BI0S001 - Biological Sciences Fundamentals 01 Sep 2021 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BI0S001
Module Title: Biological Sciences Fundamentals
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Biological and Forensic Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Science
Module Leader: Sorcha Diskin
Module Team: Tracey May
First Intended Intake: OCT 2021 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: 100345 - biological sciences
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2021
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

The module aims to give students the opportunity to explore various methods and necessary skills required for biological scientific thinking, techniques and experimental design in an enquiry-based way.

Content Summary

Students are encouraged to explore correlational and experimental methods, the role of statistics, scientific argumentation and ethical working practices in relation to current biological scientific topics as outlined below and reflected in news reports, recent academic publications and historical case studies.
Problem-based learning and blended learning approaches will facilitate deep, experiential learning. Indicative content includes:
• 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
Seminar 60
Independent Study 70
Directed Study 60
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 5
Formative Assessment - Independent 5
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Understand the origins of biological science, the basics of the scientific method and demonstrate the ability to evaluate sources of evidence and scientific arguments.
LO2 Understand the evolutionary background which has shaped the form and function of biological systems, and how they develop and grow, and understand the requirements and procedures for working safely, 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
Asynchronous Assessment Essay 1 Students submit a piece of coursework on a topic related to their chosen undergraduate degree course. 0 2000 50 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 Students will undertake a class test covering the module description and context 60 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Essay 1
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1

Reading List

Campbell (2011) Biology 9th ed. ISBN-10: 1408277379 ISBN-13: 978-1408277379 Or equivalent

Other literature, printed and on-line as directed.