Module Information
- Professor Alison Kingston-Smith
- Professor Barry Thomas
- Professor Darrell Abernethy
- Professor Mariecia Fraser
- Professor Luis Mur
- Professor Hazel Davey
- Dr Joe Ironside
- Professor Michael Wilkinson
- Professor Iain Donnison
- Professor John Doonan
- Professor Joanne Hamilton
- Professor Paul Shaw
- Professor Gareth Griffith
- Professor Huw Jones
- Dr Helen Ougham
- Professor Peter Brophy
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Debate Essay | 40% |
| Semester Exam | 1.5 Hours Exam | 60% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Debate Essay | 40% |
| Supplementary Exam | 1.5 Hours Exam | 60% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Identify significant developments in the history of biological thought.
2. Recognize the advances in technology that have contributed our understanding of biological systems.
3. Construct and deliver arguments relating to the ethics of biological research and practice.
4. Discuss the role of the biological sciences for the future of mankind and the biosphere.
Brief description
This module covers the history of our understanding of biology and how biological thought has developed over time. The evolution of scientific methods, thinking and philosophy provides the background in which the most significant current questions facing biologists are discussed. These current topics in biology are presented by the IBERS professors, each focusing on their own area of expertise.
Aims
To enable students to develop debating skills.
To enable students to explore a wide range of current topics in biological research.
To familiarize students with the IBERS professors and their research.
Content
Weeks 3-5: Six lectures on history of biological thought and practice.
Weeks 6-10: Ten lectures on current topics in the biological sciences.
Students will be divided into small groups for debates on ethical issues in the biological sciences. Each student will participate in two debates.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | |
| Communication | Participation in debates. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Feedback on debate 1 prior to debate 2. |
| Information Technology | Preparation of essays. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Students will be encouraged to consider their future careers as biologists in the light of the research challenges presented in this module. |
| Problem solving | Following debates, students will be encouraged to resolve differences and find compromise solutions. |
| Research skills | Preparation for debates, essay and seen exam. |
| Subject Specific Skills | |
| Team work | Working in groups for debates and associated posters. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4