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LSC-10107 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

LSC-10107 - Cells, Genetics and Evolution
Coordinator: Nawroz Kareem Room: 172 Tel: +44 1782 7 33671
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

Embarking on the study of biology from a genes to ecosystems level requires knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts in biology. From the structure and function of biological macromolecules, cellular organisation and division, foundations of genetics to evolutionary theory and the organisation of life. This module gives you the underpinning knowledge and skills you’ll need as you start your exciting journey into the biological world. You will develop scientific report writing skills as you write up key practical experiments that support the module content.

Aims
This module aims to provide the student with a broad overview of the fundamental knowledge of biology, from the cellular and molecular level to the evolution of complex living organisms.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe the structure, and function of molecules of life: 1,3
Discuss the fundamental structures and biological functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: 1,3
Describe the molecular structure of genes and their expression and regulation: 1,3
Discuss the pivotal role of genes in inheritance in different organisms: 2,3
Discuss population genetics within the context of genetic diversity and speciation: 2,3
Describe the fundamentals of biodiversity: 3

Study hours

Active learning: 153
20x 2hr: In-situ tutorials, workshops and seminars;
2X1hr In-situ tutorials, workshops and seminars (semester1);
4X1hr In-situ tutorials, workshops and seminars (semester 2);
5x 1hr: In-situ tutorials, workshops and seminars;
6x 2 hrs: preparation and reflection from 6 labs delivered as part of the Practical and Academic Skills in Bioscience LSC-10103, but linked with this module;
22x 4 hrs: engagement with asynchronously delivered content;
2 hrs: completion of timed, end-of-semester exam;
Independent learning:147
22x 2 hrs: reflection from tutorials, workshops and seminars;
10 hrs: completion of assessment 1;
20 hrs: completion of assessment 2;
73 hrs: independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 20%
Abstract assessment
Students will write an abstract of 500 words on a scientific topic that will be delivered in semester one labs as part of LSC 10103 Core Practical Skills, but linked with this module. This assessment will be submitted online (Turnitin Submission).

2: Report weighted 30%
Individual Report
Students will prepare an individual scientific paper (1500 words) based on experiments that will be delivered in semester two labs as part of LSC -10103 Practical and Academic Skills in Bioscience but linked with this module. This assessment will be submitted online (Turnitin Submission).

3: Exam weighted 50%
Unseen exam of multiple choice and short answer questions
The unseen exam will consist of multiple-choice and short-answer questions assessing the core learning materials of the module (semester one and semester two). While the exam is designed to take approximately 1 hour, all students will be given 2 hours to ensure an inclusive and accessible assessment experience. Students will be permitted to take a double-sided A4 memory prompt of notes with them to the exam. Formative tests will also be provided to support preparation.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025