BIOL10140 Life on Earth

Academic Year 2021/2022

Life is the defining feature of our planet. In BIOL 10140 Life on Earth, we will consider how life arose and evolved into the myriad of forms it takes today.

We will introduce the principles of evolution and explore the tree of life, highlighting the major evolutionary advances that have enabled organisms to exploit every habitat on Earth. The major living groups of microbes, plants and animals will be presented and the key features of their biology will be discussed and illustrated. A wide range of examples will be given, spanning microbial parasites, plants, fungi, jellyfish and corals, worms, insects, crustaceans, fish, birds, mammals. We will examine how they feed, survive and reproduce, and, importantly, how they impact our daily lives.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module a student should be able to:
(1) classify protists, fungi, plants and animals into their major groups and describe the basis of that classification,
(2) recognise fundamental characteristics of selected groups of protists, fungi, plants and animals,
(3) demonstrate a knowledge of the nature and origins of biodiversity,
(4) explain the key components of evolutionary theory,
(5) demonstrate a practical understanding of the use of a microscope,
(6) use a dichotomous key to identify an unknown organism,
(7) recognise and explain mechanisms of adaptation,
(8) handle, dissect and make accurate drawings of biological specimens.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20
Practical

15
Specified Learning Activities

30
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures and laboratory practicals. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Leaving Certificate Biology H5 or higher


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
BIOL10010 - Animal Biology and Evolution, BIOL10120 - Cell Biology & Genetics (NUin)

Equivalents:
Biology - Diversity of Life (BIOL10100)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Online quizzes Throughout the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

15
Examination: MCQ Final Exam administered online 1 hour End of Trimester Exam Yes Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

50
Continuous Assessment: Online practical and learning exercises . Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

35

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be given to the class, post-assessment, for lab reports. Feedback will be automatically given to students, post-assessment, for online continuous assessment.

Name Role
Dr Tancredi Caruso Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Tasman Crowe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Ciara Graham Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Paul McCabe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Emma Teeling Lecturer / Co-Lecturer