Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2009-2010 (archived)
Module BIOL1121: DIVERSITY OF LIFE
Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences
BIOL1121: DIVERSITY OF LIFE
| Type | Open | Level | 1 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2009/10 | Module Cap | 240 | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- 'A' Level Biology.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- To consolidate, correct and fill gaps in the knowledge of introductory Animal and Plant Structure and Physiology, Statistics and Ecology resulting from the diversity of pre-University course syllabuses relating to different School Examination Boards.
- To extend coverage of these areas of biology 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.
Content
- Introduction to the module;
- Evolution taxonomy & systematics;
- Statistics for biologists;
- Animal diversity, terrestrial plant diversity, fungal and prokayote diversity;
- Plant physiology.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- On completion of this module students should have an introductory level of knowledge of Evolution, Statistics for biologists, Prokayote, Fungal, Animal and plant diveristy and Plant physiology.
Subject-specific Skills:
- They should be familiar with basic experimental, field and safety procedures applicable to modern whole organism biology and ecology.
Key Skills:
- Students should be able to demonstrate 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
- Lectures deliver core knowledge.
- Laboratory work and Field work allow students to utilise the knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
- Tutorials reinforce the knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
- MCQs sample the broad base of knowledge.
- Unseen examinations measure knowledge and the application and interpretation of that knowledge. They also test key skills in ability to present arguments and communicate them effectively in a concise written form.
- Data Handling Exercises assess data handling, numeracy, critical thinking and presentation skills.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 38 | Weekly | 1 hour | 38 | |
| Practicals | 1 | 2 hours | 2 | ■ | |
| Practicals | 4 | Termly | 3 hours | 12 | ■ |
| Workshops | 2 | End of term | 1 hour | 2 | ■ |
| Preparation & Reading | 146 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 60% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Unseen formal examination | 2 hours | 100% | |
| Component: Continuous Assessment | Component Weighting: 40% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Practical report | 25% | ||
| Practical report | 25% | ||
| Practical report | 25% | ||
| MCQ Departmental Test | 25% | ||
Formative Assessment:
Formative practicals in bryophyte biology, statistics and data handling.
■ 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