Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE MSS1002

 
TITLE Life Science

 
UM LEVEL 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 6

 
DEPARTMENT Mathematics and Science Education

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit introduces fundamental themes and concepts in Biology. It is intended for students who have had little or no exposure to Biology. Through participative learning, students will be introduced to and encouraged to think about core biological principles and concepts linked to everyday life experiences and other science subjects.

Study-Unit Aims:

The study-unit will enable students to:
- develop an understanding of the core concepts and principles relating to various biology topics;
- motivate the students to play an active role in life sciences education;
- relate the core concepts and principles to everyday experiences;
- discuss the ethical and social impact of advances in the biology; and
- promote global ecological awareness.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- distinguish between different types of cells and structures within cells;
- distinguish between different types of microorganisms and recognise their different roles;
- explain the importance of enzymes for living organisms and discuss the factors that affect enzyme action;
- illustrate how DNA is used as a genetic code for protein synthesis and explore the effect of mutations on living organisms;
- explain the basis of genetic modification and investigate GMO production and ethical implications;
- construct basic genetic diagrams and predict genetic features of offspring;
- explain the theory of evolution;
- explore the diversity of life in light of evolutionary descent;
- distinguish between respiration and breathing and explain the importance of each process and how it occurs in humans;
- describe the process of photosynthesis and discuss its importance for life on Earth;
- explain the functioning of the human digestive and circulatory systems;
- distinguish between sexual and asexual reproduction, copulation and fertilisation, in vivo and in vitro fertilisation;
- explore different human diseases and their causes and symptoms;
- explain how the immune system works and what happens when we get sick;
- distinguish between antibiotics and vaccines;
- construct and interpret food chain and food web diagrams;
- explore different interactions between organisms in communities;
- explain the scientific basis behind an environmental issue and discuss ways in which the impact can be mitigated; and
- examine how own personal decisions impact the environment and other people.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- carry out basic fieldwork investigations;
- plan investigations for problem-based projects;
- distinguish between reliable and unreliable scientific information; and
- present research findings to peers.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Biology (9th edition) Raven, Johnson, Losos, Mason and Singer; McGraw Hill.

Biological Science 1 and 2 (3rd edition) Taylor, Green, Stout; Editor: Soper, Cambridge University Press.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Fieldwork, Lecture, Practical & Group Learning

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Report SEM2 Yes 10%
Project SEM2 Yes 20%
Examination (2 Hours) SEM2 Yes 70%

 
LECTURER/S Karen Buttigieg

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit