Introduction to Bioscience

Hi all,

Over the next week and a half, you should spend some time exploring the Blackboard shell for the Bioscience course, and completing the Introduction to Bioscience unit.

Weekly tasks

1. Explore Blackboard
   
   • Save this page to your favourites/bookmarks so that it's easy to come back here when you need to.
   • Log in using your student ID username and the password that's associated with it. If you can't remember what it is, ring helpdesk & they'll reset it.
   • The buttons on the left hand side (Course Info, Course Documents) allow you to move between different sections within the shell
   • See if you can find the Bioscience 1 timetable & save this somewhere or print it.
     
     
2. Work your way through the Introduction to Bioscience unit.
   
   Although this introductory section is not formally assessed it has some concepts that are fundamental to the study of both Bioscience and Anatomy. After completing it you should have an idea about the different levels of organisation, the names of the main body systems and the basic processes common to all living organisms. You will also be introduced to the important concept of homeostasis and how feedback systems help maintain it. Homeostasis is essential for the cells and body systems to function efficiently. In fact, if homeostasis is disturbed disease results. If the disturbance is severe, the organism (you) will die.
   
   In this section you are also introduced to the directional terms used to describe the relationships of parts of the body to each other. Make yourself familiar with these and what they mean as your teachers will be using them from now on to describe the position of body organs and structures.
   
   Notice how there are several different versions of the content in this section - an interactive version, a printable version and a workbook. Have a look at these. It's not essential to make use of all of these, but it is highly recommended.
   
   
   
   
3. If you have time, it's a good idea to make a start on the first assessed unit - Chemicals in the body.

I will be coordinating this course at least in the first few weeks, so feel free to contact me with any queries via phone or email.

Kind regards,
David McQuillan

June 23rd

Hi everyone, You should now have studied all the units and be revising for the test on Friday. Remember it is from 10am to 12 and it will be in H415 as usual.

The lymphatic quiz does not officially close until next Monday but it could be helpful to have had at least had one attempt before the test.

The next job on my list is sorting the answers to the 2008 final test that I have put on Blackboard so keep your eyes skined for that so you can check that you are on the right track.

I'm sure you will all do really well,

Best wishes, Ruth

June 15th 2009

Hi Everyone, This week you should all be well into the final Unit of this Bioscience 1 course, the lymphatic system.

The second test is at 9am on Friday morning in H415 so I hope you are all preparing for that. It is on Units 3, 4 and 5. I have now added the answers to the 2008 test on Blackboard but note the cardiovascular system, Unit 5 was not included in that test as the timetable was somewhat different last year.

Good luck and see you on Friday, cheers Ruth

Hi everyone, This week you should be finishing off the cardiovascular system and moving on to the last unit on the lymphatic system. Compared to some of the other units this one is quite small you will be glad to know. There will be another week to do the cardiovascular system Blackboard test but with the final exam fast approaching I would urge you to catch up so you have enough time for the final unit and for revision.

I have had a few queries about the next Bioscience test so to summarise here: it will be on Friday June 19th at 9am in H415 and will be on Unit 3, the integumental system, Unit 4, the musculo-skeletal system and Unit 5, the cardiovascular system. It will be marked out of 60 with 20 marks for each of the 3 units. I have put up last year's version on Blackboard although I haven't yet sorted the answers-mainly because I am down to half speed with some lurgy at the moment! After the test I will do a revision session with you in preparation for the final test on June 26th.

Keep well and have a good week,

Cheers Ruth

Have a good week

June 2nd 2009

Hi Everyone, I did enjoy doing the heart and blood practical with you on Friday. You are all so enthusiastic and interested. Having done this practical should mean that you find the cardiovascular unit that you should be in the middle of studying now (?), much easier to understand and remember.

Today is the last day for the musculo-skeletal quiz so you procrastinators need to get a move on and get it done by 11pm tonight.

Test 2 will be on Friday June 19th at 9am followed by a tutorial to help you prepare for theFinal Exam which has moved to Friday June 26th from 10-12am. Note the change in your diaries please. I will post last year's versions of Test 2 and the Final Exam on Blackboard to give you an idea of the sort of questions to expect and to help you revise.

Have a good week,

cheers Ruth

May 25th 2009

Hi Everyone, I hope you haven't been washed away or developed webbed feet. Oh, for some sun or my washing will develop hairy green fuzz soon!

Today you should be thinking about moving on to the next unit on the cardiovascular system so you have at least read the notes in preparation for the practical on Friday where you will be dissecting a deer's heart.

I see most of you have completed the musculo-skeletal system quiz and got 100%. It will still be open for another week so if you want to brush up your mark or still haven't had a go yet (no names mentioned!) there is still time.

Looking forward to seeing you on Friday at 10am.

Cheers Ruth

May 18th 2009

Hopefully everyone has now had their marked Bioscience test 1 back. Get in touch if yours has not reached you yet. I was pleased with the general standard. Remember you needed to get above 40% to be able to do a resit. Between 40 and 60% you need to do a full resit on a new version of the test. This will take place between 9 and 10am at the next block course on May 29th. If you gained between 60% and 75% you need to do a partial test to get you up to 75% which is what we judge to show competance. We can do this partial resit by phone if you like or you can come in and see me. Get in touch with me about it if you haven't done so yet.

It seems everyone enjoyed the skeleton practical with the fresh cow's joint being the star of the show. It was great to see you really getting into it and not only finding all the structures associated with synovial joints but also finding tendons, blood vessels and the structure of the skin.

This week you should be well under way with the musculo-skeltal system, Unit 4, with a week to go before the quiz is due.
Have a good week, Cheers Ruth