- UCAS course code
- C502
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc Microbiology with a Modern Language
Duration: 4 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: C502 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Study abroad
Study with a language
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: AAA-AAB including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: AAB-ABB including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: ABB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 36-35 points overall with 6, 6, 6 to 6, 6, 5 at HL, including specific requirements
Course unit details:
Organismal Biology EDM
| Unit code | BIOL21051 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 2 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Offered by | School of Biological Sciences |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
In your Experimental Design Module (EDM) you will participate in practical sessions undertaking widely used modern laboratory techniques. You will develop both your laboratory and your data handling skills in preparation for your Research Skills Module in the next semester Sessions will cover PCR, sequencing, protein analysis, gene silencing, bioinformatics, evolution, vector-borne diseases, microbiology, developmental biology, plant ecophysiology and bioinformatics.
Aims
Experimental Design Modules (EDMs) aim to equip students with the skills necessary to become proficient in a number of laboratory techniques that are carried out routinely in modern laboratories. EDMs place an emphasis on the design and interpretation of experiments, building the expertise and knowledge that will be required to undertake the appropriate Research Skills Modules offered in the second semester.
Learning outcomes
This unit will allow students to become proficient in making experimental choices enabling them to make amendments to technical protocols, analysing and critiquing research papers appropriate to the practical and using specialised laboratory equipment and procedures required to obtain data. Many practicals will consist of an element of data handling techniques, including statistical analysis and appropriate presentation of results.
Syllabus
Syllabus
- Mitigating the spread of vector-borne diseases.
- The effects of antibiotics on batch culture growth of E. coli.
- Embryonic anatomy and physiology - this practical will require the use of live chick embryos at a very early developmental stage (3 days).
- Developmental and environmental influences on plant Crassulacean Acid Metabolism.
- Bioinformatics-viral outbreak.
Employability skills
- Analytical skills
- Lab skills and analysis of outcomes
- Group/team working
- Work in pairs in the lab
- Innovation/creativity
- In some labs students have the opportunity to design their own experiment
- Problem solving
- Analysis of data from experiments to answer online questions
- Written communication
- Short answers online and full write-up of one practical
- Other
- Lab skills
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Other | 10% |
| Written assignment (inc essay) | 20% |
| Practical skills assessment | 70% |
Post Lab assessments 70%, Write up 20%, Attendance 10%
Feedback methods
During the practical sessions, there will be many opportunities to get immediate feedback from staff and demonstrators. Feedback sessions will be given as separate one hour lectures. Individual feedback on laboratory reports will be provided by your academic advisor.
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 6 |
| Practical classes & workshops | 36 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 56 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Shiu-Wan Chan | Unit coordinator |