Run by School of Natural Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr Ewa Krzyszczyk

The Essential Biology module aims to provide students with the essential biology knowledge and skills that are required for a successful progression to degree-level study. The module will focus on providing foundation knowledge in physiology and cell biology and will place a strong emphasis on the application of knowledge and skills to a range of subject areas.

Topics covered by this module may include the following:

Cell Biology: an investigation of prokaryote and eukaryote cells, including ultrastructure of the cell and the role of cell membrane in transport processes. Associated practical classes will focus on the observation of cells using light microscopy, the calculation of cell size using microscopes and photomicrographs.

Biological molecules: carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Chemical elements and structure of common monomers and polymers. Role of macromolecules in biological processes. Synthesis, production and secretion of proteins in cells.

Mechanism of enzymes and their role in catalysing intracellular and extracellular reactions, practical effects of pH, temperature, concentration and inhibition.

Organism biology and microbiology: population biology, aseptic techniques, different types of pathogens which cause communicable disease in humans and plants and their transmission. Defence against disease.

Essential human physiology and anatomy.

threshold

Grades D- to D+ Demonstrates a basic understanding of the subject but some errors present. Some inaccuracies and misconceptions evident. Limited ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios. The clarity of information presentation is weak and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is limited.

C- to C+

Grades C- to C+ A clearer understanding of the subject matter. Demonstrates ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios, but with some errors. The clarity of information presentation is acceptable and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is developing. There is evidence of some limited engagement with the wider literature and published information sources.

good

Grades B- to B+ A good understanding of the subject matter. Very few inaccuracies and misconceptions evident. Demonstrates ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios, with few errors. The clarity of information presentation is good and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is well-developed. There is evidence of engagement with the wider literature and published information sources.

excellent

Grade A- and above An excellent understanding of the subject matter with virtually no inaccuracies and misconceptions evident. Demonstrates a very good ability to apply subject knowledge to new or different scenarios, with very few errors. The clarity of information presentation is excellent and use of appropriate, subject-specific terminology is very well developed. Evidence of reflectivity in the work produced.

1. Demonstrate an accurate understanding of biological principles and concepts.

2. Apply biological principles to different subject areas.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate methods in biology.

4. Present information clearly and logically using specialist vocabulary.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
	Test 1:Biological modules		20.00
	Test 2: Cell biology		20.00
	Test 3: Microbiology		20.00
	Practical Portfolio		40.00

		Hours
Tutorial	8*1 hour tutorials	8
Practical classes and workshops	4*3 hour practicals	12
Lecture	24*2 hour lectures	40
Private study	Time spent working on guided and independent study and on the preparation of assignments.	140

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
• Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team

• Recognize and apply appropriate theories and concepts from a range of disciplines.
• Apply subject knowledge to the understanding and addressing of problems.
• Conduct fieldwork and/or laboratory work competently with awareness of appropriate risk assessment and ethical considerations
• Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Undertake field and/or laboratory studies to ensure competence in basic experimental and/or fieldwork skills.
• Demonstrate the independence and skills required for continuing professional development

Resource implications for students

Students will be required to access online resources. Use of personal computers or University facilities will enable this.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/sns-0003.html

Compulsory in courses:

• C10F: BSc Biology year 0 (BSC/BF)
• F90F: BSc Environmental Science year 0 (BSC/ESF)
• C16F: BSc Marine Biology year 0 (BSC/MBF)
• C80F: BSc Psychology year 0 (BSC/PSF)
• C61F: BSc Sport & Exercise Science with Foundation Year year 0 (BSC/SESF)
• C30F: BSc Zoology year 0 (BSC/ZF)