IF0BIO2: Foundation Biology 2

Module code: IF0BIO2

Module provider: Global Academy

Credits: 20

ECTS credits: 10

Level: F

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Miss Natalie Drake, email: n.drake@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE IF0BIO1 (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2026/7

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 25 March 2026

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The module will build on the foundations of animal and cell biological principles required for further study on science-based programmes. It will also consolidate some of the analytical and practical skills appropriate to subsequent degree work.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Describe the metabolic pathways which harvest energy (photosynthesis and respiration), and the synthesis of DNA and protein 
2. Understand the principles that govern genetics, natural selection and evolution, and describe how genetic tools, such as cloning, are used 
3. Work effectively as part of a group to collect and analyse data, and effectively communicate information to others (for example, by constructing a slideshow and accompanying oral presentation) 

Module content

• Photosynthesis and respiration 
• Nucleotides and cellular control 
• Meiosis and genetics 
• Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection and Evolution 
• DNA technologies  
• Ecosystems 
• Populations 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Weekly lectures introduce students to the principles of the subjects studied. Follow-up seminars provide opportunities for further exploration of lecture topics, enhanced by self-directed study to review lecture material and include background reading. 

Practical classes in each semester will introduce students to biological laboratory work, provide experience in gathering and analysis of data. Data analysis and interpretation will be integrated into the assessments. 

Students will undertake a research and presentation project which will allow students to work in groups and provide an opportunity to present their work to their peers and academics. This will also afford students the chance to receive feedback from academic sand peers.  

Study hours

At least 66 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.   

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in your Individual Learning Plan): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each calendar day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three calendar days;
• where the piece of work is submitted up to three calendar days after the original deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in you Individual Learning Plan), the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three calendar days after the original deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in your Individual Learning Plan), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three calendar days after the original deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in your Individual Learning Plan): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three calendar days of the deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in your Individual Learning Plan): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three calendar days after the original deadline (or a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment indicated in your Individual Learning Plan): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

Where a piece of work is submitted late after a deadline which has been revised owing to an extension granted through the Assessment Adjustments policy and process (self-certified or otherwise), it will be subject to the maximum penalty (i.e., considered to be more than three calendar days late). This will also apply when such an extension is used in conjunction with a DAS-agreed extension as a reasonable adjustment.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Formative presentation

Mock Exam

Reassessment

Additional costs