Module Details

Module Code: ZBIO C1101
Module Title: Fundamental Biology
Title: Fundamental Biology
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 10
Module Coordinator: Paula Rankin
Module Author:: Kieran Germaine
Domains:  
Module Description: To provide a comprehensive overview of the life sciences and to provide practical skills essential for further studies.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Students will be able to define what life is, identify its characteristics and chemical composition and explain our current understanding on the origins of Life and the basis of evolution by natural selection.
LO2 Students will be able to describe the fundamental biochemical, physiological and hereditary processes in living cells.
LO3 Students will be able to discuss the anatomy of plants and microbes, the major divisions within their Kingdoms and their evolutionary affinities.
LO4 Students will be competent in a wide variety of laboratory techniques in cell biology, botany and microbiology
LO5 Students will be able to clearly communicate underlying scientific principles/theory and their results from their completed experiments
LO6 Students will demonstrate enquiry based learning by selecting a science related topic of interest and submitting a 2 page essay on that topic
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
LO 1: The nature of life
The origin and nature of the universe, living and non living matter, characteristics of living things, cell theory. The origin of life (Abiogenesis v panspermia) and evolutionary theory (natural selection), Taxonomy and classification of lifeforms.
LO 2: Cells
Cell ultrastructure and function ,the cell cycle, the cell division, enzymes and metabolism. Genes and protein production, chromosomes and the basis of heredity, principles of genetics.
LO 3: Diversity of life
Review of the main Kingdoms of Life (Eubacteria, Archea, Protists, Plant and Fungi), Characteristics and main groups in each Kingdom.
LO 4/LO 5: Practical Skills
Care and use of the microscope. Examination of plant and animal cells. Algae, bryophyta and pteridophyta. Angiosperm tissues: sectioning and staining of dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous stem, root and leaf. Floral structure, identification of plants. Seeds and fruits. Examination of preserved and living specimens of protozoa, platyhelminthes, nematoda, annelida and arthropoda. Dissection of Gromphadorhina portentosa. Examination of a set of prepared histological slides. Dissection of Rattus rattus and the sheep heart. The human skeleton. The chromosome stain. Safety rules in the microbiology laboratory; principles of aseptic technique. Preparation of nutrient agar plates; demonstration of the ubiquity of bacteria. Cultivation of a pure culture using selective media, subculturing. The simple stains, the hanging drop preparation. Examination of Rhizopus, Penicillium, Saccharomyces, Agaricus campestris.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment10.00%
Practical50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination40.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 5
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
1 mid semester exam
Multiple choice exam.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 5
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Essay based on students own interest in a biological science related topic
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will be assessed on the quality of their written reports. These should demonstrate their ability to explain, in their own words, the theory/principle behind the practical, materials and methods used, clear and detailed observations and their interpretation of their observations.
Practical skill will be assessed at the end of each term via practical examinations.
Students will also be required to complete one oral presentation describing a practical of their choice (theory, methods used, their results and their interpretation and conclusions.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students must achieve a minimum grade of 35% in their final exam and must obtain a minimum grade of 40% when CA/Practical and Final Exam grades are combined.
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 5.00 60
Laboratory Contact Practical class 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Estimated Learner Hours Non Contact Independent learning 15 Weeks per Stage 11.07 166
Total Weekly Contact Hours 7.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Jane B. Reece [and five others].. (2014), Campbell biology, 10th. Pearson, Boston, [ISBN: 9780321775658].
  • Sylvia S. Mader. (2006), Biology, 7th. McGraw-Hill.
  • RF Raven, SE Eichorn. (2012), Biology of Plants, W.H.Freeman.
  • D A Webb. An Irish Flora, Dundalgan Press.
  • J Wiley, L Sherwood, C Woolverton. (2007), Prescott/harley/Kelin's Microbiology, Mcgraw-Hill.
  • HGQ Rowett. (1990), Guide to Dissection, Hodder - Murray.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: