Unit information: Diversity of Life Part B: Exploring Higher Organisms and Communities in 2019/20

Unit name	Diversity of Life Part B: Exploring Higher Organisms and Communities
Unit code	BIOL10005
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Andy Bailey
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None.
Co-requisites	None.
School/department	School of Biological Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will expand up the principles established in the Diversity of Life Part A: Exploring Lower Organisms unit to include viruses, higher plants, vertebrates, mammals and birds. It will cover organism form, structure, genetic variation, life cycle, adaptations and ecology.

Aims:

To equip students with the broadest range of intellectual and practical skills and to fit them to confront the diverse biological questions they will meet in their future careers. This includes a clear understanding of the factors that mould living organisms, and knowledge of the diversity of the major groups of organisms.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate the ability to implement successful independent study techniques;
2. Recognise and identify a variety of higher life forms on Planet Earth;
3. Observe and apply knowledge of the higher life forms on Planet Earth;
4. Apply and use a range of biological practical skills.
5. Have gained experience in written communication skills with an ability to relay scientific information with clarity.

Teaching Information

• 3 x lectures weekly;
• 1 x 3 hour practical session weekly.

Self-directed learning weeks will occur in weeks 18 and 24. Students are expected to spend this time on directed reading.

Assessment Information

The unit mark is comprised of:

• 70%: a 1 hour multiple choice question exam which will take place in the summer examination period. Tests ILOs 1, 2, 3.
• 20%: assessed practicals (i.e. post lab tests). Tests ILOs 1, 2, 3, 4.
• 10% written exercise. Tests ILO 1 and 5.

Reading and References

Recommended Reading

Campbell Biology, Pearson.