Skip to content The Open University

Student and tutor module reviews

Biological science: from genes to species

see module description

  • Points: 60
  • Code: S317
  • Level: 3
On this page

Student reviews

This was one of my favourite modules of my degree.
There is a huge amount of information in it, but it is all fascinating.
I had an excellent tutor who was brilliant in helping us with the content, and regular Saturday morning module-wide tutorials also helped too, and made you feel part of a community.
Having studied Cell biology (S294), now replaced by Cell and molecular biology (S296), I think, prior to this module, was extremely helpful.
I recommend spending enough time on all the tutor-marked assignments as this will help you understand the material when it comes to the admittedly hard exam.

Course starting: October 2022

Review posted: November 2023

This is a very detailed module, with numerous informative topics with over-lapping concepts.
There is considerable emphasis on DNA,RNA and gene mapping. The language of which can be quite daunting, and difficult to assimilate into the memory banks.
There are numerous helpful videos throughout the module, and intermittent investigative experiments which render the module extremely valuable to those students who are curiously inclined.
For the most part the materials are well explained in online format, and the forums are particularly useful for clarification of ideas between piers.
The tutor was very supportive throughout the module, with good advice and feedback on the tutor-marked assignments.
The depth of knowledge among the module team was exemplary on the whole, but at times it seemed that the stats were only partly explained, despite the amount of numerals and numeral detail displayed.
On the whole a very worthwhile and enlightening module.

Daniel Hignett

Course starting: October 2019

Review posted: July 2020

Please note

Each of the views expressed above is an individual's very particular response, largely unedited, and should be viewed with that in mind. Since modules are subject to regular updating, some of the issues identified may have already been addressed. In some instances the faculty may have provided a response to a comment. If you have a query about a particular module, please contact your Regional Centre.

Enter a module code to find a review

To send us reviews on modules you have studied with us, please click the sign in button below.