Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2014 - 2015

Module Title	Practical Biology
Module Code	BE151
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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 practicals 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 practise.

Learning Outcomes

1. Prepare simple specimens for microscopy
2. Set up and use a microscope to interpret microscopic structures
3. Use a variety of methods to separate and quantify biological molecules
4. Culture microorganisms and quantify their growth
5. Write up a biological laboratory report in a concise and effective manner

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Laboratory	36	Attendance at prescribed laboratories
Tutorial	6	Discussion on practicals
Directed learning	4	End of semester examination on practical understanding
Independent Study	79	Write-up of practicals
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

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

Practical 6
Tutorial

Practical 12
Laboratory exam

SEMESTER II

Practical 1
Introduction to micro-organisms

Practical 2
Microbial staining

Practical 3
Enumeration of microorganisms

Practical 4
The effects of physical and chemical agents on microbes

Practical 5
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 Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Tortura, Funk & Case: 0, 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) ,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

AC	BSc in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sc.
AS	BSc in Analytical Science
BT	BSc in Biotechnology
CES	BSc Common Entry into Science
ESH	BSc Environmental Science & Health
GCB	BSc in Genetics & Cell Biology
HOR	BSc. in Horticulture
PEB	B.Sc Physical Education and Biology
SCI	BSc Science International

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