Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Practical Biology
Module Code	BE151
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Michael Parkinson Semester 2: Michael Parkinson Autumn: Michael Parkinson
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The purpose of this module is to allow students to start to develop skills in the process of scientific investigation and development of creative and critical reasoning skills, to develop practical skills in the study of biology, and to develop basic skills in laboratory technique and in the recording and analysis of data. The practicals will also demonstrate the application of biological principles discussed in BE101 and BE102 and help the students to develop insights into the links between theory and practise.

Learning Outcomes

1. Prepare simple specimens for microscopy
2. Set up and use a microscope to interpret microscopic structures
3. Use a variety of methods to separate and quantify biological molecules
4. Culture microorganisms and quantify their growth
5. Write up a biological laboratory report in a concise and effective manner

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Laboratory	36	Attendance at prescribed laboratories
Tutorial	6	Discussion on practicals
Examination	4	End of semester examination on practical understanding
Independent learning	79	Write-up of practicals
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

SEMESTER I.
Practical 1.

Cellular microscopy.
Practical 2.

Introduction to Spectroscopy and Spectroscopy analysis -- I.
Practical 3.

Introduction to Spectroscopy and Spectroscopy analysis -II / Enzymes.
Practical 4.

Analysis of Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.
Practical 5.

Determination of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in fruit and vegetables.
Practical 6.

Tutorial.
Practical 12.

Laboratory exam.
SEMESTER II.

Practical 1.
Introduction to micro-organisms.

Practical 2.
Microbial staining.

Practical 3.
Enumeration of microorganisms.

Practical 4.
The effects of physical and chemical agents on microbes.

Practical 5.
Manufacture of yoghurt and cheese.

Practical 9.
DNA molecules, genes and the genetic code.

Practical 10.
Human genome project I.

Practical 11.
Human genome project II.

Practical 12.
Practical exam.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Report (s) (written / oral)	Write up of laboratory experiments	50%	Every Week
Short answer questions	Examination of understanding	25%	Sem 1 End
Short answer questions	Examination of understanding	25%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 2

Indicative Reading List

Tortura, Funk & Case: 0, Supplementary: Biological Science (3rd edition or later). Keaton (W.W. Norton) Theory & practice in experimental bacteriology. Meynell G.G. & Meynell E. (1970) Manual of Methods for General Bacteriology. American Society of Microbiology (1981) ,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BSc in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sc.

BSc in Analytical Science

BSc in Biotechnology

CES

BSc Common Entry into Science

ESH

BSc Environmental Science & Health

GCB