Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2009-2010 (archived)
Module BIOL2361: DEVELOPMENT
Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences
BIOL2361: DEVELOPMENT
| Type | Open | Level | 2 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2009/10 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- Cells, Tissues & Systems AND Genetics.
Corequisites
- Molecular Biology.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- To introduce the mechanisms that generate cellular diversity in plants and animals and how they are studied.
Content
- Model systems.
- Developmental signalling pathways in action.
- Stem Cells.
- Neural Development.
- Floral development and evolution.
- Morphogenesis.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Be able to describe the strengths of the different model systems used in developmental biology.
- Outline how selected developmental signalling pathways act in context.
- Describe the origin and properties of mammalian stem cells.
- Describe the establishment and aspects of regional specification of the vertebrate nervous system.
- Describe key mechanisms of plant development and their evolution.
Subject-specific Skills:
- Interpret data showing the distribution of substances in developing structures.
- Investigate the effects of hormones on cultured plant tissues.
- Carry out transformation of plant tissues with Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
Key Skills:
- Have experience in reviewing and interpreting scientific information from various sources and evaluating them critically.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures deliver core and specialised knowledge.
- Seminars, Workshops and Tutorials reinforce the knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
- Practicals, Field work and Laboratory work allow students to utilise the knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
- MCQs sample core and specialised knowledge.
- Essays assess key communication skills but are also used to examine a students learning of subject specific 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 | 33 | Weekly | 1 hour | 33 | |
| Practicals | 3 | Termly | 3 hours | 9 | ■ |
| Workshops | 1 | End of term | 1 hour | 1 | ■ |
| Tutorials | 1 | 1 hour | 1 | ■ | |
| Preparation & reading | 156 | ||||
| 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 | 37.5% | ||
| Data handling | 37.5% | ||
| MCQ test | 25% | ||
Formative Assessment:
Practical report. MCQ test.
■ 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