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2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LLLC0208 Introduction to Biology

20 creditsClass Size: 45

Module manager: Erica DiMartino
Email: E.DiMartino@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Entry requirements for International Foundation Year

Module replaces

LLLC0138 Biology for International Foundation (1)

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The aim of this module is to provide you with knowledge and understanding of essential biological concepts, so that you will be well equipped to continue your studies in one of the many disciplines involving life. As part of this module, you will be introduced to key biological topics, practical skills and techniques.

Objectives

Lectures will provide an introduction to the main groups of biological molecules, the structure of cells, rules of genetics and heredity, reproduction, how organisms satisfy their energy requirements and how they interact with environment.
Laboratory sessions will provide hands-on experience of micropipetting, microscopy, presenting and interpreting scientific data.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Describe the structure and function of key biological molecules
2. Relate DNA sequence to protein sequence and recognize and apply the laws of genetic inheritance
3. Describe cell structure and be able to identify main cellular organelles and explain their function.
4. Describe the process of cell division and relate this to sexual and asexual reproduction
5. Describe how organisms obtain and use energy to live and function
6. Explain how organisms respond to their environment.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Be able to describe, explain and interpret data and graphs in terms of biological principles and concepts.
2. Be able to apply theoretical knowledge of genetics and inheritance to practical examples.
3. Understand basic laboratory techniques and equipment and be able to use it to perform simple experiments.
4. Apply biological principles in new situations, theoretical and practical.
5. Communicate biological information using precise language, and scientific terminology.


Syllabus

- The molecules of life: water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids
- The blueprint of life: from DNA to protein
- Cell structure and transport across the cell membrane
- Cell division: Mitosis and Meiosis
- Genetics and Inheritance
- Sexual and asexual reproduction
- Enzymes: structure, function and examples
- Energy for life: cellular respiration, autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition
- Interactions with the environment: muscles & nerves

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture173.0051.00
Practical33.009.00
Independent online learning hours40.00
Private study hours100.00
Total Contact hours60.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Reflection with essay/exam wrapper activities; Fortnightly quizzes; poster presentations; Group Presentations; critical essay writing; problem sets; and short essays.

Formative feedback is provided using on-line quizzes. The quizzes include MCQs, complete-the-gap and matching questions, and span all topics covered in the course. The students can complete the quizzes throughout the semester and have illimited attempts. The quizzes are self-marking and provide automatic feedback on the student answers therby allowing students to learn from mistakes and identify areas requiring improvement. The tutor will be monitoring the results of the quizzes but the emphasis will be on the students to be proactive in engaging with the formative work and seeking support when needed.
In addition, the students are offered the opportunity to sit a formative exam with a similar structure to the summative exam and will receive personalized feedback from the tutor on their answers.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Case StudyA set of questions requiring the student to apply knowledge of genetic and inheritance20.00
Problem SheetA set of questions covering theoretical and applied knowledge relating to the practical sessions20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)40.00

The coursework in the module is designed to test practical skills, such as drawing graphs, interpreting data, identifying genetic mutations or applying rules of inheritance. Coursework is released at least a week before submission deadline, so students can work at solving these practical problems at their own pace. Resit are allowed and they are in a similar format to the original piece of work.


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Open Book exam2 hr 60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)60.00

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: 29/04/2024 16:16:09

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