Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)
Module BIOL1317: CHEMISTRY FOR BIOSCIENCES (SHORT MODULE)
Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences
BIOL1317: CHEMISTRY FOR BIOSCIENCES (SHORT MODULE)
| Type | Open | Level | 1 | Credits | 10 | Availability | Available in 2014/15 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- • None.
Corequisites
- • A minimum of two modules from: BIOL1151 Physiology, BIOL1161 Organisms and Environment, BIOL1171 Genetics, BIOL1281 Molecules and Cells
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None
Aims
- To cover core skills in chemistry required for the study of biological and biomedical sciences.
- To consolidate, correct and fill gaps in chemical knowledge required for Level 1 Biological and Biomedical Sciences modules resulting from differing pre-University courses taken by students.
Content
- Basic chemical concepts.
- Aqueous solutions, ionisation, pH.
- Light absorbance in solution.
- Thermodynamics, energy interconversion.
- Chemical kinetics.
- Chemistry of the elements of biological molecules.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- A knowledge of the chemistry required to study Level 1 Biological and Biomedical Sciences modules.
- Basic understanding of the principles of chemistry sufficient to support subsequent learning in Biological Sciences and Biomedical Sciences degree programmes at levels 2 and 3.
Subject-specific Skills:
- To be able to use basic chemical principles to interpret reactions taking place in living organisms
- To be able to use basic chemical principles to interpret practical exercises set at Level 1 in Biological and Biomedical Sciences core modules
Key Skills:
- Numeracy, in data analysis, and calculations involved in 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 (problem classes) 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 tests (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 | 17 | 2 per week | 1 hour | 17 | |
| Problem Classes | 4 | 2 per term | 1 hour | 4 | ■ |
| Preparation & Reading | 79 | ||||
| Total | 100 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Continuous Assessment | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Departmental Test I | 1 hour | 33% | No |
| Departmental Test II | 2 hours | 67% | No |
Formative Assessment:
Work associated with problem classes.
■ 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