BI0FB2: Foundation Biology 2

Module code: BI0FB2

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: F

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Professor Liam McGuffin, email: l.j.mcguffin@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Duncan McMillan, email: d.g.mcmillan@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE BI0FB1 (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s):

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: 1 May 2026

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module builds on the structural foundations of BI0FB1, exploring the regulation and evolution of living systems. The module focuses on the mechanisms of homeostasis, the microbial world, and the application of biotechnology in understanding genetic continuity. Through the study of adaptation and change, students will unify molecular mechanisms with whole-organism evolutionary theory, building a robust foundation of biological expertise for their transition to Part 1.

The aims of this module are to:

• Explain the mechanisms of homeostasis and the roles of the nervous and endocrine systems in coordination.
• Examine the critical energy-harvesting pathways of photosynthesis.
• Explore the principles of inheritance, genetic variation, and biotechnology tools, including cloning.
• Discuss Darwin’s theory of evolution and the mechanisms of natural selection.
• Examine the world of microbes and microbial genomics.
• Develop practical skills in laboratory techniques and evolutionary analysis.

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Explain the structure and function of the nervous and endocrine systems, the mechanisms of homeostasis and explain the biochemical pathways of photosynthesis.
2. Apply principles of genetics to inheritance patterns, evaluate evidence for Natural Selection, and discuss the principles of cloning and the use of genetic tools.
3. Explain the significance of microbes, their roles in nature, and the application of microbial genomics in modern biology.
4. Demonstrate competence in laboratory techniques and the interpretation of phylogenetic/evolutionary data.

Module content

• Nervous System: Neurons, synapses, and the transmission of nerve impulses.
• Endocrine System: Hormones, glands, and chemical signaling.
• Homeostasis: Feedback loops (negative/positive) and maintenance of internal equilibrium.
• Microbiology & Disease: The significance of bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotic parasites as pathogens.
• Bioenergetics: Photosynthesis (light-dependent/independent stages).
• Inheritance: Mendelian genetics, meiosis, and inheritance patterns.
• Evolution: Darwin’s Theory, Natural Selection, and Adaptation.
• Biotechnology: Cloning (therapeutic/reproductive) and genetic engineering tools.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

This module is designed to mirror the delivery methods of Part 1 modules in SBS.
Weekly lectures introduce students to the principles of the subjects studied. This is expected to be enhanced by significant additional study by students to review lecture material and engage in directed background reading.

Practical classes will further introduce students to biological laboratory work and provide additional experience in gathering and analysing data. Data analysis and interpretation will be integrated into the assessments.

Study hours

At least 26 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: /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.

MCQs in class and short answer questions on Blackboard will be provided to monitor your understanding of the lecture material and help prepare you for the final examination.

Reassessment

Additional costs