BMD1003 : Core Concepts in Biosciences (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Jeremy Brown
- Lecturer: Dr Lindi Chen, Professor Robert Hirt, Dr Simon Whitehall, Dr Beth Lawry, Dr Joanna Elson, Dr Harley Stevenson-Cocks
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The aims of this module are to introduce students to:
1) the central dogma of flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA and thence to protein, and the inheritance of traits
2) biodiversity, the importance of model organisms and ethics in Bioscience research
3) the organisation of cells, compartmentalisation within them, cell signalling and homeostasis at the cellular and organismal level
4) the mitotic and meiotic cell cycle and the importance of cell death
5) genome evolution, and the variation in genomes that underpins much of current research in both basic and applied bioscience.
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics covered by this module will include:
1) core bioscientific concepts that underpin bioscience at the molecular, cellular and organismal level
2) fundamental topics in biochemistry, genetics and cell biology including central dogma, cellular compartmentalisation sorting, transport, cell cycle and division
3) Wider bioscientific concepts including ethics, experimental models, biodiversity, genome variation and sex
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Module content |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Discussion based seminar sessions |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | Working through material provided prior to seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Skill development in short answer writing. Group work in learning |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 168:00 | 168:00 | Includes: Assessment preparation, directed research and reading, Skills practice |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Induction to Module |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Module talk and lectures will define the scope of the course and communicate basic knowledge as a basis for further study. This will be complemented by pre-work for seminars which will be a mix of activities and may include reviewing pre-recorded material, completing online quizzes and worksheets.
Seminars will then encourage students to develop their understanding of the topics being discussed and improve their communication skills. They provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and exchange ideas in a small group setting. Skills practiced include critical thinking, numeracy, communication & team working.
The group work in learning lab/clusters will allow development of skills in reading and responding to short answer questions.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 40 | Closed book Inspera invigilated MCQ, maximum of 80 questions |
| Digital Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 60 | Closed book Inspera invigilated MCQ and SAQ, maximum of 80 MCQ and 5 SAQ questions |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 1 | M | Online timed (45 mins) Inspera Quiz maximum 45 questions |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Exams will test knowledge of core concepts delivered through the module both in MCQ format and in providing short answers to questions, the latter of which will prepare students for assessment in later stages of their degree.
Formative exercises will provide practice and skill development for the summative exams.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMD1003's Timetable