Module title
Foundation Biology
Module code
INT0016
Academic year(s)
2015/6
Credits
20
Basic module details
Module staff
Julia De Ste Croix - Convenor
Duration (weeks) - term 1
12
Duration (weeks) - term 2
Duration (weeks) - term 3
Number students taking module (anticipated)
30
Description - summary of the module content
Module description
This module provides a basic introduction to biological concepts to underpin a first year of undergraduate study in biological
and related sciences. Topics covered are: cell structure and function, membranes and transport, biological molecules including
nucleic acids and enzymes, cell division and simple genetics, respiration and photosynthesis as examples of biochemical
pathways, energy transfer through populations, classification, evolution, and introduction to growth and development. Practical
laboratory work is an integral part of the course providing basic skills in practical technique, presenting and analysing data and
report writing.
Although recent study of Biology is desirable, students who have not studied the subject past GCSE equivalent are able to
progress with this course.
Module aims - intentions of the module
Module aims
1. To provide a foundation in biological science which gives the underpinning knowledge needed to progress to the first year of
an undergraduate programme in a biological or related science.
2. To provide a practical based course that will enable full participate in laboratory work in the first year at undergraduate level.
Intended learning outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic biology concepts as covered in the syllabus content.
2. Distinguish between prokaryotic cells and between plant and animal cells and appreciate the advantages of
compartmentalising functions within them.
3. Collate data, draw graphs and interpret results associated with metabolic activities described within the syllabus content.
4. Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between genes, as units of heredity, with the synthesis of body proteins and
the expression of phenotype.
5. Solve simple genetics problems including mono and dihybrid inheritance, codominance and sex linked traits.
6. Demonstrate your understanding that photosynthesis is basic to life, its relationship with respiration and that both provide
examples of complex biochemical pathways.
7. Follow written instructions in practical work, produce usable results, draw logical conclusions and appreciate the accuracy
and limitations of the methods used.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key aspects of basic biology at cellular, organism and ecosystem level.
9. Describe and begin to evaluate aspects of knowledge in the biological sciences with reference to data sources outside of
lectures
10. With guidance, follow established methods in practical work within the biological sciences developing a respect for Health
and Safety within a laboratory environment.
ILO: Personal and key skills
11. take responsibility for your own learning and work independently;
12. work cooperatively in groups;
13. communicate effectively in the written or spoken form
Syllabus plan
Syllabus plan
Cellular structure and function – eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, aggregation of cells
Membranes – structure and methods of transport across
Biological techniques – microscopy, cell disruption and centrifugation, chromatography andelectrophoresis, enzyme
immobilisation
Biomolecules – Water, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids; DNA and RNA
Protein synthesis , genetic engineering, DNA profiling
Cell cycle – mitosis and meiosis
Genetics – monohybrid and dihybrid inheritance
Enzymes – properties and behaviour
Biochemical pathways –introduction to respiration and photosynthesis
Energy transfer through populations – food chains, webs and ecological pyramids, biogeochemical cycles
Classification and evolution
Growth and development – introduction to control of growth and development
Learning and teaching
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching
Activities
Guided independent study
Placement / study abroad
84
116
0
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
Category
Hours of study time
Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching
activities
60
Lectures (including solving tutorial
problems)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching
activities
24
Laboratory based activities supervised
by lecturer and laboratory assistant
116
Writing reports on laboratory sessions.
Preparation of course work presentation
and written assignment Preparation for
lectures. Tutorial problem solving.
Reading and research
Guided independent study
Assessment
Formative assessment
Form of assessment
Size of the assessment (eg
length / duration)
ILOs assessed
Feedback method
Laboratory practical activities
4 x 3 hours
3,7,9,10,11,12, 13
Verbal feedback as class
review
multiple choice questions per
topic
varies with topic
1-6,8
results posted on ELE
class exercises
varies with topic
1-6,8,9,12, 13
verbal feedback in class time
Coursework - exam style
Worksheets
1-6,8,9,11,13
Written feedback on formal
submission and peer review
Summative assessment (% of credit)
Coursework
Written exams
Practical exams
30
70
0
Details of summative assessment
Form of assessment
% of credit
Size of the
assessment (eg
length / duration)
ILOs assessed
Feedback method
4xLaboratory reports
(Increasing complexity)
30 (5,5,10,10 resp)
Varies with Student
3,7,9,10,11,12, 13,
Written feedback on
formal submission
Final exam
70
1 hour multiple choice
1 hour essay +
structured question
1-6,8,9,13
Formal grade only.
Re-assessment
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
Original form of assessment Form of re-assessment
ILOs re-assessed
Timescale for reassessment
Final exam (referral)
Exam
1-6,8,9,13
Usually taken in next exam
period
Final exam (deferral)
Exam
1-6,8,9,13
Usually taken in next exam
period
Re-assessment notes
Referral will constitute a second formal examination – coursework will not be included in the re-assessment. All summative
coursework must be completed before entitlement to a referral. The grade for the referred exam, and therefore the module
grade, will be capped at 40%. Deferred exams will not be capped and will include summative coursework marks in the final
module grade.
Resources
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Williams, G.(2000). Advanced Biology for You. Cheltenham: Nelson Thorne
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE : http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1918
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
Other details
Module ECTS
10
Module pre-requisites
Module co-requisites
NQF level (module)
3
Available as distance learning?
No
Origin date
September 2007
Last revision date
22/07/2015
Key words search
Biology; cells, proteins; enzymes