Overview

This module will deal with the Molecular and Cellular foundation of the Biological Sciences. This falls into three broad areas:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.