BI0S06 - Foundation Biology 01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 6

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BI0S06
Module Title: Foundation Biology
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Biological and Forensic Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Science
Module Leader: Lewis Fall
Module Team: Sioned Owen, Aled Bryant, Josephine Bradley, Sky Redhead, Harri Little, Martin Powell, Cerith Jones, Amelia Grass, Claire Tanner, Natalie Lubbock, Aaron Wall, Jayne Ludlow, Hannah Seale
First Intended Intake: SEP 2024 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 3
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100346 - biology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 6
Valid From 01 Sep 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

This module broadly follows the A-Level Biology syllabus. This module gives students a basic knowledge of living things, and the processes which enable them to survive and reproduce. It also introduces them to the evolutionary processes which lead to the modern diversity of the living world.  

In engaging with the module appropriately, students will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the USW Graduate Attributes:  

Communication: Behaviour 2  

Leadership: Behaviour 1, 2, and 3  

Innovation and Enterprise: Behaviour1 and 2  

Project Management: Behaviour1 and 2  

Commercial Awareness: Behaviour 1, 2  

Digital Literacy: Behaviour 1  

The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.

Content Summary

Basic biochemistry and cell structure. Chemical elements are joined together to form Biological compounds, Cell structure and organisation, Cell membranes and transport, Biological reactions are regulated by enzymes, medical and industrial.  

Applications of enzymes, Nucleic acids, Genetic information is copied and passed on to daughter cells.  

Biodiversity and Physiology of Body Systems. All organisms are related through their evolutionary history, Adaptations for Gas exchange, Adaptations for Transport, Reproductive strategies, Adaptations for nutrition, Adaptations for parasitism.  

Metabolism, Microbiology and Homeostasis. Importance of ATP, Respiration releases chemical energy from organic molecules, Photosynthesis uses light energy to synthesise organic molecules, Microbiology, Factors controlling population size, Control systems co-ordinate and regulate processes, The nervous system. Nutrition and homeostasis, Sensing the environment.  

Environment, Genetics and Evolution. The genetic code and cell function, Sexual reproduction in human, Sexual reproduction in plants, Inheritance, Variation and evolution, Applications of reproduction and genetics.  

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 32
Practical classes and workshops 8
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 60
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Describe with clarity and an informed scepticism, the evolutionary background which has shaped the form and function of biological systems, and how they develop and grow.
LO2 Demonstrate competency in common techniques in biological laboratories and field work.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Observation (Synchronous) 1 Practical skills checklist based on observation of practical skills taught. 0 1000 40 No 40
Synchronous Online Assessment (Exam) Online Open Book Examination 1 Online exam based on lecture content. 90 N/A 60 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Observation (Synchronous) 1
Online Open Book Examination 1

Reading List

Campbell (2017) Biology 11th ed. ISBN-10: 0134093410 or equivalent.

Tortora, J.G. and Derrickson, B.H. (2014) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, London: John Wiley and Sons.