Fundamentals of Biology I

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Select, organise and present relevant information clearly logically and using specialist vocabulary where appropriate;
• Recognise, recall and show understanding of specific biological facts, terminology, principles, concepts, and practical techniques;
• Draw on existing knowledge to show understanding of the ethical, social, economic, environmental and technological implications and applications of biology;
• Use biological skills in contexts which bring together different areas of the subject.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Assess the validity of biological information, experiments, inferences and statements
• Describe, explain and interpret phenomena and effects in terms of biological principles and concepts, presenting arguments and ideas clearly and logically, using specialist vocabulary where appropriate;
• Apply biological principles and concepts in solving problems in unfamiliar situations including those which relate to ethical, social, economic and technological implications and applications of biology;
• Interpret and translate from one form to another, data presented as continuous prose, or in tables, diagrams, drawings and graphs;

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Use IT to support learning
• Manage your own learning;
• Communicate scientific information effectively;
• Apply problem solving techniques to familiar and unfamiliar biological problems;
• Apply mathematical methods to solve problems in biology;

Topics include: Cell Biology, Human Physiology.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• Lectures, supported by handouts illustrating theory and examples.
• Projected materials.
• Study materials available on the Virtual Learning Environment.
• Practice exercises and tests.

Learning activities include

• Problem solving, comprehension and data analysis exercises
• Self assessment exercises
• Group discussion/question and answer sessions
• Individual research on topics
• Private study

Study Time Allocation:

• Contact Hours: 60
• Private Study Hours: 90
• Total study time: 150 hours

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Background Texts. Any A Level Biology/Human Biology text such as: Advanced Biology by Grace Monger, Michael Reiss and Michael Roberts. Nelson Thornes Ltd (2000) ISBN 0174387326 New Understanding Biology by Glen and Susan Toole. 4th ed. Nelson Thornes Ltd (1999) ISBN 0748739572 Biological Sciences Review (Part of the Philip Allan A-Level Review series, this quarterly publication is designed for AS and A2 students and ties in with specific units across AQA, Edexcel and OCR exam boards) Biology Web sites – Recommended resources listed on the VLE Biology by Mike Boyle & Kathryn Senior. 3rd edition. Collins (2008) ISBN-13978000726745-3

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External