First Year Biology 2015-2016

Schedule of Lectures, Practicals and MCQ Examinations for

Module BL1002: Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution
School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology,
& School of Microbiology

Group 1
Group 2

Biological and Chemical Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Genetics

Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, Nutritional Sciences,
Environmental Sciences

1. Module BL1002 consists of 18 x 1 hr Lectures plus 2 x 3 hr Practicals

2. Term Examination: An MCQ examination covering BL1002 will be held on Thursday 22nd
October 2015 at 6.30pm and will cover material dealt with in lectures and practical classes. MCQ
EDPACs (answer sheets) must be filled out using a particular format (more info on this later in
course). (Exam Venues Boole lec rooms 1 to 6.). Students will be notified of allocation to venues
before the MCQ.
3.

Winter Examination: An MCQ examination will be held for BL1002 in Winter 2015. The Winter
exam covers lecture and practical material.
Table 1. Marking scheme for BL1002

Section of course
Practical work
MCQ Term Exam
Winter MCQ Exam 2014
Total Mark

Allocated % of years mark

20%
20%
60%
100%

In order to pass this module, students must obtain an OVERALL average of 40% for the
complete module.
ABSENCE FROM PRACTICALS AND TERM EXAMINATIONS: Students attention is drawn to
Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module in module description sheet
attached.
Students absent from practicals will be given an average mark for that practical if the practical was
missed for one of the following reasons only:
1. Illness - a medical certificate must be supplied
2. Representing UCC in sport activity - a letter from the P. E. Office must be supplied
3. Family Bereavement
An absence form (see page 7-8) must be completed and returned to the School of BEES Office
(Distillery Fields Enterprise Centre) with all supporting documentation. Students who miss the term
MCQ examination for one of these legitimate reasons may be offered the opportunity to resit the
examination, failure to resit the examination will result in a mark of 0 % being awarded for that exam.

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ACADEMIC STAFF:
Co-ordinator for BL1002 (2015-2016):
Dr Eoin Lettice, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Butler Building, Distillery
Fields, North Mall. (email: e.lettice@ucc.ie)
If you have a specific query related to any lecture material please email the relevant lecturer:
School of Biological Earth and Environmental Science
SC: Professor Sarah Culloty
email: s.culloty@ucc.ie
EL: Dr Eoin Lettice
email: e.lettice@ucc.ie
FB: Dr Fidelma Butler
email: f.butler@ucc.ie
TR: Dr Tom Reed
email: t.reed@ucc.ie
BDP: Dr Barbara Doyle Prestwich
email: b.doyle@ucc.ie
PJ: Professor Peter Jones

School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology

TC: Professor Tom Cotter

email: t.cotter@ucc.ie

School of Microbiology
MD: Dr. Max Dow

email: M.Dow@ucc.ie

Senior Biology Demonstrator

All queries related to practicals and other general queries (illness etc.) contact:
Dr Maud Cross, Butler Building, Distillery Fields, North Mall
email: firstbiologyinbees@ucc.ie
Recommended Biology Textbooks: (1) Biology (Campbell & Reece: 10th Edition)(2014)
Campbell and Reece is recommended for students intending to continue in Biological Sciences
in future years and (2) Practical Skills in Biology (Jones, Reed and Weyers: 5th Edition)
(2012)

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Module BL1002: Cells, Biomolecules Genetics and Evolution

Non-shaded cells

Group 1:

Shaded Cells

Group 2:

Biological and Chemical Sciences,

Sciences and Genetics
Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences,
Nutritional Sciences,
Environmental Sciences

Table 2:

1st Year Biology Students Timetable for BL1002 module 2015-2016

(Weeks 5-10: i.e. 7th September 2015 16th October 2015 inclusive)

Day

Date

Time

Mon

07/09/15

9-10 am

Tues

08/09/15

10-11 am

Wed

09/09/15

9-10 am

Thurs

10/09/15

10-11 am
5-6 pm

Fri

11/09/15

9-10 am

Mon

14/09/15

9-10 am

Tues

15/09/15

10-11 am

Wed

16/09/15

9-10 am

Thurs

17/09/15

10-11 am
5-6 pm

Fri

18/09/15

9-10 am

Mon

21/09/15

9-10 am

Tues

22/09/15

10-11 am

Wed

23/09/15

9-10 am

Thurs

24/09/15

10-11 am
5-6 pm

Fri

25/09/15

9-10 am

Lecture

Lecturer

Topic

Boole 3
Group 1
Boole 3
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 1
Boole 2
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 2

Venue

EL/SC

Welcome address: Head of School

EL/SC

Welcome address: Head of School

MD

Prokaryote Cell Structure

MD

Prokaryote Cell Structure

MD

Viruses

Boole 3
Group 1
Boole 3
Group 1
Boole 3
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 1
Boole 2
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 1
Boole 3
Group 1
Boole 3
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 1
Boole 2
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 1

MD

Viruses

TC

Macromolecules 1

TC

Macromolecules 1

TC

Macromolecules 11

TC

Macromolecules 11

EL

EL

EL

Genetics: A link between

generations
Genetics: A link between
generations
How genes work

EL

How genes work

EL

EL

EL

Mitosis: When multiplication

equals division
Mitosis: When multiplication
equals division
Meiosis and the evolution of sex

EL

Meiosis and the evolution of sex

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Day

Date

Time

Mon

28/09/15

9-10 am

Tues

29/09/15

10-11 am

Wed

30/09/15

9-10 am

Thurs

01/10/15

10-11 am
5-6 pm

Fri

02/10/15

9-10 am

Mon

05/10/15

9-10 am

Tues

06/10/15

10-11 am

Wed

07/10/15

9-10 am

Thurs

08/10/15

10-11 am
5-6 pm

Fri

09/10/15

9-10 am

Mon

12/10/15

9-10 am

Tues

13/10/15

10-11 am

Wed

14/10/15

9-10 am

Thurs

15/10/15

10-11 am
5-6 pm

Fri

1610/15

9-10 am

Thurs

22/10/15

6.30pm

Venue
Boole 3
Group 1
Boole 3
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 1
Boole 2
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 1
You can
view
remotely
You can
view
remotely
Boole 3
Group 1
Boole 2
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 1
Boole 3
Group 1
Boole 3
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 1
Boole 2
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 2
Boole 3
Group 1
Boole
rooms
(you will
be
advised
during
course)

Lecture

Lecturer

10

EL

Mendel: A monk and two peas

10

EL

Mendel: A monk and two peas

11

EL

Mendel II: The sequel

11

EL

Mendel II: The sequel

12

TR

Population Genetics

12

TR

Population Genetics

13

Videocast
BDP

Better plants to feed the world

13

Videocast
BDP

Better plants to feed the world

14

FB

Evolution: Darwin and friends

14

FB

Evolution: Darwin and friends

15

FB

How plants evolved

15

FB

How plants evolved

16

FB

How animals evolved

16

FB

How animals evolved

17

PJ

17

PJ

18

PJ

18

PJ

EXAM

All
lectures
and
practicals
will be
assessed

Human Genetics recent

developments
Human Genetics recent
developments
Genetics in the 21st century and
beyond
Genetics in the 21st century and
beyond
End of Module MCQ First
EXAM worth 20 % of overall
marks.

Page 4 of 8

Topic

Table 3: B1002 Practical Allocations for Different Degree Streams

Time/Day
09-10
10-11
11-12
12-13
13-14
14-15
15-16
16-17

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

*Practical for
Biological &
Chemical
Science

*Practical for
Biological &
Chemical
Science &
Genetics
&Chemistry

Friday

*Practical for
Biological and
Chemical
Science
Practical for
Biological
Earth and
Environment
al Science

Practical for
Nutritional
Science,

17-18
18-19
*Biological & Chemical Science students will be split into 3 subgroups (A, B, C) for the purpose of practicals.
These lists will be announced during lectures and on Blackboard.
Table 4: BL1002 Practical Timetable (2015-2016)?
Schedule of Practicals (Please note that practicals are not scheduled for every week & groups will be split over 2 weeks)
Venue: Teaching Laboratory 1,Butler Building, Distillery Field, North Mall
Week

Week

Title of Practical

Lecturer

No.

Commencing

7/09/15

NO LAB THIS WEEK

14/09/15

Microscopes, Cells and Tissues

Responsible

21/09/15

28/09/15

Demonstrator

e.lettice@ucc.ie
Dr. Maud Cross

Microscopes, Cells and Tissues

(Week 3)Second half of group

Senior

Dr Eoin Lettice

(Week 2)First half of group

7

Email address

Dr Eoin Lettice
e.lettice@ucc.ie

Introduction to Genetics
(Week 4) First half of group

5/10/2015

NO LAB THIS WEEK

10

12/10/15

Introduction to Genetics
(Week 6) Second half of group

WEARING OF A LABORATORY COAT IS MANDATORY FOR ALL BIOLOGY PRACTICALS

PRACTICAL MANUALS
Biology Practical Manuals will be available on Blackboard and you must download your manual before the
first practical.

Page 5 of 8

BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution

Credit Weighting: 5

Semester(s): Semester 1.

No. of Students: Min 10, Max 510.

Pre-requisite(s): None

Co-requisite(s): None

Teaching Method(s): 18 x 1hr(s) Lectures; 2 x 3hr(s) Practicals.

Module Co-ordinator: Dr Barbara Doyle Prestwich, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science.

Lecturer(s): Dr Barbara Doyle Prestwich, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science; Staff, School
of BEES; Staff, School of Biochemistry; Staff, School of Microbiology.

Module Objective: To describe cell structure and biomolecules; to give a detailed introduction to genetics
and the theory of evolution and acquire laboratory skills.

Module Content: Structure of viruses, prokaryote and eukaryote cells. Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and
nucleic acid. Gene structure and function. Mendelian inheritance and population genetics. Evolution,
Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection, major transitions in evolution and the origins of life.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
define the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
describe the structure, function and behaviour of genes in a population.
explain the major transitions in evolution.
demonstrate competence in the use of light microscopes.
interpret data from classical genetic studies.
integrate concepts of genetic processes in plants and animals.

Assessment: Total Marks 100: Formal Written Examination 60 marks (MCQ); Continuous Assessment 40
Page 6 of 8

marks (In-term MCQ 20 marks; 2 x Practicals 10 marks each).

Compulsory Elements: Formal MCQ Examination; Continuous Assessment.

Penalties (for late submission of Course/Project Work etc.): Work which is submitted late shall be
assigned a mark of zero (or a Fail Judgement in the case of Pass/Fail modules).

Pass Standard and any Special Requirements for Passing Module: 40% Students must attend,
undertake and submit completed written work for both of the practical sessions. Students not meeting this
requirement will be disbarred from the Formal Written Examination in the module and from the Autumn
Supplemental examination in the module. A student will be notified when he/she has failed to fulfil the
above criteria for one practical session. Opportunities to repeat missed practicals will be offered on a limited
basis during the module semester only.

Formal Written Examination: 1 x 1 hr(s) mcq to be taken in Winter 2014.

Requirements for Supplemental Examination: 1 x 1 hr(s) mcq to be taken in Autumn 2015. No

supplemental examination unless condition(s) are met, Marks in passed element(s) of Continuous
Assessment are carried forward, Failed element(s) of Continuous Assessment must be repeated (Lab
practicals mark carried forward to Autumn. Repeat MCQ).

Page 7 of 8

ABSENCE FORM Module BL1002

Name__________________________ Student No.

__________________________

Degree Programme ____________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
Continuous Assessment missed?
Lab Assessment

Date/s

MCQ

Date/s

Module Practical Exam

Date/s

Missed Submission Date

For Assessment

Due date

__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________

___________________________________________________________________
Reason for absence
Illness

Sports Activities
Bereavement

Certificate submitted

Other
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
For Office Use Only
Medical Certificate

Approved By: __________________________

Page 8 of 8