Biological Techniques
- Sciences
- 200 level
- 2 credit units
- 120 pages
- 10 units
This course introduces students to essential biological techniques used in various biology-related fields. It covers microscopy, including different types of microscopes and their applications. Students will learn about biological drawing techniques, dissection methods, and microscope slide preparation. The course also explores spectrophotometry, colorimetry, chromatography, and preservation techniques for plant and animal materials. Emphasis is placed on experimental design, report writing, and scientific investigation methods, providing a solid foundation for advanced studies and research.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 120 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, practical
- Practical work
- Yes
- Basic Biology
- General Chemistry
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of BIO204, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
BIO204 · UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO MICROSCOPE
Metallographic microscopy is used in forensics and diagnostic microscopy where a light that shines onto an opaque surface and is reflected back into the microscope for examination.
What you should be able to do
- Describe different types of microscopes and their uses
- Prepare microscope slides and perform examinations
- Apply biological drawing techniques
- Perform dissections following proper procedures
- Explain principles of spectrophotometry, colorimetry, and chromatography
- Describe collection and preservation of biological materials
- Explain experimental design, report writing, and presentations
What it prepares you for
- Lab Technician
- Research Assistant
- Quality Control Analyst
- Science Teacher
- Medical Technologist
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food Science
- Environmental Monitoring
- Research & Development
- Microscopes
- Spectrophotometers
- Chromatography Equipment
- Internet Browsers
- Microsoft Office Suite
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Introduction to
Unit 1: Introduction to Microscope
Understanding the principles and proper handling techniques for various microscope types requires significant memorization and spatial reasoning.
- Module 1: Introduction to
Unit 2: Biological Drawing Techniques
Requires understanding of spatial relationships and fine motor skills to accurately represent biological structures.
- Module 2:
Unit 3: Chromatography and Conductometry
Requires strong understanding of chemical principles and complex calculations.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 31 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to
Unit 1: Introduction to Microscope · 2 hours
Define microscope and its parts. State the various classes of microscope. Label the microscope parts. State the methods of caring for microscope.
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction to
Unit 2: Biological Drawing Techniques · 2 hours
State the rules of biological diagram. Apply the rules of biological diagram in drawing a biological specimen. Calculate magnification.
- Week 3Module 1: Introduction to
Unit 3: Dissection guide · 2 hours
Explain the steps in preparing dissection trays/petri plates. Explain the steps in anaesthetizing animals correctly.
- Week 4Module 1: Introduction to
Unit 4: Microscope slides preparation technique · 2 hours
Distinguish the different types of slide preparation. Explain the steps in preparing slides. State the precautions in slide preparation.
- Week 5Module 1: Introduction to
Unit 5: Microtomy and Hand Sectioning · 2 hours
Describe various types of microtomes, their working and use. List the microtome knives and describe its working. Describe hand cut sections.
- Week 6Module 2:
Unit 1: Calorimetry · 2 hours
Differentiate between specific Heat and Latent heat. Conduct simple experiments on Calorimetry. Discuss simple application of Calorimetry.
- Week 7Module 2:
Unit 2: Photometry · 2 hours
Define Photometry. Explain Photometry with its units of measurement. Compare Photometric and Radiometric quantities.
- Week 8Module 2:
Unit 3: Chromatography and Conductometry · 3 hours
Explain the principle on which chromatography as a separation technique is based. Describe the different methods of chromatography available. Mention some applications of chromatography. Discuss the concept of Conductometry. Describe the measuring units involved in Conductometry. List some applications of Conductometry.
- Week 9Module 2:
Unit 4: Evaluating Original Research Paper & Internet Technology · 2 hours
Distinguish an original research paper. List the criteria for evaluating an original research paper. Evaluate an original research paper state if any, the contributions of a research paper to knowledge.
- Week 10Module 2:
Unit 5: Scientific Methods of Investigation · 3 hours
Enumerate the qualities / attributes of a good Scientist. Justify the use of instruments for research. Explain the procedure of experiments, predict and interpret scientific result. Explain the conduct of experiment and keep record. Report your investigations as done universally and communicate your scientific findings.
- Week 11Module 1: Introduction to
Unit 1: Microscope · 3 hours
Review all units in Module 1. Work on assignments.
- Week 12Module 2:
Unit 1: Calorimetry · 3 hours
Review all units in Module 2. Work on tutor marked assignments.
- Week 13Module 2:
Unit 5: Scientific Methods of Investigation · 3 hours
Final Revision. Complete all assignments.
Preparing for the exam
- Create detailed diagrams of microscope parts and their functions (Unit 1)
- Practice biological drawings, focusing on accuracy and proportions (Unit 2)
- Review dissection procedures and safety protocols (Unit 3)
- Master slide preparation techniques, including staining methods (Unit 4)
- Understand the principles and applications of calorimetry, photometry, and chromatography (Units 7-9)
- Practice evaluating research papers using the criteria discussed in Unit 10
- Review scientific methods and experimental design principles (Unit 11)
Questions students ask about this course
What is BIO204 about?
This course introduces students to essential biological techniques used in various biology-related fields. It covers microscopy, including different types of microscopes and their applications. Students will learn about biological drawing techniques, dissection methods, and microscope slide preparation. The course also explores spectrophotometry, colorimetry, chromatography, and preservation techniques for plant and animal materials. Emphasis is placed on experimental design, report writing, and scientific investigation methods, providing a solid foundation for advanced studies and research.
How many units does BIO204 have?
BIO204, Biological Techniques, has 10 units across 2 modules, over 120 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is BIO204?
BIO204 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Sciences.
Is BIO204 hard?
BIO204 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work, and it has a practical component.
How long does BIO204 take to study?
About 120 hours of study, spread across its 10 units.
How is BIO204 assessed?
BIO204 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What do I need before starting BIO204?
Basic Biology General Chemistry
What can I do with BIO204?
Lab Technician, Research Assistant, Quality Control Analyst, Science Teacher and Medical Technologist.