Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2013-2014 (archived)

Module FOUD0591: Biology of the Environment

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0591: Biology of the Environment

Type Open Level 0 Credits 20 Availability Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Core Foundation Biology Combined

Aims

  • To encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in a science subject.
  • to develop students' learning skills.
  • to introduce a basic bank of knowledge on which students can build either by the process of self study or in further courses of directed study.

Content

  • Evolution.
  • cell cycle.
  • genetic code.
  • inheritance.
  • population genetics.
  • interactions between organisms.
  • biomes.
  • energy flow in ecosystems.
  • human influence on the environment.
  • Human populations
  • Human genetic disease

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module students will be able to:
  • explain the processes by which organisms become adapted to their environments.
  • describe the environments to which organisms have adapted.
  • discuss the problems of human effects on the environment.
  • describe the factors affecting human population size
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module students will have acquired the skills to be able to:
  • solve genetics problems
Key Skills:
  • By the end of the module the students will:
  • be able to communicate effectively in writing
  • be able to apply number both in the tackling of numerical problems and in the collecting, recording, interpreting and presenting of data
  • be able to demonstrate problem solving skills

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Theory, initial concepts and research techniques will be introduced during lectures and demonstrations.
  • Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured exercises, group work, discussions and library assignments during tutorials and students' own time.
  • Knowledge and understanding of concepts will be assessed a written assignment.
  • Knowledge and ability to use and apply concepts will be tested by an end of module test.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 21 Weekly 2 42
Tutorials 21 Weekly 1 21
Preparation and Reading 137
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: In Class Test Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
In Class Test 1 hour 100% Resit
Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Assignment 2,000 words 100% Resubmission
Component: Exam Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Exam 2 hours 100% Resit

Formative Assessment:

Students will be given self testing units on a weekly basis. Students will be given some formative research exercises. Weekly online DUO tests for students to assess their own understanding. Regular exam- style questions interspersed with the relevant sections in the notes given to students. Worksheets done either in class or to be taken home for students to consolidate their learning.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University