The Physiology of Physiology Project
The Physiology of Physiology Students (POPS) Project
Exploring physiology through the POPS project. The core theme of physiology is homeostasis, the process by which living organisms maintain balance in their internal environment. Homeostasis involves keeping regulated variables within a set range or near a specific set point. Because genetic diversity creates physiological differences, an individual’s set points may vary from population averages. This project invites you to explore your unique physiology, track specific homeostatic variables, and gain insight into maintaining or improving your body’s internal balance.
Research is an essential cornerstone of science and is recognize as a High-Impact Practice (HIP) by the American Association of Colleges and Universities. HIPs are proven to enhance learning outcomes for students of all backgrounds. By engaging in a small-scale research project, you’ll not only explore your physiology but also develop essential skills in planning, data collection, analysis, and scientific communication.
POPS Project Goals
- The POPS (Physiology of Physiology Students) Project challenges you to:
- Formulate a research question rooted in physiological principles.
- Design and conduct experiments to explore that question.
- Analyze and interpret data to evaluate your hypotheses.
- Communicate your findings through written and oral presentations.
In this semester-long group project, you’ll collaborate with up to five classmates. Together, you will choose one of seven research categories and work on it throughout the semester. Consider your interests carefully, as a topic that excites you will make the process more enjoyable and engaging!
Project Guidelines
You will work in groups, selecting one of seven categories for your research project. Consider your interests and potential group members for the next 16 weeks. You must sign a waiver to share your anonymized data.
