Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Foundations in Science
SCQF level: 07:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: BMS07106
Module leader: Stefan Erhardt
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

This module covers biological and environmental chemistry, and specifically fundamental concepts of general, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, e.g. atomic and molecular structure, thermodynamic and kinetics, classes of organic and biological molecules, structure-function relationship, carbon chemistry, natural compounds and environmental pollutants and their effect on plants and animals.Problem solving workshop and practical laboratory skills reinforce the conceptual understanding. Mathematical concepts will be applied to problems related to wet lab relevant tasks.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Apply basic mathematical concepts to scientific problems.

LO2: Understand the underlying chemical concepts of biological and environmental systems.

LO3: Write a scientific laboratory report.

LO4: Analyse and present experimental data in scientific form and format.

LO5: Understand the structure and function of organic and biological molecules.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Stefan Erhardt
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 10 Workshops. During the workshop you will be solving problems and exercises in group work settings and the answers will be discussed with you during the workshop.
Online Guided independent study 143 You will be expected to engage with material provided on Moodle, which includes revision quizzes, recorded videos or video links, or further reading.
Online GROUPIND_STUDY 10 You will work in groups to discuss and solve problems related to the weekly topics.
Face To Face Lecture 22 In these on-campus lectures you will learn about biological relevant topics in chemistry and biochemistry.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 15 Laboratory session (practical classes). You will be introduced to fundamental wet laboratory practice and learn basic practical skills, and moreover will be able to connect the theory with observations. You will also learn to take notes according to GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) standards.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Laboratory report 75 2~3~4~5 Week 13 , WORDS= 1500 words You will be asked to write a laboratory report based on data that you obtained yourself during a laboratory session.
Class Test 25 1 Week 12 HOURS= 30 min This online exam will cover basic calculations required in a laboratory setting.This assessment will take place on campus in a computer classroom under exam conditions.
Component 1 subtotal: 75
Component 2 subtotal: 25
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
BMS07106 Foundations in Science
 

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