BL1101 Biology 1

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 7

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

There are no availability restrictions on first-year and visiting students who meet the module pre-requisites. The module is available to other students studying in second year and above (including direct entrants to second year), but only up to a limit of 300 students in total enrolled on the module. If spaces are available at the end of the main advising period (after Wednesday in Orientation Week), a random ballot will be held for students in second year and above who have enrolled on the module. Any student who is unsuccessful in the ballot will be contacted and asked to choose an alternative module.

Planned timetable

10.00 am; Practical classes one per week 2.00 - 5.00 pm Mon, Tue, or Wed

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module is an introduction to molecular and cellular biology. It covers cell diversity and the origins of life, cellular structures and fundamental processes. The central dogma of molecular biology is investigated through the examination of the structure and function of DNA, RNA and proteins, and how this knowledge led to modern developments in biotechnology. The final section of the module gives an introduction into molecular and population genetics with an emphasis on the process of evolution. Throughout the module, the lecture material is complemented by practical classes where biological laboratory techniques are taught.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

THE STUDENT MUST HAVE HIGHER OR A-LEVEL (OR EQUIVALENT) IN BIOLOGY OR HUMAN BIOLOGY AT GRADE B OR BETTER

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%.

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

across the semester: 40 x 1h lectures, 4 x 1h tutorials, 4 x 1h revision workshops, 6 x 3h practicals

Scheduled learning hours

88

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

112

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.