BL1102 Biology 2

(BL1102 online module handbook version 217)

This module provides an introduction to the diversity of life on Earth and will address key elements of organismal and ecological aspects of life. The module is divided into several sections beginning with the classification of life and an introduction to the kingdoms Monera, Fungi and Protista. Photosynthesis, respiration and the evolution and diversity of plants will be studied. Students will then look at the diversity of animals in the sea and the movement of some groups onto land. The module will also provide an introduction to animal behaviour and developmental biology, before finishing off by introducing ecology and the various factors promoting and threatening biodiversity. Throughout the module the lecture material is complemented by extensive practical classes introducing a variety of fieldwork and laboratory techniques.*

Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST

Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk      Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566

BL1102: Timetable †

BL1102: Reading List

BL1102: Assessment

Coursework = 100%.*

The following related information applies to all Biology modules:

Who to ask †

(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)

Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.

Biology Teaching Office:

We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.

Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST

Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk

Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566

BL1102: Contributing Staff †

BL1102: Learning Outcomes †

Students completing module BL1102 successfully should be able to:

• Understand the basic conditions required for the origins of life and have a general understanding of the process of molecular evolution
• Understand the importance of the species contained in the Kingdoms Protista and Fungi
• Understand principles on which the immune system operates, and its component parts and how they function; and basic aspects of micro-organisms that cause infection
• Understand the basics of how a human brain interprets the world and controls movement
• Understand principles governing developmental biology and evolutionary development
• Have a general understanding of animal behaviour, including instinct and learning, the evolution of social behaviour and the evolution of mating systems
• Have a general understanding of the basics of marine biology and marine mammals
• Understand the principles of ecology
• Understand the classification and evolution of the flowering plants

BL1102: Acquired Skills †

Practical Skills

• Collecting animals and plants
• Field sampling methods (Botanics)
• Field sampling methods (Invertebrates)
• Field sampling methods (Vertebrates)
• Fieldwork safety awareness
• Biological drawing and photography
• Fixing and preserving specimens
• Labelling specimens and managing collections
• Measuring structures using microscopes
• Pipetting
• Purpose and practice of dissection
• Species identification (Botany)
• Species identification (Invertebrates)
• Species identification (Vertebrates)
• Using dichotomous keys
• Sustainability related practical skills

Transferable Skills

• Group discussion - participating
• VIVA Examination
• "Full" practical write-up (Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion)
• "Short" practical write-up (e.g. completed worksheet)
• Short essay (1000-2000 words)
• Critically evaluating sources/information
• Finding information from museums
• Finding literature
• Referencing
• Searching databases
• Lab safety awareness
• Calculations/equations
• Deal with outliers
• Descriptive statistics
• Distinguish different types of data
• Draw a line of best fit
• Produce graphs/figures
• Produce tables
• Use Excel
• Critiquing experimental design
• Designing experiments
• Sustainability Related Skills
• Generate class dataset
• Working in large groups
• Working in pairs/small groups