Biology 1B introduces the students to Biology at the molecular level. Students will carry out detailed investigations of the molecular make-up of biological systems and organisms and relate these to real-life examples of disease, treatments and current research.

Normally, four lectures per week at 9am or 12pm plus one 3-hour lab per week at 9am or 1pm.

The course will be assessed by 60-minute examination (30%) plus in-course assessment (70%) consisting of:

■ 1x written assignment

■ 1x problem solving exercise

■ 1x group project

■ 1x class test

■ 1x practical skills assessment

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 a broad-based understanding of modern biology at the molecular and cellular level

■ To develop data analysis and interpretation skills 

■ To develop scientific practical skills and an awareness of current scientific research in Life Sciences

■ To develop digital literacy skills and graduate attributes

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

Describe key biological molecules

Describe key cellular processes including photosynthesis and respiration

Describe inheritance and genetic disease

Discuss evolutionary theories

Discuss current developments in plant biotechnology and food security

Analyse and interpret scientific data and literature

Demonstrate practical laboratory skills