Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module BIOL1091: CORE SKILLS FOR BIOLOGY

Department: BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

BIOL1091: CORE SKILLS FOR BIOLOGY

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2006/07 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to C100
Tied to C101
Tied to C130
Tied to C132
Tied to C180
Tied to C183
Tied to C200
Tied to C201
Tied to C300
Tied to C301

Prerequisites

  • A Level Biology, GCSE Science double award, GCSE Mathematics or equivalents.

Corequisites

  • Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology (BIOL1072) OR Introduction to Whole Organisms and the Environment (BIOL1082).

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To cover core skills in chemistry, physics required for the study of the sub-disciplines of biology;
  • to consolidate, correct and fill gaps in the physical sciences required for introductory Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Physiology resulting from the diversity of pre-University course syllabuses relating to different School Examination Boards.
  • and to extend coverage of these areas of the physical sciences to provide a firm foundation for specialisation at level 2 and level 3 in Honours Degrees offered by the School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
  • To introduce basic methods used in contemporary experimental biology.
  • The course will employ a case study approach to the teaching of relevant concepts and methods with emphasis on the usefulness of these basic concepts to research and data analysis.

Content

  • Concentrations and amounts.
  • Moles and molarity.
  • SI units.
  • Scientific Notation.
  • Logarithms.
  • Precision.
  • Covalent bonding.
  • Chemical structures of biological molecules.
  • Isomers.
  • Non-Covalent Interactions.
  • Molecules in Solution.
  • Chemical Equilibria.
  • Thermodynamics.
  • Free energy in chemical reactions.
  • ATP & other biochemical energy sources.
  • Redox reactions.
  • Simple Kinetics.
  • Thermobiology.
  • Air and water.
  • Electromagnetic radiation.
  • Light and Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction.
  • Spectroscopy: Magnetic resonance.
  • X-ray crystallography: Mass spectrometry.
  • Radioisotopes.
  • Metabolite Identification.
  • Chromatography and Electrophoresis.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On completion of this module students should have: An introductory level of knowledge of chemistry and physics required to study biology modules delivered at all three levels.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • A familiarity with basic experimental and safety procedures applicable to modern cell and molecular biology.
Key Skills:
  • An awareness of concepts and methods as relevant tools for research design and analysis.
  • An ability to handle and interpret simple experimental data.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching is delivered by a mixture of lectures, workshops and practical classes.
  • Assessment is through formal written un-seen examinations, practical reports and workshop assignments.
  • For the core foundation skills being taught in this module, the most appropriate learning methods are those that allow students to experience data handling, there is thus a large element of self-tuition.
  • This experience is backed up by formal lectures and workshops to reinforce the material learnt.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 29 Weekly 1 hour 29
tutorials 4
Practicals 3 1 per term 3 hours 9
Workshops 2 1 per term 2 hours 4
Preparation and Reading 154
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Written examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
paper 1 100%
Component: Practical reports Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
practical reports 80%
test 20%

Formative Assessment:

Two formative assessments set as worksheets.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University