Course Description
Approaches and research methods of physiology and pharmacology studied in the research laboratory of UGA research faculty. Students will learn advanced methods and techniques from established investigators.
Athena Title
LAB APPR PHYS/PHAR
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students are expected to study new techniques in the laboratory of faculty other than their primary mentor. Students should become familiar with, and somewhat proficient in, utilizing these techniques and how they are applied to specific studies. Laboratory mentors will supervise specific projects and assign grades based on the student's ability to understand and execute protocols as well as discuss the significance of data generated. Grades will be assigned based on quality of data generated and/or written lab reports submitted to the laboratory mentor. Expected Learning Outcomes: 1. Expand laboratory experiences of students 2. Gain familiarity and proficiency in contemporary physiology and pharmacology laboratory techniques 3. Understand appropriate application of techniques 4. Understand data generated from new techniques and appropriate analysis of these data 5. Understand limitations of new techniques
Topical Outline
A. Topics for Preparing Research Plan 1. Development of hypothesis 2. Selection and critical assessment of relevant literature 3. Organization of research plan 4. Assessment of analytic methods 5. Budget development for research plan 6. Preparation of research plan B. Topics for Execution of Research Plan 1. Execution of research methods 2. Evaluation of research methods and appropriateness to study 3. Collection of data and assessment of data quality 4. Evaluation of data including proper statistical analysis C. Preparation of Research Report 1. Presentation of hypothesis 2. Organization of literature review 3. Preparation of introduction and statement of research relevance 4. Organization and presentation of research data 5. Preparation of discussion of research data with relevance to contemporary literature