Modiwl BNS-1004:
Principles of Life 1
Principles of Life 1 2023-24
BNS-1004
2023-24
School of Environmental & Natural Sciences
Module - Semester 1 & 2
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Cell Biology: To introduce the structure and mechanisms of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and how these impact on macroscopic physiology.
Module structure 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 -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.Equivalent category CNS general marking criteria:D- (42%) to D+ (48%)
-good -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.Equivalent category CNS general marking criteria:B- (62%) to B+ (68%)
-excellent -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.Equivalent category CNS general marking criteria:A- (74%) to A* (95%)
Assessment method
Exam (Centrally Scheduled)
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Mid-Module Test for Unit 1 (MCQ)
Weighting
20%
Due date
24/10/2022
Assessment method
Report
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Unit 2 - Laboratory Practical Write-up - Questions
Weighting
10%
Due date
08/12/2023
Assessment method
Exam (Centrally Scheduled)
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Mid-Module Test on Unit 3 (MCQ)
Weighting
20%
Due date
14/02/2023
Assessment method
Exam (Centrally Scheduled)
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Mid-Module Test on Unit 4 (MCQ)
Weighting
20%
Due date
07/03/2023
Assessment method
Exam (Centrally Scheduled)
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Mid-Module Test on Unit 5 (MCQ)
Weighting
20%
Due date
17/04/2023
Assessment method
Exam (Centrally Scheduled)
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Mid-Module Test on Unit 2 (MCQ)
Weighting
10%
Due date
30/11/2022