Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Life on Earth
SCQF level: 07:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: ENV07100
Module leader: Jane Stirling
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 will provide you with an introduction to evolution by natural selection, the theory that is central to understanding all aspects of biology. You will consider how species arise, change and go extinct, and how biological information is passed on through genetics. You will also look at the science of classification, and gain an overview of the diversity of life.Topics taughtIntroduction to Science. Origins of life. Biochemical origin of life. Introduction to evolution. Evidence for evolution. Species concept. Speciation and selection. Selective pressures and adaptation. Evolution of sex. Extinctions. Energy and nutrients in ecosystems. Climate Change. Introduction to taxonomy. Diversity. Functional ecology. Introduction to Mendelian genetics.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Explain how life originated.

LO2: List the essentials of Darwin’s theory of evolution and compare his theory with alternative theories.

LO3: Summarise the three main bodies of evidence that support Darwin’s theory and provide examples.

LO4: Discuss the diversity of animal forms and the major taxonomic categories of life.

LO5: Recount the principles of Mendelian genetics and inheritance.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, 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: Mel Leggate
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Online Guided independent study 147 Each week reading materials and resources will be issued on Moodle (these will also be shared via the Module leganto list at the beginning of the module should you wish more time to engage with the materials). There are weekly online quizzes on moodle as well as discussion forums to engage with. The module handbook also contains the lecture material for consolidating your learning.
Face To Face Lecture 24 Lectures will cover: Where organisms come from - their evolution How organisms are classified (and how they contribute to ecosystems)- their taxonomy and functional ecology How inheritance works - genetics Where organisms live and how humans are influencing these environments - their distribution in ecosystems and effects of climate change
Face To Face External visits 4 External visits to the National Museum of Scotland and another venue, yet to be specified for the purposes of education, team building and group work.
Face To Face Tutorial 5 Topics covered in lectures will be explored in greater depth and guidance on completing the Poster Assessment will be given.
Online GROUPIND_STUDY 20 Working in small groups to create a scientific poster.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Written 45 1~2~3~4~5 Week 9 , WORDS= 0 Groups of approximately four students will work together to select a topic and create a poster. The topic of the poster must relate to the module topic - Life on Earth and may be stimulated by your visit to the museum in Week 5. This is a group, peer and staff assessed (summative) activity which culminates with an exhibition of your posters in Week 10.
Class Test 55 1~2~3~4~5 Exam Period HOURS= 2.5 hours The Moodle Test will be based on questions similar to the short answer questions that you have completed throughout the module in the ‘weekly’ quizzes. There are 38 questions and the test can be completed online using Moodle from home and is open book. It is available online for 5 days but must be completed once it has been started. There is no time limit but you will only have one attempt.
Component 1 subtotal: 45
Component 2 subtotal: 55
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
ENV07100 Life on Earth
 

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