This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)
Module BIOL1141: CHEMISTRY FOR THE BIOSCIENCES
Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences
BIOL1141: CHEMISTRY FOR THE BIOSCIENCES
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 1 | 20 | Available in 2010/2011 | None. | Durham |
Tied To
- C100: Biology
- C101: Biology with Industrial Placement
- C130: Cell Biology
- C132: Cell Biology with Industrial Placement
- C183: Ecology with Industrial Placement (see Undergraduate Handbook 2009-2010 for details)
- C184: Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour
- C185: Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour with Industrial Placement
- C300: Zoology
- C301: Zoology with Industrial Placement
- C701: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry with Industrial Placement
- CC77: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Pre-requisites
- 'A' Level Biology AND GCSE Dual Science Award AND GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent). Not normally for students with 'A' Level Chemistry grade C or above.
Corequisites
- Molecular Basis of Life (BIOL1071).
Excluded Combinations
- None.
Aims
- To cover core skills in chemistry, physics and mathematics 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.
Content
- Mathematics for biologists.
- Chemistry of Life: structure and bonding of biological molecules.
- Moles, molarity, molecules in solution.
- Thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, kinetics.
- Electromagnetic radiation, separation and analysis techniques.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- On completion of this module students should have a knowledge of chemistry, physics and mathematics required to study biology modules delivered at all three levels.
Subject-specific Skills
- Acquire the intellectual skills to use physical, chemical and mathematical principles in the study of biological systems.
Key Skills
- Problem solving skills: using scientific principals to solve set problems.
- Application of number skills: acquired through mathematical aspects of the course.
- Improving own learning and performance: formative feedback used to evaluate and improve own performance.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures deliver core knowledge.
- Workshops 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.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 32 | Weekly | 2 hours p/w | 32 | |
| MCQ Tests | 4 | Termly | 1/2 hour | 2 | Yes |
| Workshops | 2 | Termly | 1.5 hours | 3 | Yes |
| Preparation & Reading | 163 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 60% | Unseen formal examination | 2 hours | 100% | |
| Continuous Assessment | 40% | Test | 25% | ||
| Test | 25% | ||||
| Test | 25% | ||||
| Test | 25% |
Formative Assessment
None.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.