BIOL10070 Biology for the Modern World

Academic Year 2023/2024

Biology lies at the heart of human civilisation and society. Biological knowledge underpins how we treat disease, care for other species and our environment, and how we produce food, energy and materials. The aim of this module is to give students an introduction to the biological knowledge that informs medicinal, technical and environmental development and informs topics that are of significant public concern. These include stem cell research; conservation and biodiversity; climate change; evolution of vertebrates including humans; mate choice, sex, genetics and survival of the fittest; cancer research, antimicrobial resistance, breeding and engineering of food crops, novel materials and energy sources. A variety of professors will introduce students to the biological principles that underpin their research in these areas and students will get an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of these principles in MCQ exams. A basic introduction on how science informs policy and public debates will also be added to the module this year.

Student feedback: generally students are very satisfied with their learning in this module and find the range of topics exciting. As a result of feedback from last year (2019) the assessment structure was simplified again.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Students will be introduced to the biological knowledge and principles that are used by society in a variety of areas from food to health and conservation of our planet to address problems and issues affecting our environment and health. This will equip them to take part in policy and public debates with an understanding of the underlying biology. A basic module on how science informs policy will introduce them as to how scientific evidence supports policy making.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Specified Learning Activities

22
Autonomous Student Learning

81
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will be delivered through lectures. In addition, background readings by students will be expected. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Biology at Leaving Certificate Level

Learning Exclusions:

Elective course only, cannot be used for 50 credit Stage 1 Science/Agriculture requirements.

Learning Recommendations:

Appropriate for undergraduates in all disciplines.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
BIOL10120 - Cell Biology & Genetics (NUin)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ exam Week 12 n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

50
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ exam Week 6 n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

50

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The grades for the MCQ exams will be published two -three weeks after the exam. If there are questions on individual performance on MCQ these can be answered individually by email exchange.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Jens Carlsson Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Fiona Doohan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Evelyn Doyle Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Graham Hughes Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Darrin Hulsey Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Julia Jones Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Olga Lastovetsky Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Ciara Lynch Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Rainer Melzer Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Tanja Narancic Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sonia Negrao Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Antoinette Perry Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Jeremy Simpson Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Gavin Stewart Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Natarajan Subramani Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Emma Teeling Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 31, 32, 33 Mon 13:00 - 13:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Spring