Module FOUD0927: Foundation Biology 1

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0927: Foundation Biology 1

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in a science subject
• To develop students' learning skills
• To introduce core knowledge on which students can build on by self-study or in further courses of directed study
• To develop confidence in a laboratory situation
• To introduce a range of equipment
• To develop observational and interpretative skills
• To develop a problem-solving and logical thinking skills.

Content

• Basic characteristics of life
• Biological Molecules
• Evolution and variety of organisms; including mechanisms of speciation
• The link between respiration and photosynthesis
• Energy flow in food chains
• Link between DNA makes RNA makes protein
• Genetics; including monohybrid, codominance, sex-linkage, and the use of genetic problems to predict outcomes of genetic crosses

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the programme students will have:
• 1. Knowledge of a range of foundational subject concepts
• 2. Knowledge of a range of relevant research methods
• 3. Knowledge of a range of relevant vocabulary

• By the end of the programme students will be able to:
• 1. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of foundation subject concepts
• 2. Demonstrate the appropriate use of relevant methods
• 3. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of relevant vocabulary.

• By the end of the programme students will be able to:
• 1. Demonstrate critical thinking
• 2. Demonstrate effective communication using appropriate academic styles
• 3. Demonstrate appropriate use of number
• 4. Demonstrate the use of appropriate sources of evidence

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

• Theory, initial concepts and techniques will be introduced during lectures and practical
• Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured worksheets during seminars and students' own time
• Knowledge and ability to use and apply concepts will be assessed by the library project and the test.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

In class test and library research project

■ 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