Module manager: Erica DiMartino
Email: E.DiMartino@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Entry requirements for International Foundation Year
| LLLC0208 | Introduction to Biology |
LLLC0139 Biology for International Foundation (2)
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module allows you to learn how key body systems work and to develop an understanding of how breakdown of homeostasis can lead to disease. It builds on the knowledge you have acquired in LLLC0138 Introduction to Biology to explore the causes and treatment of a range of health conditions. It also strengthens some key academic and practical scientific skills to ensure you are well equipped to continue your studies in one of the many disciplines involving life.
Lectures provide an overview of the basic anatomy and physiology of core body systems and cover example of common genetic and acquired diseases affecting them. They will also cover principles of microbiology and immunology, and relate this to infectious diseases.
Laboratory sessions allows you to further develop practical skills and master key laboratory techniques, such as those used in microbiology and molecular biology.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Describe the anatomical structure of the main body systems, relate it to their function and to common diseases
2. Explain the importance of homeostatic mechanisms in health and how their breakdown lead to disease
3. Discuss thermoregulation, blood glucose regulation and osmoregulation as example of homeostasis
4. Explain positive and negative feedback mechanisms and relate them to hormonal regulation of reproduction
5. Discuss examples of non-infectious diseases and approaches to their treatment
6. Outline how the immune systems protects the body from infections
7. Discuss examples of infectious diseases and approaches to their prevention and treatment
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Be able to describe the anatomical structure of the main body systems and relate it to their function.
2. Understand the importance of homeostasis and be able to give examples of how breakdown of homeostasis lead to disease.
3. Be able to discuss how body temperature, blood glucose levels, osmotic pressure and hormone levels are regulated and maintained.
4. Be able to explain how the immune system protects us from infectious diseases.
5. Be able to describe, explain and interpret data and graphs in terms of biological principles and concepts.
6. Choose reputable sources of scientific information and use critical thinking in interpreting their content
7. Be able to communicate biological information using precise language, and scientific terminology.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Practical | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| Seminar | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Independent online learning hours | 14 | ||
| Private study hours | 55 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 31 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
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 unlimited 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 submit a poster plan and receive formative feedback before their summative submission.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Poster | This assessment will include a poster focussing on a non-infectious diseases of choice. | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30 | |
The coursework in the module is designed to test essential academic skills. It focuses on the ability to choose suitable sources of information, apply critical thinking in their appraisal and communicate science clearly and effectively in a poster format. This complements some of the work the students undertake as part of their Skill module in Semester 1. Further guidance will also be provided in class, including the opportunity to submit a poster draft for formative feedback. 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: 14/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team