Description
Biology and Chemistry
| Module title | Biology and Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Module code | INT0063 |
| Academic year | 2022/3 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Julia De Ste Croix (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 | 10 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 60 |
|---|
Description - summary of the module content
Module description
This module introduces the biological and chemical concepts needed for university study. Biological topics include?cell structure and function, membranes and transport, nucleic acids and enzymes, simple genetics as well as respiration and photosynthesis as examples of biochemical pathways. Chemical topics include atomic structure, physical chemistry and analytical methods. An appreciation of practical skills is an integral part of the course, providing basic skills in practical technique, presenting/analysing data and report writing.
Module aims - intentions of the module
1. To provide a foundation in Biology and Chemistry which gives the underpinning knowledge needed to progress to the first year of an undergraduate programme in a biological or medical related science.
2. To provide an awareness of the practical skills and techniques that will enable full participation in laboratory work in their 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 biological and chemical concepts as covered in the syllabus plan.
- 2. To understand that bonding and shape are important to the functioning of biological molecules as well as their functional group chemistry and that biochemical reactions are subject to basic physical chemistry laws.
- 3. Use mathematics confidently within the skill set required for this module. Collate data, draw graphs and interpret results within the limits of the syllabus plan.
- 4. Understand the need to follow written methods exactly during practical work so that reproducible results can be obtained.
- 5. Be able to process data obtained through practical means or collected through demonstration. 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 the interaction between biology and chemistry at theoretical and experimental level as covered in the syllabus plan.
- 7. Describe and begin to evaluate aspects of knowledge in biological sciences with reference to data sources outside of lectures.
- 8. Evaluate established methods used in practical sessions and develop a respect for Health and Safety within the working laboratory.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. Guidance towards taking responsibility for ones own learning and working independently.
- 10. Working cooperatively and efficiently in groups both in and out of the classroom.
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
-
Cellular structure and function – eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
-
Cell membranes and transport, including water relationships
-
Introductory chemistry – basic atomic structure, the periodic table, basic bonding types, formulae and equations and molar calculations.
-
Biological techniques - microscopy, cell disruption and centrifugation, chromatography and electrophoresis
-
Biomolecules – Water, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, the importance of molecular shape
-
Introduction to organic chemistry- homologous series and functional groups, isomerism, understanding basic reaction mechanisms
-
Enzymes – properties and behaviour
-
Chemical energetics – energy is stored in chemical bonds, endothermic and exothermic reactions
-
Reaction kinetics– activation energies and rates of reaction
-
Biochemical pathways –introduction to respiration and photosynthesis, redox reactions
-
DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, genetic engineering, DNA profiling
-
Cell cycle – mitosis and meiosis
-
Genetics – monohybrid and dihybrid inheritance
-
Chemical equilibria – acids and bases, pH and buffer systems
-
Instrumental methods of analysis –basic introduction to methods used in the pharmaceutical industry and in medicine.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 120 | 180 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| scheduled teaching sessions | 90 | lectures, groupwork, problem solving in class |
| Practical sessions | 30 | hands-on laboratory sessions following written instructions and obtaining results |
| Guided Independent Study | 180 | processing and presenting data obtained in practical session, analysis and report writing - preparation for lectures - problem solving - reading around topics |
Assessment
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-marked assessment | Semester 1 | 1 - 3, 9 | Verbal and written |
| Practical portfolio (coursework) | Semester 1 | 1, 3 - 5, 7 - 9 | Verbal and written |
| Examination | 1 hour, semester 2 | 1 3, 5 7, 9 | Verbal and written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 70 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-marked assessment | 20 | 1 hour, semester 1 | 1 3, 5 7 | Verbal and written |
| Practical portfolio (coursework) | 30 | Semester 2 (based on 4 practical sessions over 5 weeks) | 1 - 10 | Verbal and written |
| Examination | 50 | 2 hours, semester 2 | 1 3, 5 7, 9 | Written |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-marked assessment (deferral only) | 1 hour | 1 - 3, 9 | Next assessment opportunity |
| Practical portfolio (deferral only) | As above | 1 - 10 | As soon as possible before the APAC |
| Exam (referral/deferral) | 2 hours | 1 - 10 |
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
Basic reading:
-
Williams, G.(2015). Advanced Biology for You. Cheltenham: OUP
-
Lawrie Ryan (2015), Advanced Chemistry for You, OUP
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Web-based and electronic resources:
-
University learning platform – ELE
College to provide hyperlink to appropriatepages
Topic workbooks – posted on ELE in the Biology and Chemistry module section. These will contain details of internet resources at a suitable level.
Module has an active ELE page
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 3 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 18/02/22 |
| Last revision date | 02/03/22 |