| Unit name | Foundations in Bioscience I: Molecules to Cells |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ANAT10003 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Fulford |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
ANAT10004 Foundations in Bioscience 2 (Tissues to Organisms) CHEM10017 Foundation Chemistry ANAT10007 Personal and Professional Development |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | School of Anatomy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
Why is this unit important?
The overall aim of the unit is to explain the form and (basic) functions of mammalian cells. The unit will provide Gateway students with the fundamental understanding of biomolecules and cells that underpins the study and practice of Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science. No prior knowledge of biology or chemistry is assumed. This bioscience unit develops fundamental scientific understanding of normal mammalian microstructure and organisation supported with clinically-applied examples. The unit is delivered in-person through lectures, practicals, workshops and small group tutorials. You will have access to learning resources and purpose built teaching laboratories (Biochemistry and Histology).
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit is one of the four core units in the Gateway programme, all of which must be successfully completed in a single academic year in order to progress onto your clinical programmes. The end of unit summative examination is a Must Pass component for the Foundations in Bioscience 1 unit (pass mark = 50%). The sibling unit to Foundations in Bioscience 1 is the Foundations in Bioscience 2 (Tissues to Organisms) 20 cp unit, in which you will focus on introductory anatomy and physiology, and the fundamentals of the structure and function of the mammalian body. Together Foundations in Bioscience 1 and 2 prepare you with a grounding in the four underpinning subjects of biochemistry, cell biology, anatomy and physiology. Your bioscience understanding will be complemented and strengthened through your studies in the Foundation Chemistry 40 cp unit, where you will be able to apply and integrate your knowledge and further develop your analytical and practical skills. The Gateway is completed by the Personal and Professional Development 40 cp unit where you will develop your reflective practice, career aspirations and preparation for a clinical programme.
An overview of content
The unit will act as an introduction to the biomedical sciences which underpin the curricula of these professional programmes. In addition, the unit aims to provide students with an understanding of the method and importance of scientific enquiry in bioscience. Topics include biochemistry of life, ultrastructurale and organisation of cells, basic cell functions including transport, uptake and secretion, cell metabolism, control of cell division, basic genetics including genomes, DNA transcription, RNA translation and regulation of gene expression, inheritance and genetic mutations.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
In this unit you will be able to develop your scientific knowledge in introductory biochemistry and cell biology that are required for a professional clinical programme. You will practice and improve your observation, practical and academic skills. Practical coursework will develop your scientific understanding and analysis. Group-based coursework will develop your scientific writing, communication and team-working skills. Consideration of relevant examples and class discussion will promote active learning. The knowledge and skills you acquire will aid your transition to the early years of the course.
Learning outcomes:
You will learn through participation in interactive lectures (in-person and online), tutorials (problem solving and discussion of course topics), biochemistry and microscopy practicals, calculation workshops and study skills sessions (focus on academic literacy and group work). You will have the opportunity to attend drop-in clinics tailored to those with or without A level Biology. The unit structure and assessments are designed to facilitate application and integration of Bioscience knowledge. The written assessments will help with your organisation, problem solving and referencing skills. You will have formative assessment- a bioscientific lab report which will help you develop your skills in analysis and academic writing.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Blackboard quizzes (1-4, 6)
These help you consolidate knowledge and assess your own progress throughout the course.
Lab reports (1-6)
This task will assess your bioscience lab and analytical skills.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):>
Group Poster Presentation Task (40%) (1-5)
Must Pass - a minimum pass mark of 50% must be achieved in the following assessment:
End of unit written examination (60%) (1-4, 6)
When assessment does not go to plan:
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. ANAT10003).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
