AP0310 - Introduction to Biology

You will learn in lectures in which the scientific topics are introduced and explored. In our practicals, we will apply the knowledge obtained in the lecture sessions. The practicals will at the same time illustrate the topics discussed in the lectures. During our field trip to the local Natural History museum, you will be able to interpret your knowledge of evolution, taxonomy and evolution. Learning does not only take place in scheduled organised sessions – like in every other module, there is a considerable amount of independent learning associated with this module. Using the information on Blackboard and the electronic Reading List present there, you can have access to a range of relevant learning materials such as textbooks, scientific papers, videos, and others.

All lecture material will be available on the University eLearning Portal (Blackboard). There will also be additional information on the sessions, and guidance on further reading relevant to the subject matter as well as links to other online resources. Electronic feedback on assessments will be provided via the eLP to allow you to understand how you performed and how you can build on this performance in subsequent assessments within your programme.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Gain insight in and knowledge of evolutionary processes that led to the diversity of life, and get an overview of the taxonomy and classification of life on earth
2. Gain insight in the basic genetic principles and processes, and how they can be manipulated
3. Get insight in the structure and function of the human body, and into the basics of the science of neurobiology

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Be able to carry out experimental work, while working in a safe and responsible manner, and record, process, and interpret the outcomes of experimental work in a scientific manner;

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate curiosity and spirit of enquiry through directed and independent study and research, and awareness of the different challenges mankind faces in the area of biological science

This module is assessed by coursework. There will be two assignments in this module:

Coursework I – online test covering teaching block I: Evolution and Diversity of Life. There will be questions related to lectures, practicals and excursions, and directed reading. This assignment counts for 50% of the module mark. KU1, IPSA4, PVA5

Coursework II – online test covering Teaching Blocks II and III: Genetics and Human Biology. There will be questions related to lectures, practicals and directed reading. This assignment counts for 50% of the module mark. KU2-3, IPSA4, PVA5.

Formative assessment will be provided by informal / formal discussions in the laboratory classes and external visits. Supporting MLOs KU1, KU2, KU3, IPSA 4 and PVA5.

N/A

AP0306, AP0307, AP0308 and AP0309

“What is Life?” George Harrison asked this question in his famous song in 1970, long before most of your lives began… What IS life, and how did the dazzling array of life we see around us come into being? In this module, we will study the evolution of life, and explore where this has led us when we look into the biodiversity of life in the different kingdoms. We will open the door to the genetic background without which life and evolution would have been impossible, and try to have a look into the future: what are the opportuinities to manipulate genetic information? Finally, we end by exploring aspects of a rather complex life form by the name of Homo sapiens.