Physiology Portfolio 2005-6
Semester Project

As part of your final semester grade, you will be asked to submit a portfolio of independent work relating to topics of physiology. It will be worth 50% of your final exam grade. To prepare your portfolio, you will be expected to complete three segments of independent work in physiology from the list of possible portfolio elements described on the following pages. You are encouraged to think carefully about this list and to choose portfolio elements that reflect your interests and/or talents.

You should add work to your portfolio throughout the semester so that you have completed your portfolio elements by due date. This will also prevent the mad rush to complete work during the last week of the semester.

You will need to submit a contract for all projects. This contract will ensure that independent projects will be appropriate for the portfolio. There is an estimated completion date on each contract. This is to help space out the assignments and prevent procrastination. Projects turned in one week late without prior notice and sufficient reason will be lowered one grade. A sample copy of the contract form is attached.

A bibliography must be included for ALL assignments, so be sure to keep track of what resources you have used. For all written work it is important to avoid plagiarism as this may lead to an "F" grade on any element.

 

PORTFOLIO DUE DATE:
The entire portfolio must be completed and turned in the Monday of Closed week



PORTFOLIO ELEMENTS


Disease Diary
Complete a diary with information on a disease from selected organ systems, for a total of five. Your log should include information that you have gained from both internet and library research. Interviews with scientists or medical professionals will enhance your work. The list of topics is to the right.

· Each submission should contain graphics of some aspect of the disease as well as an outline description of the specific characteristics, causes, signs symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for the disease.
· All sources should be cited in the correct format for print and internet. Please include the reference for any graphics you include.
· Avoid plagiarism at all costs. It will cost you an "F" grade on this portion of your portfolio.

Examples
Skin Diseases
Bone Diseases
Muscle Diseases
Nervous System Diseases
Endocrine Disorders
Blood Diseases
Heart Disease
Lung Disease
Digestive Diseases
Urinary Diseases
Reproductive Diseases


CAREER RESEARCH AND SHADOWING
Prepare an oral report, written report, scrapbook, or videotape on a career related to physiology. Collect information on this career and interview several individuals involved in this career.

Examples
Doctor
Medical researcher
Nurse
Radiologist
Physical Therapist


PHYSIOLOGY IN THE NEWS
Prepare a scrapbook of newspaper and magazine articles that relate to physiology. You will need to find at least 2 articles per week for ten weeks. Another possibility is to make a collection of 10-20 articles relating to a specific current topic related to physiology. However you chose to do this, a minimum of 20 articles is required. Organize the scrapbook chronologically and or by related topics (if serial). Write a brief synopsis of the information in each article and it's significance to our lives.

Examples
· Collect physiology articles from your family's newspapers and magazines.
· Select a topic of interest to you and collect recent articles on this topic.
· Magazine articles may be copied.


WRITTEN REPORT
Complete a three page written report on some aspect of physiology other than disease/disorder or pure function. To prepare for writing your report, you will be expected to research the topic related to physiology, organize the information, and prepare a concept map or an organized set of note cards.
Examples
The Artificial Spleen Report


ORAL REPORT
Produce a videotaped ten minute oral report on a topic related to biology. To prepare for videotaping your report, you will be expected to research the topic, organize the information, and prepare a concept map or an organized set of note cards (to be handed in with the video). Do not feel limited to a "news cast" like report. You can be creative, creating a movie-like presentation if you like.

Examples
· Human System Malfunction Report


DECISION-MAKING: BIOETHICS
Examine an issue of social significance that has no clear right or wrong side, such as abortion. You will learn about the personal, scientific, social, and ethical dimensions of the issue and prepare a "Pros and Cons" report in a "debate" on the issue.

Examples
· Do People Have The Right To ------- Project.


MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION
Produce a multimedia presentation that uses slides, videotape, laser disk images and a written or taped script to present information on a physiology related topic.

Examples
· Produce a multimedia presentation for sharing in a future physiology class.


GRAPHIC REPRESENTATION
Create an original graphic such as a bulletin board, model, mobile, computer graphic, or series of photographs to represent related physiological concepts. Your graphic should be accompanied by a written explanation or key for the graphic.

Examples
· Make a three dimensional model illustrating a physiology concept.
· Make a mobile on a physiology concept.


INTERDISCIPLINARY PROJECT
Select a physiology topic and demonstrate/explain how it relates to four other subject areas such as: English, social studies, math, art, music, physical education, or business.

Examples
· Explain how "The Human Heart" is a theme that is common to many subject areas.


CREATIVE PROJECT
Use your ingenuity, your talent, or your sense of humor to demonstrate independent learning in a physiology topic that interests you. If none of the other categories fit you needs, come up with your own. This requires detailed discussion with me before beginning.


Portfolio Contract