Modiwl ENS-1400:
Principles of Life
Principles of Life 2024-25
ENS-1400
2024-25
School of Environmental & Natural Sciences
Module - Semester 1
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Anil Shirsat
Overview
This module will deal with the Molecular and Cellular foundation of the Biological Sciences. This falls into three broad areas:
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Biochemistry: To introduce the types and roles of small molecules found in all organisms,animals, plants, microbes etc, the main reactions in which they are involved and the control of these reactions.
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Molecular Biology: To introduce the central roles for large molecules in all life on earth. To introduce synthesis, structure, function and inter-relationships of nucleic acids and proteins.
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Cell Biology: To introduce the structure and mechanisms of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and how these impact on macroscopic physiology.
There is no necessity for a " content warning" for the onion root tip practical associated with this module
The module will be split into five separate units across both semesters. Each unit will be led by a different academic and consist of a number of lectures and sessions, and an end of unit test, which will contribute to your final grade.
The units are: 1. Chemistry of Life 2. Cell Biology 3. Genetics 4. Microbiology 5. Recombinant DNA
Assessment Strategy
-threshold (D- (40%) to D+ (48%)) -A threshold student should have a basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts presented in the module. With basic knowledge of their general context.
-good (B- (62%) to B+ (68%) -A good student should have a thorough factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to detail examples where appropriate. Good understanding of applications.
-excellent (A- (74%) or higher) -An excellent student will have excellent factual recall (including good examples) and ability to link different parts of the module. Full appreciation of the relevance of the topics to a broader context
-grades C- to C+ (52% to 58%) - A student will have good factual knowledge across the majority of the module but with limited ability to detail examples. Reasonable understanding of applications.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the basics of cell biology including cell structure and functions, photosynthesis and respiration, and cell division.
- Describe the structure, functions and diversity of microbial life including viruses, bacteria archaea and fungi.
- Explain the core principles of biochemistry including atomic structure and bonding, biological macromolecules and carbon compounds, enzymes, and water chemistry.
- Explain the importance of inheritance, genes and nucleic acids, and describe the key methods in biotechnology.
Assessment method
Class Test
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Mid-Module MCQ test for the Chemistry of Life unit. The test consists of 40 multiple choice questions - each question has 5 answer choices.
Weighting
20%
Due date
15/10/2024
Assessment method
Report
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Unit 2 - Laboratory Practical Write-up - Questions Generate a plot from lab data and answer 2 short questions.
Weighting
10%
Due date
12/12/2024
Assessment method
Class Test
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Class test for the cell biology practical. Consists of 20 multiple choice questions with 5 choices for each question.
Weighting
10%
Due date
29/10/2024
Assessment method
Class Test
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Mid-Module MCQ test for the Genetics unit. The test consists of 40 multiple choice questions - each question has 5 answer choices.
Weighting
20%
Due date
22/11/2024
Assessment method
Class Test
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Mid-Module MCQ test for the Microbiology unit. The test consists of 40 multiple choice questions - each question has 5 answer choices.
Weighting
20%
Due date
06/12/2024
Assessment method
Class Test
Assessment type
Summative
Description
End of Module MCQ test for the Recombinant DNA unit. The test consists of 40 multiple choice questions - each question has 5 answer choices.
Weighting
20%
Due date
20/12/2024