Undergraduate Course: Biology 1B: Life (BILG08021)
Course Outline
| School | School of Biological Sciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | The course supports the transition into University and encourages development of key skills for biologists through exploration of major concepts around the molecular basis of life and the Central Dogma. |
| Course description |
The course will introduce concepts concerning the molecular basis of life, structure and function, information flow, transformations of energy and matter, and complexity of biological systems, with particular emphasis on DNA and the importance of biological organisation of the cell. It is structured by 'big questions' in biology and will explore the molecular mechanisms that underlie the organisation, division, and growth of cells.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | Students MUST also take:
Biology 1A: Variation (BILG08020)
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| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2022/23, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
196 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
90 %,
Practical Exam
10 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
To pass the course students will be required to;
Pass the portfolio
Pass the practical competency test
Engauge with Peerwise
Pass the graded components with an overall score of 40%. The graded components constitute 60% of the assessment profile and are
1) the weekly quizzes 15%
2) the group submissions 15%
3) the creative submission 5%
4) the 2-part assessment 25% |
| Feedback |
Feedback will be dialogic in that students should seek and use ongoing feedback from staff and demonstrators at weekly workshops, via peer review, online via quiz feedback and grademarking, through the portfolio and using a two-part assessment. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe mechanisms and constraints that have shaped life at levels from molecules to cells
- Apply knowledge to link biological processes across molecular and cellular levels
- Use clear structured written work to effectively communicate knowledge or ideas to critically evaluate biological questions
- Work effectively in a group on enquiry-based tasks and in a practical environment
- Develop autonomous learning skills and use reflection to engage in personal development and to build self-efficacy
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Reading List
Core textbook will be 'Biology: A Global Approach, Global Edition' (11th edition) by Campbell et al, and students will be directed to other relevant material where appropriate.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Curiosity for learning
The Life course will provide choice and use enquiry-based learning to channel curiosity about biology into outputs for assessment.
Aspiration and personal development
We will support the development of a reflective approach to learning whilst building personal responsibility using the assessed portfolio.
Research and Enquiry
This course aims to increase student understanding of the subject area and their development of a thoughtful and creative approach to tackling the big questions around which the course has been structured.
Communication
Through discussion and collaboration with students in practical and workshop groups, students will be able to communicate views and ideas and to learn from their peers. Group submission work will encourage the development of the students¿ communication skillset, specifically writing skills that will be developed throughout the course.
Personal Effectiveness
Students will be helped to develop their time management skills, to organise work and to meet deadlines. Learning methods will be examined such that each student can take an informed approach to developing their own learning plan. Group work in workshops and practicals will develop a sensitive approach towards influencing others.
Personal and Intellectual Autonomy
Students will learn to work independently to meet the challenges of the course, particularly working for the portfolio. Collaborative working throughout the workshops will enculture a critical approach to solving problems and to understanding new information.
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| Keywords | molecular,DNA,cells |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Heather McQueen
Tel: (0131 6)50 5819
Email: |
Course secretary | Dr Caroline Aspinwall
Tel: (0131 6)50 5521
Email: |
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