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Session: 2022/23
Last modified: 30/11/2022 14:13:22
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Title of Module: Diversity of Life |
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Code: BIOL07020 |
SCQF Level: 7
(Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework) |
Credit Points: 40 |
ECTS: 20
(European Credit Transfer Scheme) |
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| School: | School of Health and Life Sciences |
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| Module Co-ordinator: | Richard
Thacker |
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| Summary of Module |
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This module begins with a consideration of the diversity of life that exists on our planet. An introduction to the taxonomy and classification of life on earth is provided along with an examination of the processes by which life evolves. The module starts with a consideration of prokaryotic species before moving on through the eukaryotic kingdoms. A systems approach to the study of biodiversity is taken and students on the module will study the following: support and movement in plants and animals, nutrition in plants and animals, gas exchange in plants and animals, circulation in animals and animal nervous systems. The impact of human activities on biodiversity is also evaluated. The module concludes with a consideration of biological processes at the population and community level, including an introduction to animal behaviour, along with a description of the major terrestrial and aquatic environments that exist on earth. The module is taught using a blend of lectures, tutorials and practical studies.
- This module will work to develop a number of the key “I am UWS” Graduate Attributes to make those who complete the module (e.g.) Universal Work Ready Successful.
these will include students who complete the module being; Analytical, Inquiring, Digitally literate, Autonomous, Problem-solver, Research-minded, effective communicator, Collaborative, Resilient and Driven.
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| Module Delivery Method |
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| Face-To-Face | Blended | Fully Online | HybridC | HybridO | Work-based Learning |
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Face-To-Face
Term used to describe the traditional classroom environment where the students and the lecturer meet synchronously in the same room for the whole provision.
Blended
A mode of delivery of a module or a programme that involves online and face-to-face delivery of learning, teaching and assessment activities, student support and feedback. A programme may be considered “blended” if it includes a combination of face-to-face, online and blended modules. If an online programme has any compulsory face-to-face and campus elements it must be described as blended with clearly articulated delivery information to manage student expectations
Fully Online
Instruction that is solely delivered by web-based or internet-based technologies. This term is used to describe the previously used terms distance learning and e learning.
HybridC
Online with mandatory face-to-face learning on Campus
HybridO
Online with optional face-to-face learning on Campus
Work-based Learning
Learning activities where the main location for the learning experience is in the workplace.
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| Term(s) for Module Delivery |
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(Provided viable student numbers permit).
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| Term 1 | | Term 2 | | Term 3 | |
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| Learning Outcomes: (maximum of 5 statements) |
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On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:
L1.
Describe the diversity of life that exists on earth, the processes by which life has evolved and the scientific systems used to classify living organisms.
L2.
Describe the major life processes (feeding, movement, respiration, communication) that exist in Plants
L3.
Describe the major life processes (feeding, movement, respiration, communication) that exist in Animals
L4.
Outline threats to biodiversity and ecological resources from anthropogenic factors such as habitat destruction and fragmentation, pollution, over-harvesting, alien introductions.
L5.
Demonstrate competency in a range of technical laboratory skills |
| Employability Skills and Personal Development Planning (PDP) Skills |
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| SCQF Headings |
During completion of this module, there will be an opportunity to achieve
core skills in:
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| Knowledge and Understanding (K and U) |
SCQF Level 7.
A broad knowledge of the biodiversity that exists on earth
Understanding of interrelationships that exist within and between species |
| Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding |
SCQF Level 7.
Use of basic practical techniques in the biosciences as they relate to biodiversity
Identification of biodiversity |
| Generic Cognitive skills |
SCQF Level 7.
Evaluate and interpret evidence-based information in the biosciences
Collate and use information on biodiversity from a variety of sources |
| Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills |
SCQF Level 7.
Communicating information on biodiversity particularly on relation to the production of practical reports
Use basic numerical and graphical skills to convey biological information
Use of computers for basic statistical analysis of data |
| Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others |
SCQF Level 7.
Working effectively in groups particularly in practical work in the biosciences
Development of initiative and independence in relation to studies in the biosciences |
| Pre-requisites: |
Before undertaking this module the student should have
undertaken the following:
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Module Code:
| Module Title:
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| Other: | |
| Co-requisites | Module Code:
| Module Title:
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* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.
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| Learning and Teaching |
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| During completion of this module, the learning activities undertaken to achieve the module learning outcomes will include formal lectures, structured tutorials, laboratory classes and independent study. VLE-based support materials will be available through the textbook. |
Learning Activities
During completion of this module, the learning activities undertaken to
achieve the module learning outcomes are stated below:
| Student Learning Hours
(Normally totalling 200 hours):
(Note: Learning hours include both contact hours and hours spent on other learning activities) |
| Lecture/Core Content Delivery | 24 |
| Laboratory/Practical Demonstration/Workshop | 40 |
| Tutorial/Synchronous Support Activity | 32 |
| Independent Study | 304 |
| 400
Hours Total
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**Indicative Resources: (eg. Core text, journals, internet
access)
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The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content
and ultimately for the learning outcomes:
Textbook: Biology (Openstax - Free online textbook)
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(**N.B. Although reading lists should include current publications,
students are advised (particularly for material marked with an asterisk*) to
wait until the start of session for confirmation of the most up-to-date
material)
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| Engagement Requirements |
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In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure
Where a module has Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements these will be listed here:
Attendance at synchronous sessions (lectures, workshops, practicals), completion of asynchronous activities, and submission of assessments to meet the learning outcomes of the module. This module has a practical element as part of the Royal Society of Biology accreditation which must be attended.
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Supplemental Information
| Programme Board | Biological Sciences and Health |
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| Assessment Results (Pass/Fail) |
No
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| Subject Panel | Biology L7-11 |
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| Moderator | Gary Boyd |
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| External Examiner | J Spicer
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| Accreditation Details | |
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| Version Number | 1.06 |
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| Assessment: (also refer to Assessment Outcomes Grids below) |
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Laboratory reports, worth 35% of the final mark
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Essays, worth 30% of the final mark
Class Tests (MCQs), worth 35% of the final mark |
| Observation of practical skills. This is a Pass/Fail component which must be passed |
(N.B. (i) Assessment Outcomes Grids for the module
(one for each component) can be found below which clearly demonstrate how the learning outcomes of the module
will be assessed.
(ii) An indicative schedule listing approximate times
within the academic calendar when assessment is likely to feature will be
provided within the Student Handbook.)
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Assessment Outcome Grids (Footnote A.)
Footnotes
A. Referred to within Assessment Section above
B. Identified in the Learning Outcome Section above
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Note(s):
- More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
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Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.
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| Equality and Diversity |
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In line with current legislation (Equality Act, 2010) and the UWS Equality, Diversity, and Human Rights Code, our modules are accessible and inclusive, with reasonable adjustment for different needs where appropriate. Module materials comply with University guidance on inclusive learning and teaching, and specialist assistive equipment, support provision and adjustment to assessment practice will be made in accordance with UWS policy and regulations. Where modules require practical and/or laboratory based learning or assessment required to meet accrediting body requirements the University will make reasonable adjustment such as adjustable height benches or assistance of a ‘buddy’ or helper.
Please refer to the UWS Equality and Diversity Policy at the following link: UWS Equality and Diversity Policy
UWS Equality and Diversity Policy |
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(N.B. Every effort
will be made by the University to accommodate any equality and diversity issues
brought to the attention of the School)
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