Unit information: Diversity of Life Part A in 2020/21

Unit name	Diversity of Life Part A
Unit code	BIOL10010
Credit points	20
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Murray
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

The unit will introduce evolution and diversity of life ranging from prokaryotic origins to lower eukaryotes. It will cover the evolution of organism form, structure, genetic variation, life cycle, and adaptations, with a focus on prokaryotes, eukaryotes including fungi up to invertebrate metazoa.

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 lower life forms on Planet Earth;
3. Observe and apply knowledge of the different life forms on Planet Earth;
4. Apply and use a range of biological practical skills.

Teaching Information

A combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities including lectures, directed reading, research and/or problem-solving activities; practical exercises and independent study.

Assessment Information

The unit mark is comprised of:

• 60%: a 1 hour multiple choice question exam which will take place in the January examination period. Tests ILOs 1, 2, 3.
• 40%: written work. Tests ILOs 1, 2, 3, 4.

Reading and References

Biology 12th Edition By Peter Raven and George Johnson and Kenneth Mason and Jonathan Losos