2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LLLC0209 Biology of Health and Disease

10 creditsClass Size: 45

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

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Entry requirements for International Foundation Year

Pre-requisites

LLLC0208

Introduction to Biology

Module replaces

LLLC0139 Biology for International Foundation (2)

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module allows you to learn how key body systems work and to develop an understanding of how breakdown of homeostasis can lead to disease. It builds on the knowledge you have acquired in LLLC0138 Introduction to Biology to explore the causes and treatment of a range of health conditions. It also strengthens some key academic and practical scientific skills to ensure you are well equipped to continue your studies in one of the many disciplines involving life.

Objectives

Lectures provide an overview of the basic anatomy and physiology of core body systems and cover example of common genetic and acquired diseases affecting them. They will also cover principles of microbiology and immunology, and relate this to infectious diseases.
Laboratory sessions allows you to further develop practical skills and master key laboratory techniques, such as those used in microbiology and molecular biology.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Describe the anatomical structure of the main body systems and relate it to their function
2. Explain the importance of homeostatic mechanisms in health and how their breakdown lead to disease
3. Discuss thermoregulation, blood glucose regulation and osmoregulation as example of homeostasis
4. Explain positive and negative feedback mechanisms and relate them to hormonal regulation of reproduction
5. Outline how the immune systems protects the body from infections
6. Discuss examples of infectious and non-infectious diseases and approaches to their treatment

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Be able to describe the anatomical structure of the main body systems and relate it to their function.
2. Understand the importance of homeostasis and be able to give examples of how breakdown of homeostasis lead to disease.
3. Be able to discuss how body temperature, blood glucose levels, osmotic pressure and hormone levels are regulated and maintained.
4. Be able to explain how the immune system protects us from infectious diseases.
5. Be able to describe, explain and interpret data and graphs in terms of biological principles and concepts.
6. Be able to communicate biological information using precise language, and scientific terminology.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	9	3.00	27.00
Practical	3	3.00	9.00
Independent online learning hours			14.00
Private study hours			50.00
Total Contact hours			36.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

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 submit a formative essay to develop their writing skills and receive feedback before their summative submission.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	This assessment will include a poster presentation and an essay, each focussing on a diseases of choice (one infectious disease and one non-infectious disease). Each component will contribute half of the overall assessment mark	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		40.00

The coursework in the module is designed to test essential academic skills. It focus on the ability to communicate science clearly, both orally (poster) and in writing (essay). Assessing these skills in Semester 2 allows international students time to develop them in Semester 1, as part of their skill module. Further guidance will also be provided in class, including a formative option for the essay. Resit are allowed and they are in a similar format to the original piece of work.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Open Book exam	2 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: 19/02/2024

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