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St John’s Catholic Comprehensive School

Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification in Medical Science (AAQ)

Course Details


The qualification has three mandatory units covering the following topics:
Human Physiology, Anatomy and Pathology − Human body systems, cell ultrastructure, and how substances are transported
• Health Issues and Scientific Reporting − The immune system, its dysfunction and genetic technologies. The validity and reliability of information used in health science reporting
• Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases − Methods of pathogenicity and infectious agents, growth of microorganisms and health and safety in a laboratory environment.


The optional units provide an opportunity for students to study one of the following specific specialist area in order to develop their knowledge and skills:
• Diseases, disorders, treatments and therapies – Principles of physiological diseases and disorders and their associated drug and medicine development
• Biomedical science – Biomedical science techniques and their clinical application
• Human reproduction and fertility – Reproductive science including causes of infertility and associated impacts on health and well-being.

What can I do after I have completed this course?

This qualification can lead to progression to the following degrees:
• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health/Child Health/Mental Health)
• BSc (Hons) Psychology
• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy.