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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2010 - 2011

Module Title Practical Biology
Module Code BE151
School School of Biotechnology

Online Module Resources

Level 1 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Module Aims
To introduce students to the practical study of biology and to develop basic skills in laboratory technique and in the recording and analysis of experiments.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course the student should be able to:

  • Handle a microscope, prepare simple specimens for microscopy and interpret microscopic structures
  • Culture microorganisms and quantify their growth
  • Be able to link relevant theory to practise
  • Use a variety of methods to separate and quantify biological molecules
  • Write up a biological laboratory report in a concise and effective manner


Indicative Time Allowances
Hours
Lectures 0
Tutorials 0
Laboratories 72
Seminars 0
Independent Learning Time 3
Total 75
Placements
Assignments
NOTE
Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

SEMESTER I

Practical 1: Safety in the laboratory

Practical 2: Cellular microscopy

Practical 3: Unicell and plants

Practical 4: Mitosis and meiosis

Practical 5: Introduction to Spectroscopy and Spectroscopy analysis -- I

Practical 6: Introduction to Spectroscopy and Spectroscopy analysis -II

Practical 7: Analysis of Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins -I

Practical 8: Analysis of Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins -II

Practical 9: Assay of Enzyme Activity -I

Practical 10: Assay of Enzyme Activity -II

Practical 11: Determination of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in fruit and vegetables

Practical 12: Laboratory exam

SEMESTER II

Practical 2: Introduction to micro-organisms

Practical 3: Microbial staining

Practical 4: Microbial culture

Practical 5: Media preparation and microbial growth

Practical 6: Emuneration of micro-organisms

Practical 7: The effects of physical and chemical agents on microbes

Practical 8: Manufacture of yoghurt and cheese

Practical 9: DNA molecules, genes and the genetic code

Practical 10: Human genome project I

Practical 11: Human genome project II

Practical 12: Practical exam

Assessment
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Indicative Reading List

Supplementary:

  • Biological Science (3rd edition or later). Keaton (W.W. Norton)
  • Theory & practice in experimental bacteriology. Meynell G.G. & Meynell E. (1970)
  • Manual of Methods for General Bacteriology. American Society of Microbiology (1981)
  • Microbiology. Pelczar Reid & Chan. (McGraw-Hill) (1977)
  • Microbiology, an Introduction. Tortura, Funk & Case.
Programme or List of Programmes
ACBSc in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sc.
ASBSc in Analytical Science
BTBSc in Biotechnology
CESBSc Common Entry into Science
ESHBSc Environmental Science & Health
GCBBSc in Genetics & Cell Biology
PEBB.Sc Physical Education and Biology
SCIBSc Science International
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