Learning Partnerships, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
AS00028 Biology 2 |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Foundation |
| Semester: 2 at City of Bath College |
| Semester: 2 at Wiltshire College |
| Assessment: CW 20%, EX 80% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take AS00027 |
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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: Knowledge with Understanding a. recognise, recall and show understanding of specific biological facts, terminology, principles, concepts and practical techniques; b. draw on existing knowledge to show understanding of the ethical, social, economic, environmental and technological implications and applications of biology; c. select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically, using appropriate specialist vocabulary. Application of knowledge and understanding, analysis, synthesis and evaluation 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; b. interpret and translate from one form into another, data presented as continuous prose, or in tables, diagrams, drawings and graphs; c. 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; d. assess the validity of biological information, experiments, inferences and statements. Experiment and investigation a. devise and plan experimental and investigative activities, selecting appropriate techniques; b. demonstrate safe and skilful practical techniques; c. make observations and measurements with appropriate precision and record these methodically; d. interpret, explain, evaluate and communicate the results of their experimental and investigative activities clearly and logically using biological knowledge and understanding and using appropriate specialist vocabulary. Synthesis of knowledge, understanding and skills 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; b. use biological skills in contexts which bring together different areas of the subject. Skills: Key transferable skills, laboratory skills and theoretical problem solving. Content: Inheritance, Evolution and Ecosystems Genetic information is copied and transmitted from generation to generation. Natural selection acting on genetic variation is thought to have led to the enormous diversity of living organisms. Topics: 1. Continuity is maintained by the transmission of genetic information from generation to generation 2. Genetic and environmental factors influence variation between individuals 3. Selection can influence the frequency of alleles in a population 4. Evolution has resulted in different species of organisms. They are classified into five kingdoms 5. The concept of an ecosystem 6. Photosynthesis uses energy from sunlight to synthesise organic molecules from inorganic sources 7. Energy is transferred through food chains and food webs in a community. 8. Respiration produces ATP which is the immediate form of energy for many cell activities 9. Decomposition and recycling maintain the balance of nutrients in an ecosystem 10. Human activity can impose far-reaching effects on an ecosystem. There is a potential coonflict of interest between production and conservation Physiology and the Environment Living organisms do not live in isolation but form structured communities within dynamic and well defined ecosystems through which energy flows and in which nutrients are cycled. This module also allows consideration of some of the ways in which human activity can impose far reaching effects on the environment. It is expected that candidates will carry out fieldwork (if available) involving the collection of quantitative data from at least one habitat and the application of elementary statistical analysis to the results. Topics: 1. Abiotic factors influence uptake and loss of water in flowering plants 2. Homeostatic mechanisms function to maintain the body in a state of equilibrium and allow a degree of independence from the environment 3. The functions of the liver and kidney are essential to homeostasis 4. There is a conflict between the need for an efficient gas exchange system and the control of water loss 5. Respiratory gases are transported between exchange surfaces and the individual cells of an organism 6. The digestive system in mammals involves the chemical breakdown of food and its absorption from the gut 7. The dietary requirements of organisms vary at different stages in their lives 8. Action potentials and synapses play a fundamental role in transmitting information through the nervous system 9. Receptors convert stimuli into electrical impulses in nerve cells 10. Patterns of behaviour are integrated and controlled by the nervous system. |