Objectives:
- Use internet resources to research a biology topic not covered in this class.
- Summarize the topic for your classmates.
- Connect your topic to materials covered in Medical Biology I.
Alignment:
This discussion topic can be done at any time during the semester or during your progress through this course. I've placed it last so that you have more exposure to different concepts and ideas. That being said, the main limitations are that it must be a biological topic and you need to make a connection to course materials by explaining how a particular topic (or topics) that we covered helped you understand the topic that you chose.
Background:
Biology is fascinating! In one semester, we can only provide a smorgasbord of the high points. Even in two semesters (if you are taking both Medical Biology I and II), we are still only covering major concepts. This discussion board is a chance for you to choose your own area of interest to explore rather than responding to a topic that I've chosen. I'm hoping that you take this opportunity to explore something unusual and fascinating.
If you are stuck for ideas, you might try glancing through Science Daily, Scientific American, or How Stuff Works.
I just did a quick search and found so many interesting topics like the structure and function of the human Y chromosome, the possible connection between ergot and the Salem witch trials, what are stem cells, and why aren't identical twins completely identical? There's a lot of cool information out there. What can you find?
Procedure:
- Summarize a biology topic of your choice. Use an internet search to help you find a topic and to find information on that topic.
- Explain the significance of your topic. Why are scientists studying it? For instance, would you believe that people study slime molds to try to understand how multicellular organisms evolved?
- Make a connection to the course by explaining how materials that you've learned have helped you understand your topic. For instance, if I chose an article on the Y chromosome, I could explain how I used information on chromosome structure and meiosis (chapters 11 and 15) to understand this topic.