hour Certificate course and providing all assignments and exam have been completed, you will receive a Certificate and Transcript.  The Transcript will list your GPA.  Each 100-hour module is worth 3 credit hours.

Exams

Q. Do I have to sit for an exam?
A. Exams are optional but need to be undertaken in order to receive the Certificate or higher qualification.  Exams are one and a half hours long. You appoint an adjudicator (subject to our approval) to supervise the exam. You sit for the exam in your own location. Its that simple.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. If you feel you don’t cope well with exams you may elect to undertake a Project (set by the tutor) instead of sitting the exam.  Many students prefer this option as they find researching the material for the project sharpens their research skills.

Q. If I don’t sit for the Exam do I still get a qualification?
A. If you don’t sit for the exam but complete the project alternative, you will still receive your endorsed qualification. If you don’t sit for an exam or complete a final project, providing you have completed all the assignments you will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.

Q. Do I have to sit for the exam at the Academy? 
A. No – whilst you are more than welcome to come to our location in Canterbury, U.K. and sit the exam in our classroom; the more popular option is to sit for the exam in your own location. You appoint an adjudicator to supervise the exam. Click here for more information on that process.

Q. Are there any exam fees?
A. There are no exam fees.  However, for some public examinations such as the ICB (Bookkeeping) and RHS courses exam fees do apply.  See course content for details.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A.  We only employ tutors who have are currently active in their industry with at least 5 years of real-world experience.  Not only are they highly qualified but also experienced, knowledgeable, and professional- experts in their chosen fields from all parts of the world.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes- you have unlimited access to tutors. We strongly encourage students to develop a dialogue with their Tutor. This is why we encourage students to submit their first assignment fairly quickly at the beginning of the course.
Every Academy student is assigned a tutor who supports you throughout your course and beyond. Your tutor is there to guide and facilitate your learning and provides as much or as little individual contact as you would like. When you submit your coursework the tutor will give you feedback that helps you develop your ideas and provides motivation. For those who do like to have interaction with other students, the ADL discussion forum connects you to students from all over the world.

Q. How do I contact my tutor?
A. You have direct contact with your tutor by email through the Online Classroom. Alternatively, you can write, fax, email, or phone the academy. Leave a message if your tutor isn’t available and they will phone, write or fax back; whatever suits you.

Q. If I don’t agree with / like my tutor can I request a change?
A. Yes – we try to accommodate and meet student’s needs and a change of tutor may be arranged.

Q. If I don’t understand a question or a lesson may I contact the tutor?
A. You may contact a tutor as often as you like. There is no additional charge or restriction on this service.  Contact can be made via the Student Zone, email, or by phone.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.

Career Outcomes:

MEDICINE: – Anaesthesiologist, Midwife, Physician, Nurse, Dentist, Surgeon , Radiologist, Pharmacist, Biomedical Scientist, General Practitioner etc.

COMPLIMENTARY MEDICINE: – Neuropathology, Herbalist, Nutritionist, Wellness, Consultant , Sports Therapist, Remedial Therapist, Homoeopath etc.

ALLIED HEALTH & PARA MEDICAL: – Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Exercise Physiologist, Chiropractor, Paramedic, Osteopath, Pathologist, Optometrist, Medical Illustrator, Health Promotion Officer, Physicians Assistant, Extracorporeal Technician, Podiatrist, Veterinarian.

What’s Included and How Does it Work?:

All course material, mentor support, exams, certificate and transcript are included.  Upon completion of each module, you will sit for an exam, taken at a time and place of your choosing. You will need to nominate an appropriate Adjudicator to administer the examination and they are usually one and a half hours long.  On satisfactory completion of all modules, exams, and practicals, you will receive your Advanced Diploma plus transcript, endorsed and issued by TQUK – Training Qualifications UK, an Ofqual Approved Awarding Organisation.

How Long Will the Program Take To Complete?

The course is self-paced and enables you to fit your studies in with your lifestyle, motivation, and commitment. Each module has a duration of approximately 100 hours (the equivalent of 100 hours in a classroom setting). For example:

• 10 hours a week means you will complete the course in approx. 90 weeks
• 20 hours a week means you will complete the course in approx. 45 weeks
• 40 hours a week means you will complete the course in approx. 22.5 weeks

N.B. These guidelines do not include completing the non-credit academic writing program.

You may undertake more than one module at a time. Before deciding on the number of modules you might wish to study concurrently, careful consideration should be given to work, home and any other commitments you might have. Overtaxing your time will result in poor grades.

There are no hidden extras

Tuition fees:

Tuition fees for each 100 hour module is £340. Students may pay their tuition fee module by module and may commence their studies with one module only or a combination of modules.

Total fees for the 9 modules is £3,060.00 (if paying one module at a time).  A  reduction in tuition fees of 25% is available where a student pays for the full program up front when enrolling, a discounted total fee of £2,295.00. A number of interest-free payment options are also available on the full fee of the course.

When Can I Start?

You can start at any time from anywhere in the world and complete the program at your own pace.  ADL has made the program as flexible as possible to help students study round their personal commitments at home and at work. However, since each Medical University sets its own deadline for admissions, it is advisable to work towards their entrance requirements.

Does the Program Cover Practical work?

ADL courses contain Practical Tasks – something quite unique in distance education. Practical tasks include:  Field Research, Networking and Analysis, Conducting Surveys, Growing and Dissecting things, Collecting and Photographing things and Processes.

Exam Requirements:

The Advanced Diploma in Medical Science (Pre-Medical) is awarded by ADL, on successful completion of all course work and examinations.  You will need to maintain a grade of B+ 80% 90% or above (distinction level) in each of the 9 modules including Academic Writing. Exams may be re-taken (for the published fee) in order to obtain a better grade for Medical School entry consideration.