Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (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 2007/08 |
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 AND GCSE Science double award AND GCSE Mathematics (or equivalents). Not normally for students with A level Chemistry grade C or better.
Corequisites
- Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology (BIOL1072) OR Introduction to Whole Organisms and the Environment (BIOL1082).
Excluded Combination of Modules
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.
- To introduce basic methods used in contemporary experimental biology.
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.
- Electromagnetic radiation.
- Infra-red and ultraviolet.
- Spectroscopy: Magnetic resonance.
- Mass spectrometry.
- Chromatography and Electrophoresis.
Learning Outcomes
- 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.
- A familiarity with basic experimental and safety procedures applicable to modern cell and molecular biology.
- 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, a practical report and workshop assignments.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity |
Number |
Frequency |
Duration |
Total/Hours |
|
| Lectures |
30 |
Weekly |
1 hour |
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Practicals |
1 |
1 per term |
2 hours |
2 |
| Workshops |
6 |
1 per term |
1-2 hours |
8 |
| Preparation and Reading |
|
|
|
160 |
| 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 report |
|
40% |
|
| assessed workshop |
|
40% |
|
| test |
|
20% |
|
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
