Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module BIOL1181: CONTEMPORARY TOPICS IN BIOSCIENCES

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

BIOL1181: CONTEMPORARY TOPICS IN BIOSCIENCES

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap 180 Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • • Any 'A' Level Science subject

Corequisites

  • • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • • None

Aims

  • To present leading-edge research in biological sciences in a format suitable for a non-specialist audience.
  • To examine science communication and public understanding of science in the context of developments in research in biological sciences.

Content

  • Research presentations by leading researchers on biological topics.
  • Seminars and workshops on public understanding of science.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of contemporary research topics in biological sciences at a basic level.
  • Understanding of methods of communication in fostering public understanding of science.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • To prepare a written report on a specific topic that is organised and critical, and takes account of current developments in research in the field.
  • To be aware of the wider ethical and social impact of advances in biological sciences
Key Skills:
  • Literacy, in being able to consult and extract information from printed and on-line sources.
  • Self-motivation, in self-guided learning.

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

  • Lectures deliver subject-specific knowledge.
  • Workshops reinforce subject-specific knowledge and understanding gained from lectures and the development of key and subject-specific skills.
  • Self-guided learning contributes to subject-specific knowledge and self-motivation.
  • Essays: demonstrate understanding of scientific topics and ability to synthesise information from different sources to produce a piece of written work which provides evidence of the student's level of knowledge

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 17 Weekly 1 hour 17
Seminars/Workshops 9 Fortnightly 2 hours 18 ■
Preparation & Reading 165
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 40%%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Unseen formal examination 1.5 hours 100%% Yes - exam resit
Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 60%%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Seminar assignments 50%% No
Extended essay 50%% No

Formative Assessment:

Work associated with workshops/seminars.

■ 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