The Physiology of Physiology Project
The Physiology of Physiology Students (POPS) Project
Exploring human physiology through the POPS project. The core theme of physiology is homeostasis, the process by which living organisms maintain a balanced 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 experimental design, 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 work collaboratively with up to five classmates to explore a research topic of your choice. You’ll select one of seven research categories and develop your project over the course of the semester.
Take the time to consider your interests, choosing a topic that genuinely excites you will make the experience more meaningful, engaging, and enjoyable!
Project Guidelines
Consider your interests and potential group members for the next 16 weeks. You must sign a waiver to share your anonymized data.
