Module manager: Sebastian Stroud
Email: s.e.stroud@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Biology A level or equivalent
BLGY1238
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module introduces concepts and skills around whole organism biology. Students in zoology, ecology, biology and other biological sciences will learn to handle, assess and monitor organisms in their natural environments and under research conditions. Teaching sessions introduce manual skills and safe working practises in laboratory and field environments, trouble-shooting, the importance of independent replicates and maintenance of accurate records of findings.
This module introduces core skills for biology and whole organism studies in the laboratory and field. Teaching will be practical-based and supported by introductory lectures that provide the concepts and preparatory material. The major objectives include an understanding and experience of routine laboratory and field techniques, including data collection, analysis and interpretation.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Develop a range of practical skills for working with different biological materials, including safe and effective data collection in the field.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and competency of basic and intermediate laboratory and field techniques.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Demonstrate Good Laboratory Practice, ethical consideration and adherence to health & safety guidelines when working in laboratory and field environments.
2. Collect, analyse, interpret and communicate the results of laboratory and field work appropriately.
This module will provide core practical skills to support the study of whole organism biology in the laboratory and field. This will include an introduction to good laboratory practice, including working with solutions, record keeping, and health and safety considerations. Core skills training and experience will be provided for essential techniques.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Lecture | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Practical | 6 | 3 | 18 |
| Private study hours | 75 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 25 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Formative feedback delivered throughout practical sessions. Feedback provided for each lab sessions throughout MCQ related to lab and field content. Each lab will also feature informal feedback provided by demonstrators and academic staff throughout the session.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Lab report maximum 1500 words | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 11/02/2025
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