This course will cover a range of areas within human biological sciences. The molecular, cellular, organ and systems-based processes that link form and function will be studied to provide an integrated overview. The course will help the student consolidate and develop the skills required in human biology including in vitro and in vivo techniques, results analysis and presentation, interpretation of data and statistics. 

Normally, five lectures per week at 9am or 11am (Monday to Friday) plus 3-hour lab sessions spread throughout the duration of the course. Labs normally take place at 10am or 2pm (Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday or Friday). In addition, non-timetabled directed-learning tasks also have to be completed.

None.

BIOL2039 Fundamental Topics in Biology 2

The course will be assessed by means of a 1-hour examination paper in the April/May diet (30%), class test(s) (30%), a group poster (15%) and a portfolio (25%). The written examinations will normally comprise MCQs.

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. 

Re-assessment is not available for the group poster. 

The aims of the course are: 

■ To provide an overview of the structure and function of major organ systems and their operation to maintain homeostasis in response to development, disease, drugs and exercise;

■ To introduce integrative biology using examples at cell, organ and system levels for the major organ systems; 

■ To develop appropriate skills in data interpretation and analysis;

■ To develop laboratory skills in key research methods;

■ To develop key transferable skills and graduate attributes.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

■ Discuss homeostasis, ranging from the cellular to the systems level;

■ Summarise short- and long-term control mechanisms using examples of endocrine and nervous system control;

■ Describe the basic structures and functions of the major organ systems;

■ Provide examples of modern experimental techniques that are used to investigate the major organ systems;

■ Interpret information from relevant literature;

■ Analyse scientific data, including data collected in the laboratory;

■ Communicate scientific ideas effectively. 

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.