Module: How life works 2

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	How life works 2
Module Code	BIO1001 (ITS: BE102)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Following on from module BE101, this module introduces genetics and animal physiology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe nucleic acid structure and the molecular mechanism of DNA replication
2. Outline the stages of prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription
3. Explain the process of translation and the role of the genetic code
4. Describe how mutations can give rise to functional consequences and the general features of DNA repair systems
5. Outline the key events of mitosis and meiosis
6. State Mendel’s laws of inheritance and outline the characteristics of dominant, recessive, and X-linked traits
7. Outline the steps of gene cloning, the polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing
8. Describe the general features of cell communication
9. Discuss the concept of homeostasis
10. Describe the general principles of digestion
11. Discuss hormones and their mechanisms of action
12. Describe the role of innate immunity and acquired immunity in protecting the body
13. Describe the circulatory system, the excretory system, the respiratory system, and the nervous system

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	theory and applications of genetics and animal physiology
Online activity	18	On-line reading assignments in genetics and physiology
Tutorial	10	Tutorials in genetics and physiology
Independent Study	73	Independent learning of concepts
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20081	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	Y
Module Co-ordinator	Ronan O'Toole	Module Teacher	Denise Harold, Janosch Heller, Linda Holland, Paul Cahill, Paula Meleady

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Completion of online activity	Formative assessment through: 1. LearnSmart: "an interactive study tool that adaptively assesses students’ skill and knowledge levels to track which topics students have mastered and which require further instruction and practice. Based upon student progress, it then adjusts the learning content based on their knowledge strengths and weaknesses, as well as their confidence level around that knowledge." 2. Blooms Taxonomy aligned MCQs.	20%	Every Week
Formal Examination	Formal assessment through Loop covering BE102 content	80%	End-of-Semester

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

Introduction to Genetics
DNA structure and replication; Transcription and Translation; DNA mutation and repair; The cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis; Mendel’s laws of inheritance; Dominant, recessive and X-linked inheritance; Genetic Technology

Introduction to Animal Physiology
Cell communication; Homeostasis; Digestion; The immune system; The endocrine system; The circulatory system; The excretory system; The nervous system; The respiratory system;

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None