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SF1004: ORGANISMAL BIOLOGY (FOUNDATION) (2015-2016)

Last modified: 25 Mar 2016 11:34


Course Overview

Eleven themes are explored in engaging lectures, exploring the mechanisms of life processes and introducing you to the science that underpins current understanding of biology.

Structured practical sessions and class activities help you to develop your study and laboratory skills, and provide you with a strong foundation for a successful transition into university study.

Regular assignments, a mix of online tests, practical reports and reading assignments, structure your activities and help you progress through the course material.

Weekly guest lectures about current research helps you to see how basic biological concepts are being applied

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 1
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr John Baird

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Either Programme Level 1 or Programme Level 2

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Organismal biology explores the challenges of being alive. The course content comprises modules pertaining to the comparative study of life functions (reproduction, growth and development, nutrition, gas exchange, circulation, excretion, movement and communication) in a diverse range of plants, animals and microbes. The emphasis is on describing the similarities and differences amongst plants, animals and microbes pertaining to the integration and regulation of life functions that allow survival of individuals and species in a range of environments.

Further Information & Notes

This course is only open to students following the International BSc Foundation (Biological Sciences) Programme.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: One 2-hour MCQ exam (60%) and in-course assessment (40%). To pass this course, a pass must be achieved both the theory exam and the in-course assessment. Resit: One 2-hour MCQ exam in the same format as the main exam. The resit paper may contain questions pertaining to both the practical and lecture components of the course.

Formative Assessment

Four compulsory online tests (one test every three weeks) will help students assess how well they are learning the course material. Student performance will be monitored.

Feedback

Students will receive regular written feedback on each lab report before the start of the next practical class. Students who are identified as having difficulty in correctly completing the formative online tests will be invited to meet members of the course team to identify difficluties and discuss solutions.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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