Module Provider: |
School of Continuing Education |
Number of credits: |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
C (Certificate) |
Terms in which taught: |
Autumn and Spring |
Module Convenor: |
Dr
N
Brooke |
Pre-requisites: |
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Co-requisites: |
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Modules excluded: |
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Module version for: |
2007/8 |
Aims:
This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of basic biological principles and methodologies required for the study of life science.
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Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module it is expected that the student will be able to:
describe the structure and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
describe the molecular structures of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids and explain their significance in living organisms
explain the properties and significance of enzymes and the factors that affect their activity
explain energy relationships in cells, including photosynthesis and respiration
explain the significance of asexual and sexual reproduction
describe the processes of mitosis and meiosis and explain their significance
describe the 'Central Dogma' of information transfer from DNA to the phenotype of the organism and discuss its universality
explain Darwin’s theory of Natural Selection and Evolution
define the five kingdoms of living organisms and the principle of hierarchical classification
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Additional outcomes:
list the basic considerations in designing experiments in biology
pose scientific questions and suggest experimental procedures
carry out investigations and employ instruments and materials
calculate results from experimental data and present this in the form of graphs and tables
analyse and present experimental results in the format of a scientific paper
identify and appraise suitable information sources for researching biological information, and used them to create ordered reference lists
connect biology to real-world applications
develop the ability to work in the laboratory as a member of a small team
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Outline content:
This course is designed to provide essential understanding of biological principles as a foundation for more specific Life Science modules. Suitable for students who have not studied or failed to pass A level Biology. It includes topics such as
Cell organisation
Biochemical basis of life
Enzymes
Energy relationships: photosynthesis, respiration
Cell division
Mechanisms of inheritance
DNA, RNA, genes and chromosomes. Protein synthesis.
Natural Selection and Evolution
Taxonomy
Scientific method
The Practical content (Saturday Schools) cover:
study skills for biologists:
library and IT induction (including how to access Blackboard; successful searching of Unicorn, NCBI’s bookshelf and PubMed Central; and the Website that accompanies the core textbook for the course). This will be accompanied by guidance on how to reference sources in assignments
extracting information from diagrams, tables and graphs and constructing simple diagrams and charts
numeracy: ratios, percentages, concentrations and dilutions, units, indices and exponentials, calculations using data and formulae, rearranging formulae, awareness of scale
experimental biology and the scientific method: observational and experimental skills, hypothesis testing, independent and dependent variables and controls
a practical, laboratory based investigation of the factors affecting enzyme function, to reinforce the processes involved in the scientific method.
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Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
One two-and-a-half hour session per week for 12 weeks, plus two five-hour Saturday sessions, and one tutorial. Teaching methods include lectures, structured class discussion, and problem solving and practical workshops. Learning and understanding of lecture material is enhanced through weekly directed reading and activities (formative assessment). |
Contact hours:
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
25 |
5 |
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| Tutorials/seminars |
0.5 |
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| Practicals |
5 |
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| Other contact (eg study visits) |
5 |
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| Total hours |
35.5 |
5 |
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| Number of essays or assignments |
2 |
1 |
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| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
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Assessment:
Coursework
Students will undertake three assignments (one formative and two summative).
The formative assignment will take the form of an enzyme laboratory report.
The first summative assignment will involve the production of a portfolio of work introduced on the “study skills for biologists” Saturday School. This will contribute 50% of the overall assessment.
The second summative assignment will assess the breadth of knowledge and will take the form of a test, encompassing multiple choice and short answer questions. This ‘in class test’ will be taken in the Spring term and contributes 50% of the overall assessment.
Relative percentage of coursework: 100%
Penalties for late submission: Penalties for late submission of course work will be in accordance with University policy.
Examinations: There will be no formal examinations.
Requirements for a pass: A mark of 40% overall.
Re-assessment arrangements: Re-assessment of coursework in the summer vacation
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