Module FOUD0668: Core Foundation Biology Combined

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0668: Core Foundation Biology Combined

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• • Biology of the Environment

Aims

• To encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in a science subject.
• To develop students' learning skills.
• To introduce a basic bank of knowledge on which students can build either by the process of 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.

Content

• Basic characteristics of life.
• Biological organisation from molecular to living organism level.
• Biological Molecules – Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids including structure, function, formation, regulation
• Biological Reactions particularly condensation and hydrolysis and concepts of equilbria
• DNA structure and function, including replication
• RNA three forms and their structure and function, specifically in relation to protein synthesis
• Protein synthesis
• The relationship between chromosomes, genes and DNA including types, causes and effects of mutations
• Mendelian inheritance
• Regulation of gene expression
• Digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids including food tests
• The role of enzymes including specificity, rates of reaction, kinetics, cofactors and coenzymes
• Cell structure and the role of cell organelles including nuclear and cell division
• Cell membranes and their role in respiration and photosynthesis
• Transport across membranes including diffusion, osmosis and active transport particularly sodium/potassium pump
• Evolution and variety of organisms; including mechanisms of speciation
• Respiration; including glycolysis, Krebs cycle, Electron Transfer Chain, membranes and ATP production, anaerobic respiration.
• Photosynthesis; including pigments, chloroplasts, light-dependent and light-independent reactions, photosystems, membranes and ATP production, compensation point.

Learning Outcomes

• the module will be taught using a topic-based approach e.g. membranes; so that aspects of cell structure, transport across membranes, structure of membranes (incorporating protein, lipid and carbohydrates), compartmentalisation of differing biochemical components of the cell as illustrated by the role of membranes in respiration and photosynthesis etc. allow a holistic approach to the teaching. This will allow for a synoptic approach to be taken in the assessment of the module.
• By the end of this module the student will have acquired the knowledge to be able to:
• 1. differentiate between types of biological molecules.
• 2. describe and differentiate between types of biochemical reactions
• 3. describe the action of enzymes.
• 4. explain how the biochemistry of respiration and photosynthesis are related.
• 5. differentiate between the different processes of cellular transport.
• 6. explain the role of DNA, protein synthesis, and mutations in the process of evolution
• 7. describe the structure of the genetic carrier and relate it to mutations and genetic variation.

• By the end of this module the student will have acquired the skills to be able to:
• 1. solve genetics problems.
• 2. Balance biochemical equations
• 3. Use enzyme data to draw and interpret graphs.
• 4. Understand how basic laboratory equipment is used

• This module will include mathematical problems to support students applying numerical skills taught in other modules of the Programme. By the end of the module students will be able to:
• 1. be able to be able to communicate effectively in writing.
• 2. be able to apply number both in the tackling of numerical problems and in the collecting, recording, interpreting and presenting of data.
• 3. be able to demonstrate problem solving skills.

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 seminars and laboratory practicals.
• Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured practicals during sessions and independent research during students' own time.
• Knowledge and understanding of concepts will be assessed a written assignment.
• Knowledge and ability to use and apply concepts will be tested by a mid-year test and an end of module test.
• The tests will assess SK1,SK2,SK3,SK4,SK5,SK6,SK7,SS1, SS2, SS3, SS4, KS1,KS2,KS3.
• The assignment will assess KS1,KS2, KS3 as well as selected components from SK and SS

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students will be given self testing units on a weekly basis. Students will be given some formative research exercises. There will be at least one formative essay to provide feedback to students on how to write a biological essay.

■ 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