536-304 Seminars & Experimental Physiology

Physiology 536-301 or 536-302 or 536-303.

This subject provides practical experience in experimental physiology within a 'work-experience' research environment. Emphasis is given to communication (oral and written) and to interactive small group research. The lecture material will be given by the staff of the department, using their own research to practically illustrate how the principles and processes of experimental design, critical thinking and data analysis translate into fundable research programs. The assignments will concentrate on scientific writing and critical appreciation of the literature. In the research component, students will learn to work cooperatively in small groups with a member of staff actively investigating a specific physiological problem. Students will be expected to use their training undertaken in physiology 536-301, 536-302, or 536-303 as a basis for writing their reports. The range of topics offered varies from year to year, and include cardiac physiology, brain function, vascular function, exercise and skeletal muscle physiology.

One scientific writing assignment (800 words), one critical literature review (1500 words), and laboratory work (a report of up to 2500 words written in manuscript format, laboratory performance and seminar presentation).