Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module FOUN0057: VARIETY OF ORGANISMS

Department: Foundation Year [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

FOUN0057: VARIETY OF ORGANISMS

Type Open Level 0 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in a science subject.
  • to develop students' learning skills.
  • to introduce a basic bank of knowledge on which students can build either by the process of self study or in further courses of directed study.

Content

  • Basic characteristics of life.
  • organisation.
  • reproduction.
  • variety of organisms, general characteristics and details of structure, reproduction, nutrition and relevance to man.
  • microscopy.
  • growing microorganisms.
  • biotechnology old (e.g. brewing and baking) and new (e.g. insulin production, mycoprotein).
  • genetic engineering, ethical considerations.
  • practical techniques; preparing slides, staining specimens.
  • research and presentation skills.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module students will be able to:
  • list the different levels of organisation within an organism.
  • define the term biotechnology, with examples.
  • discuss the ethics of genetic engineering, with examples.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module students will be able to:
  • carry out basic microbiology laboratory procedures safely.
  • use a light microscope.
  • use keys and their acquired knowledge to differentiate between types of organisms.
Key Skills:
  • By the end of the module the students will:
  • be able to communicate effectively in writing
  • be able to apply number both in the tackling of numerical problems and in the collecting, recording, interpreting and presenting of data
  • be able to demonstrate problem solving skills

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

  • Theory, initial concepts and techniques will be introduced during seminars and laboratory practicals.
  • Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured practicals during sessions and independent research during students' own time.
  • Knowledge and understanding of theory will be assessed by a research exercise and a formative presentation.
  • Knowledge and ability to use and apply concepts will be tested by a practical lab report, a practical experiment and a written report.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 Weekly 1 hour 10
Practicals 10 Weekly 2 hours 20
Preparation and Reading 70
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Practical assignment and written report Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Practical assignment and written report 100%
Component: Research assignment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Research assignment 100%
Component: Laboratory notes folder Component Weighting: 10%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Laboratory notes folder 100%

Formative Assessment:

Exercises and library research


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