A satisfying aspect of taking a physiology class is the opportunity to develop and implement an investigative study. Working with your peers in an assigned group, develop a research proposal. The proposals will undergo review by the faculty. Once the proposals are approved, research studies will be initiated. The format for the proposal is:

WHY = RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

--background and literature context

--pose a question to answer, establish objectives

--state the hypothesis to be investigated

HOW = DOING THE STUDY

--methods and techniques

--design and sampling scheme

--appropriate control group

--data analysis, statistical approach

WHAT = OUTCOME OF STUDY

--expectations from observations, experiments

--loop back to hypothesis

FEASIBILITY = POTENTIAL LIMITATIONS OF STUDY

--equipment and supplies

--organisms and other considerations

LITERATURE CITED

--cited publications

BUDGET = $ OF STUDY

--supplies and organisms

A proposal should be 2-3 pages in length. There is not right or wrong answer to study. Have fun with it.