Module Details

Module Code: BIOL S8Z01
Full Title: Biology
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2018/19 ( September 2018 )
Language of Instruction: 
Duration: 2 Semesters
Credits:: 15
Module Owner::  
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: The aim of this module is to present the necessary biology to support further studies in microbiology, molecular bioscience,ecology,physiology and pharmacology.Students will also gain experience in experimental techniques (biological and microbiological) and in the recording and interpretation of biological data.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Identify and explain the function of the major biomolecules and interpret amino acid sequences from base sequences on the DNA.
MLO2 Summarise the major components in a typical procaryotic cell and compare and contrast a gram positive and a gram negative bacterial cell wall.
MLO3 Highlight the major characteristics and structural differences between viruses,bacteria,fungi and protista and discuss their commercial/medical importance.
MLO4 Explain the structure and function of eucaryotic cell organelles, membrane transport processes and cell division( mitosis and meiosis) and review the principles of Mendelian genetics.
MLO5 Compare different types of microscope and be competent in the use of a brightfield microscope to view and interpret slides and in the skills used in the preparation and microscopic examination of bacterial,fungal, animal and plant specimens.
MLO6 Discuss the structure and organisation of plants,internal and external factors affecting their growth,and explain the process of photosynthesis.
MLO7 Review the structure and function of the digestive, excretory, respiratory, urinary, reproductive and nervous systems in animals from selected taxa.
MLO8 Assign taxonomic terms to classify plants and animals.
MLO9 Make accurate observations of living and preserved biological preparations and assess and interpret biological data.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Biomolecules and Viruses.
Introduction to proteins,enzymes, lipids,carbohydrates and nucleic acids.Viruses (types, structure,reproduction and importance).
Introduction to the Cell and microscopy.
Classification,types of cells,cell size, factors determining cell size,brightfield, darkfield,phase contrast,flourescent and electron microscopes.
Replication of DNA and protein synthesis.
Replication,transcription,translation,exons introns,mutations. Role of mRNA, rRNA, tRNA
Procaryotic cell structure.
Slime capsule, cell wall(gram positive and gram negative), cell membrane, flagellum, pilus, ribosomes, plasmids, nucleoid, endospore. Ways to increase microbial diversity.
Eucaryotic cell structure.
Cell membrane,nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum,Golgi apparatus, lysosome, peroxisome,ribosome,cytoskeleton, cell communication, Transport processes across cell membranes.
Cell division.
Binary fission,cell cycle, mitosis,meiosis, growth and differentiation of eucaryotic cells, stem cell ,overview of animal tissues.
Fungi and Protista.
Characteristics of fungi,growth and reproduction,identification techniques,commercial/medical importance, antifungal therapies. Characteristics of algae and protozoa and their importance.
Genetics.
Mendelian genetics, monohybrid and dihydrid crosses, sex linkage, mechanism of evolution and speciation.
Nutrition.
Feeding mechanisms in humans and animals to include saprophytes, parasites,examples of parasites, evolution of digestive systems, human digestive system, nutritional adaptations in plants.
Transport.
Transport in plants, transport in animals, human cardiovascular system, composition and function of blood, lymphatic and immune system.
Gaseous exchange.
Physical laws of gas exchange, gas exchange in plants, animals, fish, human respiratory system, transport of gases in human blood.
Movement and support in animals.
Skeletal system, muscular system, physiology of muscle activity.
Co-ordination in animals and plants.
Plant hormones, evolution of endocrine and nervous systems in animals.
Integration and co-ordination in humans.
Organisation of body systems, urinary system and regulation of body fluids, regulation of body temperature, endocrine system, nervous system.
Reproduction.
Sexual and asexual reproduction in plants, asexual reproduction in animals, the sexual life cycle in mammals, development and growth of mammals.
Taxonomy.
Origin of taxonomy, kingdoms of life, classification of animals and plants, identification of organisms using keys.
Practical skills.
Practicals will be selected from the following list: * Introduction to microscopy; use and care ;Elementary micro-technique – preparations of whole mounts; sections; smears and squashes; animal and plant cells (stained and unstained) ;Microscopic measurement of cell size; Microbes are everywhere;Examination of prepared cultures and slides of bacteria, fungi and protozoa; Preparation and examination of simple and differential stains in microbiology ; Examination of electron micrographs of eucaryotic and procaryotic cells and viruses;Observation of mitosis in plant meristems ; Determination of the osmotic potential of potato cells; Factors affecting enzyme activity; DNA Extraction;Examination of invertebrate animals from selected taxonomic groups;Examination of plants from selected taxonomic groups; Dissection of the digestive and excretory system of lugworm;Dissection of the mouthparts of locust and its digestive system;Examination of mouthparts of different insects; Examination of the skulls of animals and the skeletal system of humans ; Dissection of digestive system and circulatory system of rat; Dissection of a sheep's heart; Examination of plant tissues; Separation of plant pigments by chromatography;Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work20.00%
Practical30.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

Course Work
Assessment Type Class Test % of Total Mark 5
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 6 Learning Outcome 1,2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
multiple choice /short questions
Assessment Type Class Test % of Total Mark 5
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 12 Learning Outcome 4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
multiple choice/short questions
Assessment Type Class Test % of Total Mark 5
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S2 Week 25 Learning Outcome 7
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
multiple choice/short questions/graph questions/essay
Assessment Type Class Test % of Total Mark 5
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S2 Week 30 Learning Outcome 6,7,8
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
multiple choice/short questions
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 4,5,7,8,9
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
4 Practical examinations to assess competencies in the preparation and viewing of biological specimens / practical report writing/short answer question /multiple choice questions/oral examinations as appropriate. Practical write-ups will also be assessed at the end of each semester
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Practical Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Tutorial Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 4.00 4
Total Weekly Learner Workload 11.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 7.00
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Urry,L.A.et al. (2017), Campbell Biology, 11th Ed. Pearson, USA, [ISBN: 9780134446417].
  • Raven,P.H. et al. (2016), Biology, 11th Ed. Mc Graw -Hill, [ISBN: 9780077327640].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Hardin, J.. (2016), Becker's world of the cell, 9th Ed. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780134146621].
  • Clegg C.J. and Mackean D.G.. (2000), Advanced Biology, 2nd Ed. John Murray, UK, [ISBN: 9780719576706].
  • Tortora G, Funke B and Case C. (2016), Microbiology an Introduction, 12th Ed. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780321929150].
  • Mader,S and Windelspecht,M. (2012), Biology, 11th Ed. Mc Graw Hill, USA, [ISBN: 9780073525501].
  • Mader,S and Windelspecht,M. (2013), Human Biology, 13th Ed. Mc Graw Hill, USA, [ISBN: 9780073525488].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources