Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module BIOL1191: CHEMISTRY FOR BIOLOGY

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

BIOL1191: CHEMISTRY FOR BIOLOGY

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to C100 Biological Sciences
Tied to C105 Biological Sciences with Industrial Placement
Tied to B940 Biomedical Sciences
Tied to B941 Biomedical Sciences with Industrial Placement

Prerequisites

  • • 'A' Level Biology AND GCSE Dual Science Award AND GCSE Mathematics (or equivalents). Not normally for students with 'A' Level Chemistry grade C or above.

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • 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 Level 1 Biological and Biomedical Sciences modules resulting from differing pre-University courses taken by students. >

Content

  • Mathematics for biologists.
  • Chemistry of Life: structure and bonding of biological molecules.
  • Solutions and solubility.
  • Thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, kinetics.
  • Electromagnetic radiation, separation and analysis techniques.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • A knowledge of chemistry, physics and mathematics required to study Level 1 Biological and Biomedical Sciences modules.
  • Basic understanding of the principles of chemistry, physics and mathematics sufficient to support subsequent learning in Biological Sciences and Biomedical Sciences degree programmes at levels 2 and 3.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Intellectual skills to enable the use of physical, chemical and mathematical principles in the study of biological systems
Key Skills:
  • Numeracy, in data analysis, and calculations involved in biology and chemistry.
  • 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.
  • Problem Exercises (Data Handling) demonstrate subject-specific skills in data handling and key skills in numeracy applied to biology and ecology.
  • Unseen examinations demonstrate achievement of the appropriate level of subject-specific knowledge, with an emphasis on understanding and communication (essay and problem-based questions) or recall of factual knowledge (multiple choice or short answer question tests).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 32 Weekly 2 hours p/w 32
Problem Classes 4 2 per term 1 hours 4 ■
Workshops 2 1 per term 1.5 hours 3 ■
Preparation and Reading 161
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Unseen formal examination 2 hours 100%% Yes - exam resit
Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 40%%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
MCQ tests 0.5 hours each 100%% No

Formative Assessment:

Self-learning via problem sheets

■ 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