Module: How life works 1

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	How life works 1
Module Code	BE101 (ITS) / BIO1000 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
Module Co-ordinator	Christine Loscher
Module Teachers	Jacinta Morrison
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination
Array

Description

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the concept of the cell and to focus on the basic biochemistry & molecular detail of prokaryotes & eukaryotes which includes a basic introduction to microorganisms.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and explain the function of the components/organelles of a cell
2. Describe the process of cell division
3. Discuss the molecular composition of cells
4. Describe basic biochemical processes that take place within cells such as cellular respiration, fermentation and photosynthesis
5. Describe the different groups of microorganisms - bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi and viruses
6. Discuss the diversity of microorganisms - structural and metabolic
7. Discuss microorganisms with respect to benefits and disease
8. Describe microbial growth and discuss control of microbial growth

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Microbiology (with minimum 50% online delivery)
Assignment Completion	12	Online reading assignments and MCQ quizzes
Independent Study	79	Engagement with online book and resources
Tutorial	10	Student input regarding material covered, would ideally include an online student led end of Semester revision quiz
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Structure of the Cell - prokaryotic and eukaryotic

Important structures/functions within the cell

Cell Division

Information flow in a cell

Biomolecules - carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids

Metabolism, cellular respiration, fermentation and photosynthesis

Introduction to microorganisms

Structural and metabolic diversity of microorganisms

Microorganisms and beneficial applications

Microorganisms and disease

Microbial growth

Industrial application of microorganisms (useful products)

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Completion of online activity	An online system will be used to do weekly reading assignments with an online formative MCQ quiz	10%	Week 5
Completion of online activity	An online system will be used to do weekly reading assignments with an online formative MCQ quiz	10%	Week 10
Loop Quiz	Summative online MCQ quiz	80%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Robert Brooker and Eric Widmaier and Linda Graham and Peter Stiling: 0, Biology, (McGraw-Hill) by Brooker (ebook),

Other Resources

None