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AM1L10-Animal Biology

Module Provider: AMS
Number of credits: 20 [10ECTS credits]
Level: C (Certificate)
Terms in which taught: Autumn and Spring
Module Convenor: Dr PRE Griffiths
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9

Email: p.r.e.griffiths@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
To provide students not studying for a degree in a discipline within biological sciences with an understanding of biological principles and extend their undergraduate studies.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the Autumn Term of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

  • Describe the structure and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
  • Describe molecular structures of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins and explain their significance in living organisms
  • Explain the properties and significance of enzymes
  • Describe structure and function of mammalian including alimentary canal, kidney, blood
  • Describe features of nervous and endocrine systems as a means of co-ordination in animals
    In addition to the above, by the end of the Spring Term, it is expected that the student will be able to:
  • Explain significance of asexual and sexual reproduction and describe mammalian reproduction
  • Describe the processes of mitosis and meiosis and explain their significance
  • Solve problems based on an understanding of mechanisms of inheritance
  • Explain the significance of the molecular structure of DNA and RNA and of transcription and translation in the expression of the genetic code and protein synthesis
  • Explain the significance of mutations
  • Explain Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection and Evolution
  • Describe the significance of bacteria, viruses and eukaryotic parasites as disease organisms
  • Explain concepts of energy flow and nutrient cycling in ecosystems
  • Explain effects of man's activities on natural systems, for example, global warming, eutrophication, thinning of ozone layer

    Additional outcomes:
    The student will have the opportunity to improve skills in

  • essay writing
  • practical work: use of light microscope; analysis of electron micrographs; experimental technique
  • writing practical reports

    Outline content:
    This course is designed for students not studying for a degree in a discipline within biological sciences who may have little or no background in animal biology and is appropriate for Psychologists, Sociologists, Fine Artists and Environmental Earth Scientists. The course is expected to be of considerable value to students in their later studies and at the same time enjoyable in it own right.
    Autumn Term
    Lecture content:

  • Cell organisation
  • Biochemical basis of life
  • Enzymes
  • Human alimentary canal
  • Gaseous exchange
  • Blood
  • Excretion-the kidney
  • Co-ordination
    Practical content
  • Light microscopy: cell organisation
  • Analysis of electron micrographs
  • Food tests
  • Experiments on enzymes
  • Anatomy and histology of kidney, lung, blood and eye
    Spring Term
    Lecture content:
  • Cell division
  • Mammalian reproduction
  • Mechanisms of inheritance
  • DNA, RNA, genes and chromosomes. Protein synthesis.
  • Mutation
  • Natural Selection and Evolution
  • Ecology
  • Environmental issues
    Practical content:
  • Observation of stages of mitosis
  • Histology of ovary and testis
  • Drosophila
  • Genetics problems
  • DNA extraction
  • Adaptive radiation
  • Parasites
  • Visit to Natural History Museum

    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    2 lectures and 2 practicals each week.
    Learning and understanding of lecture material is enhanced through practical work and related assignments. Videos are also used to enhance understanding.
    Tutorials provide an opportunity for feedback on assignments, for discussion of lecture material and for learning in small groups. Essay material and essay writing skills may be discussed.
    A test at the end of the beginning of the Spring Term encourages learning and provides feedback mid way through the course.
    A visit to the Natural History Museum at the end of the course provides a review of course material and aids learning.

    Contact hours:

      Autumn Spring Summer
    Lectures 20 16
    Tutorials/seminars      
    Practicals 20  18   
    Other contact (eg study visits)      
    Total hours 40  38   
    Number of essays or assignments - formative assessment  7  7 
    Other (eg major seminar paper)      

    Assessment:
    Coursework:
    2 practical reports (1 in each term)
    2 term essays (1 in each term)
    (Other assignments and a test at the beginning of the Spring Term act as formative assessment.)
    Relative percentage of coursework:
    Practical reports: 2 x 5%
    Term essays: 2 x 10%
    Examinations
    A three-hour examination requiring the answer of five questions out of nine
    Requirements for a pass: A mark of 40% overall.
    Reassessment arrangements
    Re-examination in August/September only

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