Module: Practical Biology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Practical Biology
Module Code	BIO1002 (ITS: BE151)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to allow students to start to develop skills in the process of scientific investigation and development of creative and critical reasoning skills, to develop practical skills in the study of biology, and to develop basic skills in laboratory technique and in the recording and analysis of data. The practical classes will also demonstrate the application of biological principles discussed in BE101 and BE102 and help the students to develop insights into the links between theory and practice. Delivery will include online quizzes and interactive virtual laboratories. In the event that access to labs is not possible or that some students cannot attend for health or other reasons a digital version of each lab will be available to enable students address the LO's and complete the required reports.

Learning Outcomes

1. Know how to prepare/prepare simple specimens for microscopy
2. Know how to set up and use/use a microscope to interpret microscopic structures
3. Know how to use/use a variety of methods to detect and quantify biological molecules
4. Know how to prepare/prepare different buffer solutions; define buffering capacity and pKa
5. Know how to culture/culture microorganisms and quantify their growth
6. Write up a biological laboratory report in a concise and effective manner
7. Application of experimental results to problem solving.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Laboratory	30	Attendance at prescribed laboratories and performance of experiments. Digital: online material to cover laboratory content.
Tutorial	3	Discussion on practicals
Directed learning	4	End of semester examination on practical understanding
Independent Study	83	Background work and write-up of practicals
Online activity	5	Online post lab quizzes. Interactive virtual labs.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10136	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Jacinta Morrison	Module Teacher	Denise Harold, Linda Holland, Paul Cahill, Paula Meleady

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Report(s)	Write up of laboratory experiments (to include online quizzes and interactive virtual labs)	50%	Every Week
Short Answer Questions	Examination of understanding	20%	Sem 1 End
Short Answer Questions	Examination of understanding	20%	Sem 2 End
Completion of online activity	Life Skills Module (located in BE151 but not associated with the BE151 module)	10%	As required

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

SEMESTER I

Practical 1
Cellular microscopy

Practical 2
Introduction to Spectroscopy and Spectroscopy analysis -- I

Practical 3
Introduction to Spectroscopy and Spectroscopy analysis -II / Enzymes

Practical 4
Analysis of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins

Practical 5
Buffers in Biochemistry

Practical 6
Tutorial

Practical 12
Laboratory exam

SEMESTER II

Practical 1
Introduction to microorganisms and microbial staining

Practical 2
Enumeration of microorganisms

Practical 3
Effects of physical agents and environmental conditions on microbial growth

Practical 4
Effects of disinfectants and antibiotics on microbial growth, microbial transfer by hand contact

Practical 5
Biotech. applications & spectroscopic properties of nucleic acids

Practical 6
Tutorial

Practical 12
Practical exam

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Brooker/Widmaier/Graham/Stiling: 2019, Biology (students have the ebook version), Fifth, 3,4,6,16,27,28, McGraw Hill Education, New York, 978-1-260-569

Articles:
None

Other Resources

McGraw-Hill Campus (accessed via BE151 Loop): Brooker/Widmaier/Graham/Stiling, 2020, Connect Virtual Labs, New York, McGraw Hill Education Campus,
Laboratory Manuals: School of Biotechnology: Practical Biology BE151 - Semester 1 'Introduction to Cell Biology & Biochemistry', Semester 2 ' Introduction to Microbiology,