Biological Science (Human)

Module title	Biological Science (Human)
Module code	INT0060
Academic year	2020/1
Credits	30
Module staff

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	13	13

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 medical, biological and related sciences with an emphasis on human biology. Topics covered are: cell structure and function, membranes and transport, biological molecules including nucleic acids and enzymes, cell division and simple genetics, an overview of body systems and how they interact to maintain the complete organism.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide a foundation knowledge of biological science, human body systems and homeostasis which gives the preparatory biological requirement for progression to the first year of an undergraduate programme in medicine or related medical or biological sciences.

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
2. Describe the major systems of the human body and their interdependence
3. Describe the role of control systems in keeping a stable internal environment
4. Understand the process of scientific method as it applies to laboratory work, research and development
5. Be able to process data achieved by practical means, be able to 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...

6. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key aspects of basic biology
7. Describe and begin to evaluate aspects of knowledge in the medical and biological sciences with reference to data sources outside of lectures

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

8. Work towards taking responsibility for your own learning and work independently
9. Develop effective communication skills

Syllabus plan

Basic Biological techniques
Cellular structure and function – eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, aggregation of cells
Membranes – structure and methods of transport across
Biomolecules – Water, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids
Enzymes – Structure and Function
DNA and RNA Protein synthesis
DNA technologies - genetic engineering, DNA profiling
Cell cycle – mitosis and meiosis
Genetics – monohybrid and dihybrid inheritance
The body as an organism (organisation, body systems and tissue types)
Overview of the major Body Systems
Communication and control (including homeostasis and human defence mechanisms)

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
90	210	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	90	Formal teaching/lecture, group tutorials and supervised group work, e-learning activities
Guided Independent Study	210	Preparation for lectures and tutorial exercises. Reading and research. Preparing and carrying out coursework exercises

Assessment

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Coursework	10 minute presentation	1, 7-9	Written or verbal from peer or lecturer
Exam Style Questions	10 hours	1-3, 5, 6, 8	Written or verbal from peer or lecturer

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
50	50	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Practical Skill Portfolios	30	2 reports 1 (10%) at 500 words and 1 (20%) at 1000 words	1, 4-9	Written feedback on formal submission
Coursework	20	4 CMAs (online), 2 per semester at 5% each	1, 6, 8	Immediate feedback on close of assessment
Examination	50	2 hours (taken over 4 hours within a 24 hour window)	1-3, 5, 6, 8	Written feedback on formal submission

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 Examination	Examination	1-9	During the next assessment period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for reasons judged legitimate by the Mitigation Committee, the applicable assessment will normally be deferred. See ‘Details of reassessment’ for the form that assessment usually takes. When deferral occurs there is ordinarily no change to the overall weighting of that assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to take a re-sit exam. Only your performance in this exam will count towards your final module grade. A grade of 40% will be awarded if the examination is passed.

Resources

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Mike Boyle and Kath Senior: Collins Advanced Science: Human Biology, Harper Collins Publishers ISBN 978-0-00-726751-4

Module has an active ELE page

Key words search

Biology, Human Biology, human body systems, homeostasis

Credit value	30
Module ECTS	15
Module pre-requisites	N/A
Module co-requisites	N/A
NQF level (module)	3
Available as distance learning?	Yes
Origin date	21/10/2020
Last revision date	21/10/2020