2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY1238 Exploring Whole Organism Biology in the Lab and Field

10 creditsClass Size: 80

Module manager: Dr Henry Greathead
Email: h.m.r.greathead@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

Pre-requisite qualifications

Biology A level or equivalent

Module replaces

BLGY1236 Practical Applied Biology

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module provides hands on experience of conducting research in whole organism biology in both the laboratory and field. A range of methodologies, from the sampling organisms in different habitats to the application of molecular genetic techniques for organism identification, will be used to address evolutionary, ecological and environmental questions, and demonstrate uses of biotechnology.

Objectives

An understanding of the experimental techniques that underpin study of whole organism biology. The key objective of this module is to provide training in a range of experimental techniques, and data collection, analysis and interpretation. Through this training technical competence will be developed.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module students should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental biology underpinning the practicals;
- Competently use techniques used in whole organism biology research;
- Analyse and interpret results;
- Communicate results.

Skills outcomes
- Good Laboratory Practice;
- Core techniques for the study of whole organism biology.

Syllabus

The module is practical-based.
Practicals include:
- Phosphorus content of animal excreta;
- Microbial fermentation and fractional distillation;
- Vertebrate evolution;
- Arthropod diversity and molecular genotyping;
- Freshwater biodiversity.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Practical	8	3.00	24.00
Private study hours			76.00
Total Contact hours			24.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Private study will include completion of coursework elements (30h);
Background reading (46h) in support of the practicals (reading handouts and associated literature) and in researching coursework elements.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Feedback is provided by staff and demonstrators during the practical as progress is monitored. Feedback for the MCQ-assessed practicals is provide online. The practical reports and worksheet are annotated and returned to students. Laboratory notebook entries are marked commented upon weekly.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Practical Report	Digestive physiology and environmental impact of livestock farming (Phosphorus practical)	40.00
Problem Sheet	completion of practical worksheet	15.00
In-course MCQ	Open book exam	40.00
In-course Assessment	Lab notebook entries	5.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 31/01/2019

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