2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LLLC0155 Organisms: Form and Function

20 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Kate Plant
Email: k.e.plant@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Module replaces

LLC0193Module credit change

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module will introduce students to the basic principles of biology at the organismal and cellular level. It will also teach students to integrate, interrogate and interpret biological information, in preparation for their undergraduate studies in the Biosciences, Medical Sciences and Food and Earth Sciences. No prior knowledge of biology is required – topics will be introduced at a basic level before building a more detailed understanding.

Objectives

During the course of this module, students will develop an appreciation of the biology of organisms. From the foundation of understanding cells and molecules, students will build a detailed knowledge of how tissues and organs are structured and co-ordinated in healthy physiology, as well as examples of where this goes wrong in disease. Throughout the module students will be challenged to think beyond the facts – they will encounter real-world scenarios and problems to develop their scientific thought processes in preparation for their future studies.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, student will be able to:

1. Identify the major types of molecules that make up living organisms and explain how these molecules enable life functions

2. Locate / identify the structures found in cells and relate these to their functions

3. Explain, discuss and describe a variety of biological concepts related to organisms

4. Review how organisms obtain and use matter and energy to live and grow

5. Communicate biological information using precise language, and scientific terminology

6. Select, evaluate and reference biological information from appropriate sources

Skills outcomes
This module will introduce, provide opportunities to practice, and assess the following skills:

- Communication of biological information using precise language, and scientific terminology and notation

- Presentation and interpretation of data to support biological concepts

- Problem solving and critical thinking

- Information literacy

Syllabus

The content will be delivered through lectures and seminars / workshops which will cover the following aspects of biology:

- The molecules of life

- Cellular organisation and cell fates (division, death and differentiation)

- Molecular Biology of the cell

- The energy of life: respiration and photosynthesis

- Whole organism biology: physiology and the response to stimuli

- Reproduction

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lectures	25	2.00	50.00
seminars	5	2.00	10.00
Independent online learning hours			20.00
Private study hours			120.00
Total Contact hours			60.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Minerva Quizzes: The module will make extensive use of Minerva quizzes – one per topic which will be available immediately after each lecture. As well as providing opportunities to practice timings for the MCQ section of the exam, these will consolidate students’ learning across the course of the semester - questions will incorporate automated feedback to provide further explanation of difficult concepts. It is anticipated that students will spend one hour per week using these resources.

Labster simulations: Some preparatory and supporting materials will be delivered online via the Labster package – students are expected to complete these simulations, including their built-in assessment, which will provide formative feedback. It is anticipated that students will spend one hour per week using these resources.

During seminar sessions there will be opportunities for students to practice exam style problem based short answer questions; these will mainly be self- or peer-marked to enhance independent learning and self-evaluation.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	A set of problems requiring students to present, analyse and interpret biological data	25.00
Poster	A3 poster to be submitted and shared at group poster session	25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

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

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment	2 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

The exam will be a blend of MCQ and short answer questions. Resits for the exam component of the module will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt during the July Resit period, in most cases, or during the next available opportunity.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 04/04/2023

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