Module: How life works 1

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	How life works 1
Module Code	BIO1000 (ITS: BE101)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	10135	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Christine Loscher	Module Teacher	Jacinta Morrison

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment 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; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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)

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None