PSIO 495/595 T Colloquium – Fall 2010 TOPICS IN PHYSIOLOGY Dr. Cindy Rankin 621-3104 BioSci West 274 Email - [email protected] DESCRIPTION: This colloquium will cover a selection of the many physiological topics that are currently the focus of media attention and will be centered around a group discussion of the weekly readings. Coverage of each topic will start with the analysis of a recent media article intended for the general public and the questions it raises, and will culminate with an in-depth discussion of two relevant primary research articles to address some of these questions and provide further insight into the physiological mechanisms involved. GOALS: Through weekly reading, questioning and discussing selected media and research articles, this course seeks to: 1) Provide further understanding of selected areas in physiology 2) Facilitate application of theoretical knowledge to the daily functioning of the human body 3) Promote critical thinking and analysis skills in reading both media and primary research articles 4) Provide the opportunity for improvement of verbal and discussion skills through weekly practice REQUIREMENTS: All students will be responsible for the following: For each week’s discussion (50% of final grade): ~ reading 2-3 articles or reviews prior to each class session ~ generating pertinent questions and identifying issues related to the readings ~ being prepared to answer selected question Active participation in general class discussion (i.e., beyond that required for your selected question) (25% of final grade) A one-page synopsis, for a specific day’s discussion (see pp 4-5) (8% of final grade) ~ Due by 9:00 a.m. on the Monday morning following the discussion ~ Weeks will be assigned in 2nd class meeting Critiques of two types: (see pg 6) (7% of final grade) ~ Of your classmates synopses for a specific week’s discussion ~ In class, anonymous, critiques of 3-5 presentations for a day’s discussion For Debates in last 4 class mtgs: in a group of 4-5 students (10% of final grade) Be responsible for (discussed in more detail on Mid-semester assessment day) ~ preparing and providing an argument in support of one side of a controversial physiological issue ~ format, selected readings, questions/prompts and guiding discussion ~ as an active part of the audience to expand discussion and evaluate arguments Each graduate student will also be responsible for: Contributing to a greater degree to each week's discussion, providing additional background information based upon your more in-depth knowledge of physiology. Periodically for the research discussions, there will be more in-depth questions or a need for additional articles read. These questions will be delineated "Graduate Student" questions. Leading one class discussion, including identifying the article and developing the disc. qstns. More details on this in discussion with Dr. Rankin after 1st classPSIO 495/595 T Topics in Physiology Colloquium Dr. Rankin –Fall 2010 2PSIO 495/595 T Topics in Physiology Colloquium Dr. Rankin –Fall 2010 3 COURSE FORMAT Every two-week block we will cover a new topic. Each week you will receive readings for the following week’s discussion. The first week, the readings will include 1-2 articles from the media, intended for the general public and a review or chapter on the relevant basic anatomy and physiology underlying the issues. The second week, the readings will include 1-2 primary research articles which will further understanding of the physiology involved and the issues raised the previous week. Preparation for class will involve the following: Media/Basic Science Week: EVERYONE: ~ Read the assigned media articles ~ As you read, generate a list of questions, issues, misleading statements based upon the reading or your own background ~ Come ready to raise and discuss these issues and questions Question Group ~ Post one of these questions to the Webboard by 9:00 a.m. Monday morning before the discussion. Each question must be unique, therefore, the sooner you do this, the more likely that your question will not yet have appeared! (See examples on the webboard) ~ Also, include a brief statement of what you expect or hope to cover in your answer. ~ Webboard address : http://epsilon.ltc.arizona.edu/wb/default.asp?BoardID=28&action=0 ~ Prepare an answer to your posted question, using your assigned readings as initial reference sources. Supplemental materials are always welcome & encouraged. ~ It is highly recommended that you utilize outlines, overheads, figures or handouts to enhance your delivery of your answer to the class. Please try to condense and limit pages distributed. Synopsis Group: ~ Be ready to provide a 1-2 sentence summary of the essence of the media articles or a burning question or issue prompted by the articles to get the class started. ~ You will also be responsible for writing a synopsis of the day’s discussion. ~ Come prepared to ask at least 2 questions of your classmates to enhance the discussion. Critique Group: ~ You will be critiquing 1) a selected number of presentations during the discussion 2) the synopses once they are posted on the webboard. (See below) ~ Come prepared to ask at least 2 questions of your classmates to enhance the discussion.PSIO 495/595 T Topics in Physiology Colloquium Dr. Rankin –Fall 2010 4 Research Week: EVERYONE: ~ Read the assigned primary research articles ~ Generate a list of questions, issues, confusing statements based upon your reading and your own background. ~ Come ready to raise and discuss these issues and questions. Question Group ~ The class meeting before the discussion, a list of questions which will help guide us through the discussion will be circulated. You will sign up for one of these questions and be responsible for presenting the answer to the class. ~ Read the assigned research articles first more globally for a general overview ~ Reread the articles more specifically to enable you to answer your assigned question ~ Additional materials may be provided to help you with your answer. Be sure to check the folder for these. Synopsis Group: ~ Be ready to provide a 1-2 sentence summary (THM) or an interesting question or issue based on the media and basic science discussion from the previous class to get the class started. ~ Come prepared to ask at least 2