Module manager: Erica DiMartino
Email: E.DiMartino@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Entry requirements for International Foundation Year
LLLC0138 Biology for International Foundation (1)
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The aim of this module is to provide you with knowledge and understanding of essential biological concepts, so that you will be well equipped to continue your studies in one of the many disciplines involving life. As part of this module, you will be introduced to key biological topics, practical skills and techniques.
Lectures will provide an introduction to the main groups of biological molecules, the structure of cells, rules of genetics and heredity, reproduction, how organisms satisfy their energy requirements and how they interact with environment.
Laboratory sessions will provide hands-on experience of micropipetting, microscopy, presenting and interpreting scientific data.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Describe the structure and function of key biological molecules
2. Relate DNA sequence to protein sequence and recognize and apply the laws of genetic inheritance
3. Relate genetic principles to the cause and inheritance of genetic diseases
4. Describe cell structure and be able to identify main cellular organelles and explain their function.
5. Describe the process of cell division and relate this to sexual and asexual reproduction
6. Describe how organisms obtain and use energy to live and function
7. Explain how organisms respond to their environment.
8. Describe basic laboratory techniques and equipment, such as micropipettes and microscopes and explain how they are used
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Be able to describe, explain and interpret data and graphs in terms of biological principles and concepts.
2. Be able to apply theoretical knowledge of genetics and inheritance to practical examples.
3. Be able to use it laboratory equipment and techniques to perform simple experiments.
4. Analyse and present in a graph format data collected during the practicals.
5. Communicate biological information using precise language, and scientific terminology.
- The molecules of life: water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids
- The blueprint of life: from DNA to protein
- Cell structure and transport across the cell membrane
- Cell division: Mitosis and Meiosis
- Genetics and Inheritance
- Sexual and asexual reproduction
- Enzymes: structure, function and examples
- Energy for life: cellular respiration and nutrition
- Interactions with the environment: muscles & nerves
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 20 | 2 | 40 |
| Practical | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| Seminar | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Independent online learning hours | 45 | ||
| Private study hours | 100 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 55 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Formative feedback is provided using on-line quizzes. The quizzes include MCQs, complete-the-gap and matching questions, and span all topics covered in the course. The students can complete the quizzes throughout the semester and have illimited attempts. The quizzes are self-marking and provide automatic feedback on the student answers therby allowing students to learn from mistakes and identify areas requiring improvement. The tutor will be monitoring the results of the quizzes but the emphasis will be on the students to be proactive in engaging with the formative work and seeking support when needed.
In addition, the students are offered the opportunity to sit a formative exam with a similar structure to the summative exam and will receive personalized feedback from the tutor on their answers.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Case Study | A set of questions requiring the student to apply knowledge of genetic and inheritance | 15 |
| Problem Sheet | A set of questions covering theoretical and applied knowledge relating to the practical sessions | 15 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30 | |
The coursework in the module is designed to test practical skills, such as drawing graphs, interpreting data, identifying genetic mutations or applying rules of inheritance. Resit are allowed and they are in a similar format to the original piece of work.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 29/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team