Biology

Module title	Biology
Module code	INT0074
Academic year	2025/6
Credits	30
Module staff

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	10	10	10

Number students taking module (anticipated)	60

Module description

This module introduces the biological concepts needed for university study. Topics include cell structure and function, biological molecules such as nucleic acids and enzymes, and genetics The ecology topic allows study in the field. Application of practical skills is an integral part of the course and precise use of scientific language both written and spoken, underpins all the topics in this module.

Module aims - intentions of the module

To develop confidence in a science subject and allow students to cultivate a curiosity for biology.

To develop biological knowledge and practical skills in preparation for undergraduate study, through linking theory classes with laboratory practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

1. Demonstrate competency in laboratory techniques commonly used in biology.
2. Demonstrate a coherent understanding of the key biological structures, processes and concepts underpinning living organisms and their environment (as covered in the module).
3. Show an ability to integrate knowledge from various biological disciplines (as covered in the module) and apply it to real-world situations.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

4. Demonstrate an ability to plan and execute experiments, analyse results, draw valid conclusions and relate these to theoretical biological models, hypotheses and concepts.
5. Synthesize information and concepts to inform explanation, analysis and evaluation. To be able to reach conclusions based on the evidence that is presented in a logical and systematic approach.
6. Develop skills to analyse and evaluate research-informed literature, synthesize information, and communicate it effectively.

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

7. Reflect on tutor and peer feedback and take responsibility for ones own learning.
8. Use mathematics, including statistics and IT, to analyse and evaluate data.
9. Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively using conventions appropriate to the field of study.

Syllabus plan

This module would typically cover the following areas:

Cells - membranes & transport.

Ecology – coastal/moorland. Field study. Populations & management.

Biological Molecules – carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, DNA, water.

Plant biology – photosynthesis.

Genetics – cell division, genetic crosses, genetic technology.

Physiology – how life systems function at the organ system level and how these are integrated and collaborate at the whole-body level.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
138	162

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Teaching sessions	80	Lectures, groupwork, applied and problem-based learning.
Practical sessions	30	Scientific method used to plan & carry out investigations in class or via modelling/simulation.
Guided Independent Study	180	preparation for lectures including pre-session video. online quizzes. processing and presenting data obtained in practical session, analysis & evaluation. background reading
Field Trip	10	Visit to local area

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
MCQ Exam	30 minutes semester 1	1-4, 6-8	Verbal and Written
Research project	Outline 500 words semester 2	2,3, 4-9	Verbal and Written
Examination	1 hour semester 2	1-5, 8, 9	Verbal and Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
40	60	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
MCQ Examination S1	20	1 Hour	1-4, 6-8	Verbal and written
Research project S2	20	1000 words	2, 3, 4-9	Verbal and written
Examination S2	60	2 hours	1-5, 8, 9	Written
	0
	0
	0

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
MCQ Exam	1-hour MCQ Exam (deferral)	1-4, 6-8	Next assessment opportunity
Research project	See details of summative assessment	2, 3, 4-9	As soon as possible before the APAC
Exam	Exam (deferral) 2 hours	1-5, 8, 9
N/A	Exam (referral) 2 hours	1-9

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 referral 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. ?Referral exam will assess all ILOs (i.e. skills, knowledge and understanding) from across the module.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Williams, G. (2015). Advanced Biology for You. Cheltenham: OUP

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Web-based and electronic resources:

University learning platform – ELE

Faculty to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages

Topic workbooks – posted on ELE in the Biology module section. These will contain details of internet resources at a suitable level.

Key words search

Biology

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	13/06/2023
Last revision date	23/05/2025