Module description
Our Biology Foundation module will give you an in-depth introduction to the major biology topics required for successful undergraduate study.
You’ll develop an essential knowledge and understanding of concepts of biology and the skills needed to use them in new and changing situations.
Throughout this Biology Foundation module, you will cover:
- biological molecules, including cell structure, membranes and cell transport, enzymes and signalling in and between cells
- homeostasis in the human body, including transport systems, digestion and the control of breathing and heartbeat
- energy and exercise
- cellular respiration
- nervous coordination, analysis and integration
- muscles and bones
- the cell cycle, including the genetic code, inheritance and variation
- molecular biology
- microbiology, including bacteria, commercial biotechnology, bacterial disease, viral disease and protection against disease.
You’ll learn through theoretical lectures, problem-solving tutorials and laboratory-based practicals. By the end of the module, you’ll be able to present biological information clearly and logically; calculate, interpret and analyse data in various formats and interpret, evaluate, explain and communicate the results of laboratory experiments in a report.
This Biology Foundation module will prepare you to study biology at an undergraduate level, including a range of degrees across the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine. It provides a solid foundation for further study on a number of degrees that require biology study, such as Global Health & Social Medicine BSc, Midwifery or Nursing, Nutritional Sciences BSc and Psychology BSc.
If you combine this with the Chemistry Foundation module, you will have a good foundation for studying a range of other degrees such as Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology BSc, Biochemistry BSc, Medical Physiology BSc, Molecular Genetics BSc, Neuroscience BSc and Pharmacology BSc. You may also be eligible to progress to the Medicine MBBS or Dentistry BDS if you meet the additional entry requirements.
Assessment details
You are assessed through a combination of coursework (40%) and exams (60%)
Educational aims & objectives
This Biology Foundation module will:
- develop your essential knowledge and understanding of concepts of biology
- equip you with the skills needed to use your knowledge and understanding in new and changing situations
- prepare you for the successful study of biology at an undergraduate level.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the Biology Foundation module, you will be:
- able to describe, explain and interpret phenomena and effects in terms of biological principles and concepts and present arguments and ideas clearly and logically
- able to 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
- able to assess the validity of biological information, experiments, inferences and statements
- able to interpret, explain, evaluate and communicate the results of your experimental and investigative activities clearly and logically using biological knowledge.
Suggested reading list
During your course. you will be required to do a lot of reading. It is not necessary to purchase all books, but you should try and ensure you have access to some of the following:
- Alberts, B. et al. (eds) (2008) Molecular Biology of the cell, 5th edition. Abingdon: Garland Science. (88 copies in New Hunt’s House (NHH), Location QH581 ALB). ISBN 0719576709
- Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. (2013) Biology: Science for Life with Physiology 4th Edn. Harlow: Pearson Education. ISBN: 0321807103
- Campbell, S. (2013) Essential Biology 5th Edn. Harlow: Pearson Education. ISBN: 0321807294
- Clegg, C.J. and Mackean D.G. (2000) Advanced Biology: Principles & Applications. London: John Murray. FWB QH 308.2 CLE (6 copies). ISBN: 0719576709
- Raven P. H., Johnson G. B., Losos J. B. and Singer S. R. Biology 7th Edn. (2005) Library: FWB QH308.2 RAV (11 copies). ISBN: 0072437316
Useful websites