Learning Partnerships, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 12 |
| Level:
| Foundation (FHEQ level 3) |
| Period: |
Semester 1 at Chichester College Semester 1 at City of Bath College Semester 1 at Greenwich Community College Semester 1 at Wiltshire College |
| Assessment:
| CW 20%, EX 80% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description:
| Aims: This specification encourages candidates to: a. develop essential knowledge and understanding of concepts of biology, and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations; b. develop an understanding of scientific methods; c. be aware of advances in technology, including information technology, relevant to biology; d. recognise the value and responsible use of biology in society; e. sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in, biology; f. show knowledge and understanding of facts, principles and concepts from different areas of biology and to make and use connections between them. Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of the unit, students should be able to: 1. Describe how the cell is the basic unit of structure in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Explore the use of electron microscope and the technique of cell fractionation to be used to study ultrastructure. 2. List the properties of plasma membranes that are related to the passage of substances through them. Experiment with Bio- molecules and state why are important in the structure and functioning of cells. 3. Describe enzymes and how they control biochemical reactions in cells. 4. Define how tissues contain similar cells, and organs are structures made of different tissues. Explain that the blood system is a mass flow system which moves substances from one part of the body to another. 5. Give details of how the heart functions playing a central role in the circulation of blood and relates to the level of activity of an individual. 6. Describe how enzymes may be isolated from microorganisms and have important applications in biotechnological processes. 7. Illustrate how genetic information is passed from cell to cell during division and analyse coded information which determines the metabolism of organisms. 8. Give examples of Gene technology applications. 9. Discuss how forensic examination of blood may draw on the principles of blood grouping and genetic fingerprinting. 10. Argue how cultivated plants are adapted to survive in particular environments and how humans can manipulate the environment of these plants to increase productivity. 11. Discuss the ethical and moral issues with Biotechnology that allows the manipulation of reproduction in humans and domestic animals. Skills: Candidates should be able to: * recognise, recall and show understanding of specific biological facts, terminology, principles, concepts and practical techniques; (T + A) * draw on existing knowledge to show understanding of the ethical, social, economic, environmental and technological implications and applications of biology; (A) * select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically, using appropriate specialist vocabulary. (F + A) * describe, explain and interpret phenomena and effects in terms of biological principles and concepts, presenting arguments and ideas clearly and logically, using specialist vocabulary where appropriate; (F + A) * interpret and translate from one form into another, data presented as continuous prose, or in tables, diagrams, drawings and graphs; (F + A) * apply biological principles and concepts in solving problems in unfamiliar situations including those which relate to the ethical, social, economic and technological implications and applications of biology; (A) * assess the validity of biological information, experiments, inferences and statements. (F + A) * devise and plan experimental and investigative activities, selecting appropriate techniques; (F + A) * demonstrate safe and skilful practical techniques; (A) * make observations and measurements with appropriate precision and record these methodically; (A) * Interpret, explain, evaluate and communicate the results of their experimental and investigative activities clearly and logically using biological knowledge and undersstanding and using appropriate specialist vocabulary. (A) * bring together principles and concepts from different areas of biology and apply them in a particular context, expressing ideas clearly and logically and using appropriate specialist vocabulary; (T + A) * use biological skills in contexts which bring together different areas of the subject. (A) Content: Molecules, Cells and Systems Most organisms are organised on a cellular basis. Biochemical reactions occur within cells and these are regulated by the action of enzymes and limited by the passage of substances across plasma membranes. In larger organisms, cells are organised into tissues and tissues into organs which have specific functions. Organisms exchange substances with their environment and transport these substances from one part of the body to another by mass flow systems. It is anticipated that this semester will allow consideration of the principles to be stressed rather than biochemical detail and will provide an introduction to the acquisition of, and opportunities to assess appropriate laboratory skills. Topics: 1. The cell is the basic unit of structure in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms 2. The electron microscope and the technique of cell fractionation may be used to study ultrastructure 3. The properties of plasma membranes are related to the passage of substances through them 4. Large molecules are important in the structure and functioning of cells 5. Enzymes are proteins which control biochemical reactions in cells 6. Tissues contain similar cells, and organs are structures made of different tissues 7. The blood system is a mass flow system which moves substances from one part of the body to another. It is linked with exchange surfaces 8. The functioning of the heart plays a central role in the circulation of blood and relates to the level of activity of an individual. Making use of Biology Biology influences our everyday lives in many ways. Enzymes can be isolated from microorganisms and have important applications in industry and in medicine. A knowledge of the way in which genes code information that leads to the synthesis of specific proteins has many applications such as in the production of specific proteins and in forensic investigation. In agriculture, an understanding of physiological processes has enabled us to increase the productivity of crop plants and domestic animals. It is anticipated that this semester will allow the continued development of basic skills as well as the opportunity to discuss the ethical and moral issues that relate to the subject. Topics: 1. Enzymes may be isolated from microorganisms and have important applications in biotechnological processes 2. Genetic information is passed from cell to cell during division 3. Genes incorporate coded information which determines the metabolism of organisms 4. Gene technology has many applications in a modern world 5. Forensic examination of blood may draw on the principles of blood grouping and genetic fingerprinting 6. Cultivated plants are adapted to survive in particular environments. Humans can manipulate the environment of these plants to increase productivity 7. Biotechnology allows the manipulation of reproduction in humans and domestic animals. |
| Programme availability: |
AS00027 is Optional on the following programmes:Learning Partnerships
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