Description
Introduction to Biological Science
| Module title | Introduction to Biological Science |
|---|---|
| Module code | INT0016 |
| Academic year | 2018/9 |
| Credits | 20 |
| Module staff | Julia De Ste Croix (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Description - summary of the module content
Module description
This module provides a basic introduction to biological concepts to underpin a first year of undergraduate study in biological and related sciences. Topics covered are: cell structure and function, membranes and transport, biological molecules including nucleic acids and enzymes, cell division and simple genetics, respiration and photosynthesis as examples of biochemical pathways, energy transfer through populations, classification, evolution, and introduction to growth and development. Practical laboratory work is an integral part of the course providing basic skills in practical technique, presenting and analysing data and report writing.
Although recent study of Biology is desirable, students who have not studied the subject past GCSE equivalent are able to progress with this course.
Module aims - intentions of the module
1. To provide a foundation in biological science which gives the underpinning knowledge needed to progress to the first year of an undergraduate programme in a biological or related science.
2. To provide a practical based course that will enable full participate in laboratory work in the first year at undergraduate level.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic biology concepts as covered in the syllabus content.
- 2. Distinguish between prokaryotic cells and between plant and animal cells and appreciate the advantages of compartmentalising functions within them.
- 3. Collate data, draw graphs and interpret results associated with metabolic activities described within the syllabus content.
- 4. Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between genes, as units of heredity, with the synthesis of body proteins and the expression of phenotype.
- 5. Solve simple genetics problems including mono and dihybrid inheritance, codominance and sex linked traits.
- 6. Demonstrate your understanding that photosynthesis is basic to life, its relationship with respiration and that both provide examples of complex biochemical pathways.
- 7. Follow written instructions in practical work, produce usable results, draw logical conclusions and appreciate the accuracy and limitations of the methods used.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key aspects of basic biology at cellular, organism and ecosystem level.
- 9. Describe and begin to evaluate aspects of knowledge in the biological sciences with reference to data sources outside of lectures
- 10. With guidance, follow established methods in practical work within the biological sciences developing a respect for Health and Safety within a laboratory environment.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 11. Take responsibility for your own learning and work independently;
- 12. Work cooperatively in groups;
- 13. Communicate effectively in the written or spoken form
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
- Cellular structure and function – eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, aggregation of cells
- Membranes – structure and methods of transport across
- Biological techniques – microscopy, cell disruption and centrifugation, chromatography andelectrophoresis, enzyme immobilisation
- Biomolecules – Water, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids; DNA and RNA
- Protein synthesis , genetic engineering, DNA profiling
- Cell cycle – mitosis and meiosis
- Genetics – monohybrid and dihybrid inheritance
- Enzymes – properties and behaviour
- Biochemical pathways –introduction to respiration and photosynthesis
- Energy transfer through populations – food chains, webs and ecological pyramids, biogeochemical cycles
- Classification and evolution
- Growth and development – introduction to control of growth and development
Learning and teaching
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 84 | 116 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 60 | Lectures (including solving tutorial problems) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 24 | Laboratory based activities supervised by lecturer and laboratory assistant |
| Guided independent study | 116 | Writing reports on laboratory sessions. Preparation of course work presentation and written assignment Preparation for lectures. Tutorial problem solving. Reading and research |
Assessment
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory practical activities | 4 x 3 hours | 3,7,9,10-13 | Verbal feedback as class review |
| Coursework - exam style | Varies with topic | 1-6,8,9,11,13 | written or verbal from peer or lecturer |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 50 | 30 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory reports (Increasing complexity) (5,5,10,10 resp) | 30 | 10 hours | 3,7,9,10 - 13 | Written feedback on formal submission |
| Coursework | 20 | 4 hours | 1-6,8,9, 11,13 | Immediate feedback on close of assessment |
| Final exam | 50 | 2 hours | 1-6,8,9, 11,13 | Formal grade only. |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Re-assessment
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final exam (referral) | Exam | 1-13 | Usually taken in next exam period |
| Final exam (deferral) | Exam | 1-6,8,9,11,13 | Usually taken in next exam period |
Re-assessment notes
Referral will constitute a second formal examination – coursework will not be included in the re-assessment. All summative coursework must be completed before entitlement to a referral. The grade for the referred exam, and therefore the module grade, will be capped at 40%. Deferred exams will not be capped and will include summative coursework marks in the final module grade.
Resources
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Williams, G.(2000). Advanced Biology for You. Cheltenham: Nelson Thorne
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE : http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1918
Module has an active ELE page
| Credit value | 20 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 10 |
| NQF level (module) | 3 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | September 2007 |
| Last revision date | 23/08/2018 |