Registry

Module Specifications

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

Module Title	Introduction to Experimental Biology
Module Code	BE152
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
Module Teacher	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 and help the students to develop insights into the links between theory and practise.Students will also be aware of all aspects of health and safety regulations applicable to schools and the implications of the safety health and welfare at work act 1989, and the importance of this act. Students will develop an appreciation of essential rules for laboratory safety and an understanding of how the teacher must organise themselves and the laboratory to ensure students complete their practical coursework and maximise their time spent in the laboratory. Students will develop methods for planning and preparation of course materials, and organising an efficient layout of the laboratory and learn how to respond to fires in the laboratory.

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply a broad range of experimental investigative laboratory techniques and analytical procedures.
2. Synthesise results from observations and experiments and then draw conclusions from evidence.
3. Write up a laboratory report in a concise and effective manner.
4. Find information of the hazards, storage and disposal of chemicals
5. Manage a school laboratory in a safe manner through understanding of of the basic concepts for science laboratories, such as design, services, organization and management
6. Be aware of accident prevention and the use of safety equipment
7. Safely extinguish any type of fire

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	36	keynote lectures on safety and laboratory management
Laboratory	15	Biology laboratories
Examination	6	presentations of understanding of safety
Examination	1	End of semester examination of practical understanding
Independent learning time	67	Independent learning
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

None

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	25%	Every Week
In Class Test	End of semester examination of practical understanding	25%	n/a
Oral presentations	Safety in Science teaching/ laboratory management	50%	Sem 1 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