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Details

neuron
 		Physiological
Control
Systems

Biology 112311

with
Dr. Don DeWitt
 in room 227

Trimester
3
2008
(v2) as of  5 / 30 / 08


Due dates and values of each assignment are available at: 
DUE DATES (tri3)

For all assignments, write in essay format using course formatting rules available via the website: FORMAT.  All assignments require appropriate drawings (no copies and no scans, but labeled tracings are acceptable). Drawings count for 20% of your grade in each assignment (EXCEPT CURRENT EVENTS) and each section of an assignment should include graphic support. Five percent of your final grade depends on class spirit which reflects class participation and attendance.

1. FOUR Current Events reviews. Each half-page, single-spaced submission should summarize a current events article you have found in newspapers (eg. NY Times Tuesday Science Times or the NY Times Science / Health online version which requires you to register), news magazines (Time, Newsweek, etc.) or the internet.  Summary topics should match the material under study during the current trimester.  CURRENT is defined as within that last three years. The general topics you responsible for are:

1. body temperature (CUREV 1)
2. the nervous system (CUREV 2)
3. a biomedical device (CUREV 3)
      (-- something engineers contributed to)
4. a biomedical device (CUREV 4)
     (-- something engineers contributed to)
Specific instructions for the format of these reviews can be found at: FORMAT.  Each review has a course value of 4%. (16%)
2. Question For Your Consideration (QFYC): What is a homeostatic reflex and how does it work? You should review the purpose and structure of control systems in general as they pertain to the human body.  Then compare the negative feedback concept and compare how your body controls its temperature in comparison to how the temperature in your house is controlled. Make sure you talk about how the body and house respond to external temperatures below and above the set-point.} Readings: Chapter 7. Page limit is 6 pages including graphics. No references are needed. (14%)
.
3. In-class Personal Performance Assessment Opportunity (PPAO #1):  This exam is presented as two styles: A) Combination of 15 multiple choice questions and B) two essay questions taken from a list of 3 provided on the PPAO handout (see below). Part A will be given on one day dealing with the multiple choice questions. Part B will given on the following class dealing with the essays. Click here for details: PPAO #1 (tri3).
The value of each section of the exam is: A: 30 pts, & B: 70 pts.
The value of the exam is 29% of your trimester grade.

4.Take-home Personal Performance Assessment Opportunity (PPAO #2):
Please explain how neurons are built, and function to communicate to other neurons and to effectors such as muscle or glands.  Graphic support is required to show how these phenomena operate.  Graphics must be your own effort. You may not "borrow" drawings from the internet. Click here for details: PPAO #2 (tri3).

The value of the exam is 20% of your trimester grade.

5. RESEARCH PAPER: My Favorite Biomedical Invention  This 6 page research paper should include information about
  1. The Reason Why This Device Improves the Human Body or Improves the Medical Field,
  2. The Details of the Device,
  3. The Limitations and Problems Associated With Its Use,
  4. The Future Development Goals of the Device,
  5. Graphics, and
  6. References (16%)
Please refer to the PCS formatting rules for advice on your research paper construction.

Don't forget that the last 5% of your grade is determined by SPIRIT.