BIOL06029 2019 Diversity of Life
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;
Defining basic evolutionary concepts and processes
Outlining characteristic traits of bacteria, protists, fungi and viruses
Describing the anatomy and evolutionary trajectory of plants
Comparing the anatomy of the main invertebrate and vertebrate lineages
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 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 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2016-10-19 Campbell Biology Pearson
ISBN 9780134093413 ISBN-13 9780134093413
2015-02-16 Biology [US edition] McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 0078024269 ISBN-13 9780078024269
BIOLOGY
Module Resources
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