Module BIOL2301: EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY (ROUTE B)

Department: BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

BIOL2301: EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY (ROUTE B)

Prerequisites

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

Corequisites

• Development I (BIOL2221).

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide training and experience in experimental techniques representative of modern practical approaches in zoology.

Content

• The practicals and lectures in this course will introduce some important experimental techniques, and methods of interpretation, that are regularly used in Zoology.
• Laboratory practicals will be supported with field excursions where appropriate.
• To compliment these practicals, students will be provided with lectures in scientific philosophy, asking questions in biology, experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Animal and Plant Diversity.
• Animal Physiology.
• Cell Culture.
• Microscopy Techniques.
• DNA Analysis.
• Protein Analysis and Enzymes.
• Experimental Design and Statistics.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module each student should be able to: Understand the bases and experimental procedures used in a wide range of techniques in zoology.

• Demonstrate a wide range of practical skills in field work, molecular biology and cell biology.

• Interpret and execute detailed practical instructions.
• Be able to acquire, record, interpret and critically analyse experimental data.
• Be able to present the results and conclusions effectively.
• Appreciate the approaches used to devise experimental strategies.
• Appreciate safe working practices.

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

• Teaching and learning in this component will be through lectures, practicals, workshops and field trips.
• Knowledge, understanding and interpretation will be formatively assessed through practical reports and statistical exercises.
• Knowledge, understanding and interpretation will be summatively assessed through practical reports (40%), field trip reports (10%), statistics exercises (20%) and statistics exam (30%).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment will be based on practical reports and exercises in the use of statistics.

■ 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