University of the
West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USSJHQ-30-0 Title: Biology Version:
Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:
Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field:
Faculty Committee approval: Q&S Committee (School of Life Sciences) Date: Summer 2009
Approved for Delivery by: N/A
Valid from: September 2009 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Entry Requirements:
None
Excluded Combinations:
Learning Outcomes:
The student will be able to:
• demonstrate a knowledge of the criteria of life and the cell as the unit of life;
• show an understanding of the principles and mechanisms of genetics and evolution and biological energetics;
• describe outlines of important metabolic pathways and aspects of comparative organism physiology;
• describe the principles of organism taxonomy and classification of organisms into Kingdoms, Phyla, genera, species and sub-species groups;
• describe ecosystem structure and function and human impact on natural ecosystems;
• conduct practical methods used in field study and the interpretation of field data;
• use library systems and information retrieval of biology.
Syllabus Outline:
Central themes in biology.
The criteria of life, the cell as the unit of life and the establishment and use of the genetic blueprint.
Chemistry and life.
Metabolic biochemistry with an emphasis on catabolism and energy capture.
Comparative animal physiology
Comparative aspects of whole organism physiology.
Principles of taxonomy
The classification of animals and plants and the natures of bacteria, viruses and prions.
Ecology
Ecosystems and the stresses upon the environment.
Microbiology and biotechnology
Teaching and Learning Methods:
Teaching and learning will be based on lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory work supported by student centred learning materials. Self-learning will be supported by guidance sheets for library study and computer based learning/formative assessment material. Laboratory work will be designed to foster the skills of using equipment such as microscopes, spectrophotometers and the essential techniques of microbiology. Observation, recording and interpretation of laboratory and field generated data will be an important part of the practical experience.
Reading Strategy:
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
Any essential reading will be indicated clearly, along with the method for accessing it, e.g. students may be expected to purchase a set text, be given or sold a print study pack or be referred to texts that are available electronically, etc. This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
If further reading is expected, this will be indicated clearly. If specific texts are listed, a clear indication will be given regarding how to access them and, if appropriate, students will be given guidance on how to identify relevant sources for themselves, e.g. through use of bibliographical databases.
Indicative Reading List:
Campbell, N.A. Biology. Reece JB, Biology, Benjamin Cummings.
Purves, W.K., Orians, G.H., Heller, H.C. and Sadava, D. Life: the Science of Biology. Freeman.
Raven, PH, Johnson, GB, Losos, JB, Singer, SR. Biology. McGraw Hill.
Assessment:
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 40% B: 60%
FIRST ATTEMPT
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A (controlled) Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
EX2 |
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Component B Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
CW1 |
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CW2 |
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Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes )
Component A (controlled) Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
EX3 |
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Component B Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
CW1 |
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SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)