Homework answers / question archive / PHGY 216 Independent Research assignment description   Rationale: The purpose of this assignment is to give students an opportunity to apply module content and extend their knowledge of human system(s) physiology through independent research of a chosen disease state

PHGY 216 Independent Research assignment description   Rationale: The purpose of this assignment is to give students an opportunity to apply module content and extend their knowledge of human system(s) physiology through independent research of a chosen disease state

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PHGY 216 Independent Research assignment description

 

Rationale:

The purpose of this assignment is to give students an opportunity to apply module content and extend their knowledge of human system(s) physiology through independent research of a chosen disease state. This assignment will facilitate the development of the skills necessary for students to critically evaluate scientific research, and effectively present their knowledge in a logical and concise manner. These skills will prove valuable in professional programs and health-related careers.

 

Disease: You can pick one

Irritable bowel syndrome

Acid reflux (GERD)

 

What you need to do:

Based on the disease chosen, the student is to independently write a report on the chosen disease state. This report must focus on the human body system(s) and system(s) physiology impacted by the disease. The student is free to use information about cell physiology and pharmacology to aid in their discussion, though the report should focus on the physiology of the affected system(s), comparing its healthy state to its unhealthy state when affected by the disease. Resources used in this assignment must be sourced from credible scientific literature, such as scientific journal articles.

 

Students must fulfill the following requirements:

STRUCTURE:

The format of this assignment is loosely based on the real and respected Patient Fact Sheets produced by the American Thoracic Society, two examples of which can be found at:

• What is the flu? https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/influenza-the-flu.pdf
• What is asthma? https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/asthma.pdf

 

Student assignments must use the following subheadings to address the following topics:

1. “What is __disease__?”:
2. Give a brief introduction of the chosen disease (e.g. what are the general symptoms, who is affected, is the underlying cause for it known, [if relevant] what environmental exposures can predispose its development etc.)
3. “What does __disease__ affect?”:

• Describe the physiology of the primary organ system that the disease impacts under healthy conditions. A disease may impact several organ systems, but the focus should be on the system that is impacted the most.

4. “What changes are caused by __disease__?”

• Describe the pathophysiology of the disease in detail. This is the main focus of the assignment.

1. After determining the origin/cause of the disease, students should discuss how the impacted organ and its associated body system is affected. Students are responsible for comparing the pathophysiological state caused by the disease to the normal physiological state of the affected body system.
2. Predict at least one other organ system that is impacted by the pathophysiological state of the primary organ system due the disease, and explain how/why this occurs.
3. Describe the impact of the pathophysiology on whole body homeostasis.

5. “What can I do about __disease__?”

• Provide a brief overview of one treatment for the disease and the effects of the treatment on the body system(s) physiology.

6. “Resources”

• List two additional, patient-friendly sources of information. These should not be scientific journals, rather accessible resources (e.g. society websites) that have been vetted for accuracy.

7. “References”

• Include at least two sources from credible scientific literature, such as peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, including reference articles. More articles may be referenced to support the statements and predictions in the report. 

8. “Action Plan”

• Include a small textbox outlining the 4 main take-home messages a patient newly diagnosed with your condition should follow.

 

Specifications:

Submissions will not be longer than 2 pages. At least one (1) but no more than three (3) figures (e.g. diagrams, graphs, or graphics) should be included to support the written text; remember to cite all sources, including for any figures used.

It is recommended that students split each page into 2 columns and use a combination of paragraphs, lists and tables to effectively communicate the required information. Remember: you are communicating to a general audience. Information must be factual and readily understandable.

 

 

The format of the assignment should be as follows:

 

Maximum 2 pages of space, containing a maximum of 1000 words maximum plus 1-3 figures (e.g. diagrams, graphs, graphics) supporting the text content

The word limit is inclusive of everything, including in-text citations and references

Font size no smaller than 10 pt

Single spaced, with the page split into two columns

1” margins, 8.5” by 11” paper

Reference List must be in APA format. Resources must be obtained from credible sources (websites are not considered credible sources for this assignment)