Course Catalogue

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Genes, Molecules & Cells will cover core areas of biomolecular sciences, in particular the genetic, molecular and cellular processes that underpin biological systems. The overarching theme of the course is to equip students with a broad general knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts that form the basis of these subject areas, revealing the complexity of biological systems, aspects of the molecular basis of life, and how molecular mechanisms are regulated in healthy organisms but may fail in disease. The thematic areas of the course are: Genetics, Environmental Perception, Developmental Biology and Energetics, Enzymes & Proteins, and cover topics as diverse as the control of genetic information, the use of model organisms, the control of cell shape, cell division and movement, organogenesis and the development of drugs.

The course will also equip the student with a broad knowledge of experimental approaches and specific laboratory skills. 

Normally, five lectures per week (Monday to Friday) plus one 3-hour lab per week for 6 weeks in the morning or afternoon (Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday or Friday) and 4 x 2-hour tutorials. In addition, non-timetabled directed-learning tasks also have to be completed.

Normally, grade D in both the Level-1 Biology courses and grade D in EITHER Chemistry-1 OR in Science Fundamentals-1X and -1Y.

None.

BIOL2039 Fundamental Topics in Biology 2

The course will be assessed by means of a 1-hour examination paper in the April/May diet (30%), class test (s) (30%), a portfolio (25%) and a set exercise normally consisting of a group component and an individual component (15%). The written examinations will normally comprise MCQs.

It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.

[No exceptions]

The aims of the course are:

■ To provide an overview of fundamental processes and concepts that underpin the biomolecular sciences; 

■ To explore the main principles of molecular sciences from the molecular level through energy and genetics to cellular level considering the development of organisms and environmental perception;

■ To introduce experimental approaches and techniques used in these disciplines; 

■ To develop appropriate skills in data interpretation and analysis;

■ To develop laboratory skills in key research methods;

■ To develop key transferable skills and graduate attributes.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

■ Describe fundamental mechanisms and concepts in Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology; 

■ Evaluate appropriate experimental approaches used to answer specific scientific questions; 

■ Interpret information from relevant literature;

■ Analyse scientific data, including data collected in the laboratory;

■ Solve relevant quantitative problems;

■ Communicate scientific ideas effectively.