| Unit name | Current Topics in Biology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BIOL10001 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Viney |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
none |
| Co-requisites |
none |
| School/department | School of Biological Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
Biology is frequently in the news, often within the headlines. The subjects covered are numerous and often controversial, yet rarely explained in any depth. Within this unit we aim to introduce the current topics in an unbiased manner, introducing all the arguments so that Biology students are well informed about these subjects and can access peer-reviewed factual information on which to base their opinions. This will enable the students to participate in conversations on such topics in an informed manner. The topics will vary from year to year based on what is timely and getting press attention, but it is likely to include subjects such as the use of animals in research, use of GM crops, relevance of conservation work, cloning/stem cell research etc etc. The unit will also showcase new research outputs from the school and broader subject area. The aim of the unit is to help inform our student of the unbiased background to the current controversies in Biology and give a grounding in the current research from the School to allow them to develop a better appreciation of the scientific approach within Biology.
On completion of the unit, students will be familiar with the evidence available for each case, and be able to critically assess the quality and scope of such findings. They will be able to discuss these ideas in an informed manner and have an appreciation of evidence-based findings. There will also be an awareness of how research is performed within the School, the timescales involved and the sorts of impacts which can be achieved.
Lectures and tutorials alongside self directed study
The course will be assessed within the tutorial sessions associated the unit, using essays and worksheets
Hendersons Dictionary of Biology. (2011) Lawrence. Pubs: Benjamin Cummings
