2020/21 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 2020/21
Pre-requisite qualifications
Biology A level or equivalentThis module is mutually exclusive with
BLGY1234 | Practical Genetics |
Module replaces
BLGY1236 Practical Applied BiologyThis 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 of 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:
- Digestive physiology and environmental impact of livestock farming;
- Microbial fermentation and fractional distillation;
- Arthropod diversity and molecular genotyping;
- Plant identification and invertebrate diversity.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Practical | 6 | 3.00 | 18.00 |
Private study hours | 82.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 18.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 |
Private study
Private study will include completion of coursework elements (30h);Background reading (49h) in support of the online practicals (reading handouts and associated literature) and in researching coursework elements.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Feedback for the MCQ online assessed practicals is provide online. The practical worksheet is annotated and returned to students.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
In-course Assessment | On-line practical 'Digestive physiology and environmental impact of livestock farming' and submission of worksheet. | 40.00 |
In-course Assessment | Participation mark, including online practicals requiring submission of a photo album recording taxonomic range of organisms that display mimcry and crypsis (pass/fail); Additional online practicals also contribute to the mark - 'Exploring arthropod diversity' and 'Biodiversity & Habitats'. | 10.00 |
In-course MCQ | Online time-limited exam | 50.00 |
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 websiteLast updated: 11/05/2021
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD