Current Topics in Biology

UCIL20892 Current Topics in Biology 20 Semester 2 Undergraduate Level 2 Ruth Grady Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Middle part of Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 10.0 Entertainment or news media frequently sensationalise biological and biomedical stories, either oversimplifying the topic or through inaccurate reporting ('Spicy diet can beat dementia' anybody?’).This unit considers topical issues within biology, exploring the science behind the headlines to help you develop an informed opinion, and to discuss potential future directions of selected topics.Topics will include:<ul dir="ltr"> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 5pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> The basics of DNA and beyond</li> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">  Development and stem cells</li> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">  Precision medicine</li> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> Human brain function</li> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> Microbes and infectious disease</li> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt;"> Conservation biology</li></ul>If you have an interest in life sciences, but haven't had the opportunity to study it at a higher level, then this is the unit for you. You will work alongside students from a wide range of disciplines.  Entertainment or news media frequently sensationalise biological and biomedical stories, either oversimplifying the topic or through inaccurate reporting ('Spicy diet can beat dementia' anybody?’).This unit considers topical issues within biology, exploring the science behind the headlines to help you develop an informed opinion, and to discuss potential future directions of selected topics.Topics will include:<ul dir="ltr"> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 5pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> The basics of DNA and beyond</li> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">  Development and stem cells</li> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">  Precision medicine</li> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> Human brain function</li> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> Microbes and infectious disease</li> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt;"> Conservation biology</li></ul>If you have an interest in life sciences, but haven't had the opportunity to study it at a higher level, then this is the unit for you. You will work alongside students from a wide range of disciplines.  The aim of this unit is to introduce you to topical areas of bioscience, building from basic knowledge towards engaging with current research literature. On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:<ul><li>Describe and evaluate the basic science underpinning current topical issues in the biological sciences</li><li>Debate and defend informed opinions about current biology issues including their impact on society</li><li>Work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team to investigate and present an aspect of bioscience research</li><li>Prepare written communications aimed at both scientific and non-technical/public audiences  </li></ul> Topics covered in previous years:<ul dir="ltr"> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 5pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> The basics of DNA...and beyond: what have we learnt from sequencing the human genome?  </li> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> Development and Stem cells: how does the fertilised egg become a fully formed adult body? What are stem cells and what are their potential medical uses?  </li> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> Precision Medicine: tailoring drug treatments for individuals. Why do some patients respond better than others to the same treatment?  </li> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> Conservation Biology: what is biodiversity, can we protect it and why should we care? Should we worry about invasive species?  </li> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> The Human Brain: how do nerve cells communicate? Understanding neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's  </li> <li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 5pt;"> Microbes and infectious disease: what issues are the most pressing for microbiologists today? Understanding flu, superbugs (MRSA) and sexually-transmitted diseases. Just how important are our gut bacteria?</li></ul><p style="margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: 'Open Sans', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 24.7999992370605px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">  <div> </div>Delivery: 12 x 1 hour lectures (mixture of pre-recorded and in-person lectures); 6 x discussion seminars (in-person) ; 2 x 1 hour information sessions including assessment preparation and optional laboratory session; Student-led group project. Assessment1. Short note exam (40%) 2. Coursework assignment from a choice of activities (either a short, three-page essay relating your degree discipline with one of our topics OR taking a media story and sourcing related research papers) (40%) 3. Group activity (creating a 3 minute video showcasing current research on one topic) (20%) 0 Other 100% <ul><li>Short note exam (20%)</li><li>4 x coursework assignments with a choice of topics (choose 4 of 5) and a choice of presentation (short, three-page essay relating to your degree discipline with one of the topics; taking a media story and sourcing related research papers) (70%)</li><li>Group activity (creating a 3-minute video showcasing current research on one topic) (10%)</li></ul> Blackboard Students from the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, with the exception of Psychology, are not eligible to take this unit.UCIL units are designed to be accessible to undergraduate students from all disciplines.UCIL units are credit-bearing and it is not possible to audit UCIL units or take them for additional/extra credits. You must enrol following the standard procedure for your School when adding units outside of your home School.If you are not sure if you are able to enrol on UCIL units you should contact your School Undergraduate office. You may wish to contact your programme director if your programme does not currently allow you to take a UCIL unit.You can also contact the UCIL office if you have any questions.  Y Lectures 18 Tutorials 2 0 180