Diary COURSE: Biology
What will my first year of university be like? How many academics teach on my course?
How many students will be on the course?
Do you share modules?
You have probably asked yourself these questions loads of times! Choosing a university and a course is a big decision, there is so much information out there, sometimes too much, so how do you know you’re making the right choice? We’ve put together a snapshot of what your first year as a Biology student at the University of Salford might look like, you can find out a bit more about the modules you’ll study, field trips you’ll go on and a few hints and tips from a current first year student. Our Biology course is relatively small compared to some other universities you may be looking at, we have about 25 - 30 students on the first year of the course, so you’ll get to know the other students on your course really well. Some of the modules you’ll be studying are shared across a number of our biology-related programmes, so you’ll get to meet students from other courses such as Marine Biology, Zoology and even Biomedical Science. You’ll be taught by about 12 - 15 tutors in the first year of your Biology course and you’ll also have a personal tutor who you will meet as a group about ten times a year but your personal tutor will have weekly office hours so you can always book an appointment if you need to chat to them. Your personal tutor is there to help you with any problems you may have throughout your course.
Your first field trip! During your induction week we take you on your first field trip. The aim is simply to have some fun, get to know your fellow students and lecturers and form some lasting friendships. Depending on your programme, destinations currently include Trentham Monkey Forest, Knowsley Safari Park and The Blue Planet Aquarium. There’s no cost, we provide all the transport and we go there and back in a day so it’s a really easy way to experience your first field trip!
What will I study in my first year? In your first year of our Biology programme you’ll study the following modules:
- Molecules to Microbes - Genetics - Biodivers it
y
- Study Sk ills
- Biological Skills - Cell Biolo gy
But what do I actually study in those modules?
In each year of your course, you need to obtain 120 credits, so each of these modules is worth 20 credits each. You will study each of these modules for the whole year rather than studying some modules up to Christmas then studying new modules up to Easter. This means that we can spread your assessments out a little bit better! In this section, we are going to give you a bit more information on each of those modules, so you have a better understanding of not just what you will study, but how and what assessments will be involved. The amount of time you spend in lectures and seminars can vary throughout the year, you are expected to do assignments, reading and independent study as well as your scheduled activities. All your activities should add up to about 35 - 40 hours a week (the same as a full-time job).
MODULE: Molecules to Microbes This module is split into two sections: Biochemistry of Macromolecules Microbiology
Covers the basic structure and function of the molecules of life that are required by all living cells, tissues, organs and organisms. Will cover the biology of bacteria, fungi and viruses all of which are made up of, and use, biological molecules for survival.
Aims and objectives of the module: To acquire an understanding of the basic principles involved in the build-up of bio-organic molecules from atoms. To gain insight into the formation, properties and importance of biological macromolecules. To deliver an understanding of the diverse nature of micro-organisms. To develop comprehension of micro-organism structure and function and their significance.
What will the assessments be like? In January, you will take a 45-minute test worth 30% of the overall module mark. The test comprises multiple choice questions and will be based on the first section of this module, Biochemistry of Macromolecules. Your second assessment will take place in May and is based on the second section of the module, Microbiology. This will be a 90-minute examination with part of the exam consisting of multiple choice questions and for the other part of the exam you will choose to answer one of three essay questions. The whole exam will be worth 70% of your overall module mark.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary and usually depends on a tutor’s area of expertise, you will usually have three to four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
MODULE: Genetics In this module, you will gain an understanding of how genetic, evolutionary and developmental processes operate within a range of organisms including humans. These processes are closely inter-related and each one needs to be studied in the light of the others. Recent discoveries in molecular genetics and genetic engineering (recombinant DNA) have enabled us to gain a greater understanding of human development, human genetic diseases and evolutionary processes as well as the basic mechanisms of genetics itself.
Aims and objectives of the module: To develop an understanding of genetics, an introduction to molecular genetics, evolution and development. To encourage an awareness of how these disciplines are relevant to humans and animals. To form a coherent course of study for those students not intending to study the subject beyond level 1, whilst providing a suitable background for those students wishing to pursue the subject further.
What will the assessments be like? In January, you will take a 45-minute test under exam conditions worth 30% of the overall module mark, comprising of multiple choice questions. Your second assessment will consist of a 90-minute examination and will take place in May. Part of the exam will consist of multiple choice questions and for the other part of the exam you will answer one essay question. The whole exam will be worth 70% of your overall module mark.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary and depends on a tutor’s area of expertise, you will usually have three tutors teaching you throughout this module.
Get ahead with your reading Leland Hartwell c2011 Genetics: from genes to genomes
MODULE: Biodiversity This module will give you an overview of our remarkable biodiversity, focusing on the major groups, their characteristics, their diversity and evolutionary relationships. In terms of overall structure, it starts with our most distant living relatives (the simple, single-celled Bacteria and Archaea), and moves progressively closer to modern humans. You will have two lectures per week throughout this module and one three-day field course at Grangeover-Sands in October.
Aims and objectives of the module: To give you an overview of the diversity of life on Earth. To provide you with knowledge on the major groups of organisms that will aid your understanding of other modules taught in following years (e.g. Parasite and Vector Biology; Animal Evolution; Microorganisms in Action).
What will the assessments be like? In January, you will take a 45-minute test under exam conditions worth 30% of the overall module mark, comprising of multiple choice questions. These questions are designed to test your breadth of knowledge and will be selected from any aspect of the module up to that point. Your second assessment will consist of a 90-minute examination and will take place in May. Part of the exam will consist of multiple choice questions and the other part of the exam you will answer one essay question. The whole exam will be worth 70% of your overall module mark.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary and depends on a tutor’s area of expertise, you will usually have two or three tutors teaching you throughout this module.
Field trip In October, you will get direct experience of the amazing range of organisms that can be found in this country via our Biodiversity field trip to Castle Head field centre, Grange over Sands, Cumbria. This three day trip will firstly introduce you to different methods of sampling biodiversity, and then give you the opportunity to put these into practice: you will work in small groups to design and plan your own experiment, and then you will collect biodiversity data in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside. In the evenings, there will be talks by lecturers, and you will use bat detectors, moth traps and camera traps to detect nocturnal wildlife. There will also be plenty of time to socialise with your fellow students, and to interact with university staff members away from the lecture or lab setting.
MODULE: Study Skills This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to practise your numerical and scientific writing skills in order to support your approach to academic study for a sciencebased degree. The module is taught by a combination of lectures and small group tutorials with an allocated personal tutor. You will be assessed by a portfolio of coursework exercises. Tutorials and lectures will offer guidance and information on the coursework assignments and blackboard assessments.
Aims and objectives of the module: To provide a coherent study skills course with personal development planning. To introduce you to a range of skills appropriate to academic study and future employment. To develop skills in scientific writing. To encourage you to enhance your learning by engagement with feedback and reflection on learning activities.
What will the assessments be like? The assessment has two components:
Portfolio 1 (50% of module mark)
Portfolio 2 (50% of module mark)
Engagement
10%
Assessment 1
20%
Assessment 2 - Scientific Writing
20%
Engagement
10%
Assessment 3 - Mock Exam Question
20%
Assessment 4 - Reflective Module Review
20%
Who will teach me? The lectures will be delivered by four tutors and you will also have regular tutorials with your personal tutor.
MODULE: Biological Skills In this module, you will explore a number of key skills associated with safe and successful lab practice. You will develop a series of important practical, numerical and analytical skills which will prepare you for the rest of your degree and your future scientific career. You’ll have weekly lab practicals as part of this module along with associated supporting computer classes.
Aims and objectives of the module: To develop competencies in core skills employed in biological laboratory practice. To facilitate the safe and effective use of equipment/instrumentation and samples/specimens in common laboratory applications, taking account of accuracy, calibration, precision and reliability. To promote good laboratory practices and awareness of the need for compliance with relevant health and safety policies. To develop data handling, analysis, interpretation and communication skills.
What will the assessments be like? You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods during this module, including lab reports, in-class worksheets, assessed practical classes and skills assessments.
Who will teach me? You will have several tutors supporting you throughout this module.
MODULE: Cell Biology This module will look at the multidisciplinary nature of cell biology and the basic structure of cells, focusing on animal cells. It’ll help you develop a theoretical knowledge of the fundamental physiological and biochemical functions carried out by cells.
Aims and objectives of the module: To gain an understanding of the structure, function and life-cycle of animal cells. To develop a theoretical knowledge of cellular metabolic processes and their control.
What will the assessments be like? In January, you will take a 45-minute test under exam conditions worth 30% of the overall module mark, comprising of multiple choice questions. Your second assessment will consist of a 90-minute examination and will take place in May. Part of the exam will consist of multiple choice questions and for the other part of the exam you will choose to answer one essay question. The whole exam will be worth 70% of your overall module mark.
Who will teach me? The number of tutors on a module can vary and depends on a tutor’s area of expertise, you will usually have four tutors teaching you throughout this module.
How does my week look? Don’t put these in your calendar just yet, timetables change each year and you will get your actual timetable during your induction week!
Mon
9
MORNING 10 11 12 :) No lectures
Tue
Wed
1
Molecules Biodiveristy es 11-1 to microb Study 1 -1 9 Skills Meet friends 1-2 for coffee before lectur Hock e
Biological Skills 9-1
Fri Genetics 9-11
Sat Sun
5
Meet coursemates in library @1pm
ey societ y meet-up
Study day
Thu
AFTERNOON 2 3 4
Cell Biology 11-1
2-4
Study Skills 1-2
Subway for lunch @Maxwell building
Bandioke night!
Day in the life lex Meet A
ent
logy stud
t year Bio
hman, firs Alex Couc
Caffeine and creatures On a typical Tuesday I’ll meet my friends just before 9am to grab a coffee or hot chocolate before our 9am lecture in Mary Seacole Building on Molecules to Microbes. Here we learn about different molecules and how they work within biological systems. After this we take a short walk over to Chapman Building for our Biodiversity lecture, where we learn about the different classifications of organisms. These lectures are interesting as we learn about different creatures and the weird and wonderful things that they do. Did you know the mimic octopus can disguise itself as a sea snake?!
Lunchtime learning After our Biodiversity lecture we usually treat ourselves at the Subway in Maxwell Building before heading to the library. The Library at the University of Salford is a great place to do some work, it has comfortable seating and a lot of useful resources for biology. It’s also got separate areas for talking and working in silence, so you can work together in groups without worrying about disturbing other people who are trying to concentrate.
Just a t en minuite train ride to the centre o f Manches ter
Exploring the city After going to the library I’ll either walk back to my accommodation to spend time with my friends or we’ll go out and see what Salford and Manchester have to offer. With two great cities right on our doorstep, there’s always something to do!
In the labs On Thursdays our days start bright and early with a lab class in Cockcroft Building. Labs are my favourite part of the week because we get to use our practical skills and knowledge to do experiments, which makes a nice change from our lectures. Our practical work definitely helps us understand biological concepts better and some of the experiments are really interesting. Extracting DNA was really exciting!
Wind down at the Student Union The Atmosphere Kitchen and Bar is based in the Student Union and is a great place to grab some food and a drink with friends. There’s usually something good going on, and Bandioke on Thursdays is always good. It’s basically karaoke with a live band and it’s always great to see how talented some of the other students are!
Our facilities Our labs are state-of-theart with industry-standard equipment…
r labs
Bodme
But what does any of that mean? It means that our labs host the equipment that is used in most professional labs. This is a great advantage for you when you graduate as when you start a new job in a lab, you’ll already know how most of the equipment works, it will also make you stand out in the interview process as you can mention the equipment that you already know how to use. We are regularly updating the equipment in our labs to make sure they are up-to-date and technologically advanced. This benefits not only you, but also our staff who are carrying out active research. We also have external organisations such as Kidscan (a children’s cancer charity), which is based in our labs and as well as our yearly placement students who also need access to the latest technology.
During your first year you will have your practical lab sessions mainly in our Bodmer Lab (or the Mega Lab as it is referred to by our students!). This has been purpose built to support your learning, so we have really thought about what you’ll need to help you in your practical sessions. One of the unique features of our Bodmer Lab is the TV/AV support system, this allows your tutor to carry out a practical task on their desk whilst you follow along in real-time via the TV screens, which are at the end of each set of benches. You will be able to hear the instructions clearly through the whole lab via the speaker system.
how to g in w o n K l fessiona o r p e s u eat nt is gr e m ip u eq ity ployabil m e r o f
Want to know more? You can find out more about some of the equipment we have by watching our facilities video at www.vimeo.com/universityofsalford/elsfacilities
We hope you’ve found this information useful and you know what to expect in your first year studying Biology at the University of Salford now! Remember, this is just a sample of the information you’ll receive in your induction week so some of the information may change a little, especially the timetable!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY TO LEARN MORE! www.salford.ac.uk/ study/biology