Life and Environmental Sciences pathway modules

LES Modules

Modules	Credits
Academic English and Study Skills (Term 1)	20
Academic English and Study Skills (Term 2)	20
Earth and Environmental Sciences	20
Biology	20
Human Biology	20
Advanced Study Skills in the Biological Sciences	20
Introductory Mathematics	10
Introductory Chemistry	10
The Periodic Table	10
Introductory Organic Chemistry	10
Organic Spectroscopy	10
Physical Chemistry	20

Module descriptions

Academic English and Study Skills modules are detailed here.

Earth and Environmental Sciences

This module will examine the interplay between geology and environments through time to show how they have shaped the world in which we live. You will study a broad range of topics that illustrate the interplay between geological processes such as volcanism, plate tectonics, sedimentation and the environment, including the co-evolution of life and planet Earth.

Biology

This module aims to develop your knowledge and skills in the areas of evolution, genetics, organismal and environmental biology. The focus of the module is on animal, plant and microbial biology but, where necessary, it draws comparisons and makes reference to human biology.

Human Biology

This module will examine the biological mechanisms that underpin the workings of the human body and mind. You will study a broad range of topics, from fundamental cell biology and biochemistry to the function and regulation of tissues and the biological bases of behaviour.

Advanced Study Skills in the Biological Sciences

This module will build upon the initial English and Study Skills for Academic Purposes module to introduce you to the specialist study skills specific to the biological sciences. The focus of this module will be data analysis, interpretation, critical thinking and presentation skills (verbal and written in various formats). Much of your learning will be via student-selected topics that allow you to explore your own interests within the broad field of biology, working in groups and individually.

Introductory Mathematics

This module is aimed at developing your confidence and knowledge in basic mathematical techniques and skills. Topics you will study include: indices and logarithms; basic algebra; elementary geometry; trigonometry functions; vectors; and an introduction to differentiation and integration.

Introductory Chemistry

This module aims to develop a number of fundamental concepts associated with the discipline of Chemistry. Topics you will study include: electron configurations; basic ionic, covalent and co-ordinate bonding; relative formula mass and composition; stoichiometry (and balancing equations); moles, concentrations and Avogadro’s number; and reacting quantities calculations.

The Periodic Table

This module covers important concepts such as periodicity (eg, elemental reactivity and property trends) and molecular shapes (eg, VSEPR theory). It also expands and develops the basic bonding theories presented in the pre-requisite module (Introductory Chemistry) in more detail.

Introductory Organic Chemistry

This module aims to develop knowledge and skills in basic organic chemistry. Topics you will study include: nomenclature, isomerism, arrow-pushing mechanisms, reactivity of sp, sp2 and sp3 carbon centres, and basic organic reaction schemes.

Organic Spectroscopy

This module is linked to the pre-requisite module Introductory Organic Chemistry. It aims to develop further some of the concepts presented in the introductory module, such as isomerism and arrow-pushing schemes. It also covers structure determination using spectroscopic techniques (IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy).

Physical Chemistry

This module aims to develop your knowledge and skills in the broad area of physical chemistry. Topics you will study include: gas laws, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium and kinetics. The module also includes coverage of acids and bases, solubility and electrochemistry. You will also practise some mathematical techniques (eg, differentiation and integration) within a chemical context.

As a Birmingham student you are part of an academic elite and will learn from world-leading experts. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner, capable of formulating your own ideas and engaging critically with your subject. A key benefit of this approach is that you gain the skills that employers are looking for, such as initiative, teamworking, problem solving and time management.

To begin with you may find this way of working challenging, but rest assured that you will be guided and supported to make the transition to become an independent and self-motivated learner. You will have access to a comprehensive academic support system that will assist and encourage you, inlcuding a tuor in your college who will provide help and advice with any study-related issues, and will help you to monitor and reflect on your progress.

Your learning will take place in a range of settings, from scheduled teaching in seminars, lectures and small group tutorials, to peer group learning in which you may, for example, be asked to prepare and deliver a presentation with your classmates.

Please click on Learning at Birmingham for further information.