Pathology Project

Introduction

The Pathology Project is an opportunity for you to do an in-depth investigation into a particular disease and then communicate your findings orally, through creative writing or film media.

Content

Your investigation and presentation should include:

  • History of the disease (first diagnosis and treatments)
  • Comparison of normal and pathologic microanatomy and gross anatomy
  • Symptoms and clinical presentation: (1) How is the diagnosis determined? (2) Is it based solely on symptomology, or are there objective diagnostic tests?
  • Explanation of symptoms
  • Progress and effects of the disease
  • Current treatment (conventional or alternative), indications and contraindications
  • Current (in the last two years) state of research on cause(s) and treatment(s)

Your treatment of the topic should not be overly broad. You should cover it in reasonable depth that clearly demonstrates signficant learning beyond the course content.

Communication

Medical and other scientific research is meaningless if it is not communicated to others. For this reason medical professionals and scientists routinely publish articles in scholarly journals and present their work at conferences and meetings. However, in the 21st century, medical and scientific content is increasingly being disseminated through visual media and popular literature. In this project you have the option to share what you have learned through an oral presentation, a short written fictional story, or video documentary. Regardless of the mode of communication, this is primarily a science project and scientific scholarship will comprise the majority of your grade. Remember that your ultimate objective is to teach the audience the medical science of your topic.

(click on the Format links for more detailed instructions and examples)

FormatNumber of peopleRequirementsDue Date
Oral2-3(1) 15 minute oral presentation, (2) abstract, (3) outline, (4) technical definitions, (5) citationsvarious
Novel1-2(1) 10 page short story, (2) technical definitions, (3) citationsMay 3
Video1-3(1) 15 minute video, (2) abstract, (3) technical definitions, (4) citationsMay 3

Your written work should be submitted in both hard copy and electronic format. Paper copies should be stapled; no binders or report covers! Please do not include copies of your raw research materials. Electronic copies should be as Word or pdf documents on disk, CD or by email attachment. Do NOT send as Microsoft Works or WordPerfect.

Research Requirements

You are required to use at least 5 references. Of these, at least 1 should be from a primary source and no more than 2 should be from internet sites. What's a primary source? Learn more about selecting and citing proper scientific sources.

Grading

Oral Presentation
Novel/Screenplay
Video Project