BIOL06029 2019 Diversity of Life
Full Title
Diversity of Life
Transcript Title
Diversity of Life
Code
BIOL06029
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
BIOL - Biology
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Noel Connaughton, Ana Vale, Nicolas Touzet
Programme Membership
SG_SECOL_B07 202000 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SAPPL_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Archaeology
SG_SECOL_H08 202000 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SECOL_C06 202000 Higher Certificate in Science in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SAPPL_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Archaeology
SG_SAPPL_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Applied Archaeology
SG_SAPPL_C06 201900 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Archaeology
SG_SECOL_B07 202100 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SECOL_H08 202100 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SAPPL_H08 202200 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Archaeology
Description
This teaching unit introduces students to the diversity and basic biology of organisms. As such, it encompasses 1) a basic review of evolutionary processes and the origin of life, 2) an appreciation of the basic characteristics of bacteria, protists, fungi and viruses, 3) an overview of plant diversity and evolution, and 4) an outline of animal diversity and evolution.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Defining basic evolutionary concepts and processes
2.
Outlining characteristic traits of bacteria, protists, fungi and viruses
3.
Describing the anatomy and evolutionary trajectory of plants
4.
Comparing the anatomy of the main invertebrate and vertebrate lineages
5.
Taking part in and analysing biology laboratory experiments
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered fulltime. This will include lectures and laboratory practicals, including specifically microbiology-oriented sessions, which will be augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources. Real field samples will be used for some of the laboratory-based practicals.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module is 65% Continuous Assessment and 35% Final exam.
The continuous assessment will involve 3 class tests (5% each, planned for weeks 4, 7 and 10) and the drafting and submission of 5 short reports (10% each) based on the laboratory experiments undertaken throughout the semester.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam.
Indicative Syllabus
1- Defining basic evolutionary concepts and processes
- Origin of species and evolution (Darwinism, population evolution, taxonomy and phylogeny)
2- Outlining characteristic traits of bacteria, protists, fungi and viruses
- Early divergence of life forms (bacteria, archaebacteria, viruses, protists, fungi)
3- Describing the anatomy and evolutionary trajectory of plants
- Plant diversity (vascular and non vascular plants, gymnosperms and angiosperms, plant organs and tissues, angiosperm reproduction, basic plant physiology)
4- Comparing the anatomy of the main invertebrate and vertebrate lineages
- Animal diversity (embryonic development, invertebrate evolution, vertebrate evolution, basic animal physiology)
5- Taking part in and analysing biology laboratory experiments
- Laboratory practicals (a selection of basic macro- and microscopic observations of the major phyla of the tree of life will be carried out)
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
65 %
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
35 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Class test 1 | Coursework Assessment | Closed Book Exam | 5 % | Week 4 | 1 |
| 2 | Class test 2 | Coursework Assessment | Closed Book Exam | 5 % | Week 7 | 2 |
| 3 | Class test 3 | Coursework Assessment | Closed Book Exam | 5 % | Week 10 | 3 |
| 4 | Laboratory Practicals | Coursework Assessment | Written Report/Essay | 50 % | OnGoing | 5 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Final exam | Final Exam | Closed Book Exam | 35 % | End of Semester | 1,2,3,4 |
Full Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Lecture Theatre | Theory | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
| Practical / Laboratory | Science Laboratory | lab-work | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
| Independent Learning | Not Specified | Self-study work | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 4.00 Hours
Required & Recommended Book List
Recommended Reading
2016-10-19 Campbell Biology Pearson
ISBN 9780134093413 ISBN-13 9780134093413
2016-10-19 Campbell Biology Pearson
ISBN 9780134093413 ISBN-13 9780134093413
Recommended Reading
2015-02-16 Biology [US edition] McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 0078024269 ISBN-13 9780078024269
2015-02-16 Biology [US edition] McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 0078024269 ISBN-13 9780078024269
BIOLOGY
Module Resources
Journal Resources
N/A
URL Resources
N/A
Other Resources
N/A
Additional Information
N/A