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

■ 2x MCQ tests

■ 1x practical skills assessment

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The group project and the problem-solving exercise are non-replicable. These total 20% of the course assessment.

The aims of the course are:

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

■ To introduce core digital literacy skills

■ To develop general scientific 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

■ Analyse and interpret scientific data and literature

■ Demonstrate practical laboratory skills discuss current developments in plant biotechnology and food security

The minimum requirement for the award of credits is the completion of at least 75% by weight of the summative assessment for the course.