The physical and chemical processes in biology will be studied, with the module also providing an introduction to biology’s application to biomedicine. The study will involve investigation of diffusion, osmosis and active transport. The significance of the biological membrane will be appreciated. The study of biological molecules will include the importance of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells will be compared, with the students introduced to concepts of microbiology. The importance of energy in living systems will be reviewed. The factors affecting enzyme activity will be introduced and practical investigative procedures will be carried out.
The need to integrate living systems and the importance of homeostasis in living organisms will also be studied as well as cell and nuclear division (mitosis and meiosis). Other topics to be covered will be:
An introduction to DNA structure, DNA replication and protein synthesis.
The basics of recombinant DNA technology and a consideration of its implications to society.
Mendelian genetics ( to include mono and dihybrid crosses, sex linkage and use of genetic terminology).
An introduction to natural selection in the light of modern biology.

Examination 2 hours to assess outcomes 1 to 3 (40%) (final assessment)

A portfolio containing two equally weighted laboratory reports to assess outcomes 1 to 5 (30%).

Coursework (a written assignment), equivalent to a total of 2000 words in length) to assess outcomes 1 to 3 and 5 (30%).

Additional Assessment Information:
Students will be required to complete 3 pieces of summative assessment, namely a portfolio, coursework and end of module examination. These will be used to assess both comprehension of the subject of each module and the attainment of subject specific and transferable study skills. Each element will be used to assess the former of these, whilst the portfolio and coursework elements will also assess study skills. The nature of the coursework will be chosen to develop one or more facets of study skills in particular such as, essay writing, presentation, problem solving, use of IT and information retrieval.
With regards to the portfolio and coursework assessment opportunities will be given to submit drafts for formative feedback to support the students. Deadlines will be staggered to hopefully ensure that the student work load is spread throughout the year.
A tutor will be assigned to monitor and coordinate study skills support across the modules, thereby ensuring that each student has the opportunity to attain the study skills learning outcomes outlined in the programme specification.

Reece, J. et al, Biology 10th edition, Benjamin Cummings, (2013)
Mike Boyle & Kathryn Senior, Biology, Collins Advanced Science (2008)
Indge.B, Rowland. M, Baker. M. A new introduction to Biology Hodder & Stoughton (2000)
Fullick A Biology Heinemann 2nd edition (2000)
Mary Jones, AS/A Level Biology, Cambridge international, (2007)
Reed, R., Holmes, D., Weyers, J. and Jones A (2007) Practical Skills in the Bimolecular Science. Pearsons
In order to provide further support specialist texts and journal articles can be accessed via the WWW as well as College and University library support services. In addition suitable texts/resources will be cited as and when required to support a learning activity.

None

Well-appointed classroom.
Appropriately equipped laboratory.
Appropriately resourced library.
I.T Resources equipped with Office or equivalent

Subject Specific
The module will be delivered by tutor led theory sessions, problem solving classes and practical work, throughout which the emphasis will be on student involvement.
The information will be delivered using lectures, videos and demonstrations. Worksheets will be used to engage students in an active role in the learning process. Problem solving activities will be used to consolidate learning The active learning is continued in the practical sessions where investigative procedures will be discussed, planned and carried out by the students.
Formative learning will be aided by assignments, tutorial exercises and the ability to receive formative feedback of coursework drafts prior to submission.
The lecture and laboratory classes will be for 96 hours spread over 24 weeks so that there will be 4 hours of class contact per week. Each week the classes will contain an appropriate combination of theory and practical exercises for the individual topic being delivered.

The time for independent study will be taken up by preparation and completion of assignment work, library research, preparation for class discussion and report writing.
Study Skills
The programme will be designed to emphasise and develop independent study, whilst delivering the general study skills outlined in the programme specification. Dedicated IT workshops are to familiarise the students with the use of the common computer packages, within a scientific context. The overall ethos will be one of encouraging active learning and developing a sense of responsibility for learning. This will comprise 12 hours spread over 24 weeks.