http://www.oercommons.org/browse/collection/case-study-teaching-in-science daily 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 http://www.oercommons.org/courses/a-family-in-need-in-class-case-study-on-cancer-genetics “A Family in Need” was designed as an in-class problem-based learning activity for students to learn about several innovative medical applications of molecular biology. Students assume the role of a second-year medical student assigned to work with a pediatric oncologist who has just biopsied a tumor-like growth in the adrenal gland of her 17-year-old patient, Lee F. After taking Lee’s family history and performing a pedigree analysis, students review clinical and genetic characteristics of several syndromes associated with adrenal cancer. Students then explore various diagnostic and biomedical research techniques such as PCR, DNA sequencing, and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. The case concludes with a consideration of how to treat Lee’s condition with the help of gene cloning and the potential of gene therapy. Although originally written for an upper-level college genetics course, the case could also be adapted for an introductory molecular/cellular biology course, a non-majors biology course, or a professional school medical genetics course. Science and Technology 2013-04-30T23:03:29 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/a-green-light-for-cfls In this problem-based learning case, three housemates in an environmentally-themed college house debate the pros and cons of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) over incandescent lamps. The students raise issues of the cost difference between the lamps (both in the short and long term), energy use and greenhouse gas production in the manufacture and use of the lamps, and the mercury content in CFLs and the risks that poses to people and the environment. Students are asked to identify the information needed to evaluate the choice between the two lamp types, and then use a published life-cycle analysis to find and evaluate that information. To conclude, they make a decision and argue for it using quantitative evidence and reasoning. The case was developed for an intermediate-level course designed to help environmental studies students understand the role of scientific information and scientific thinking in resolving complex environmental problems. David L. Boose Science and Technology 2013-03-14T11:11:30 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/wrestling-with-weight-loss-the-dangers-of-a-weight-loss-drug In this interrupted case study, a young wrestler considers purchasing 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) online as a means to drop weight quickly. However, a finding that it may have killed someone concerns him. Through progressive disclosure of information, students expand their understanding of membrane permeability and the proton motive force in mitochondria to understand how DNP acts in mitochondria and how it may lead to various physiological affects. Follow-up assignments use knowledge gained in the case to understand mitochondrial thermogenesis in brown fat function and human evolution. The case may be used as a stand-alone exercise in a classroom or be paired with a laboratory investigation using isolated plant mitochondria. It is suitable for an introductory cell biology course for biology majors and non-majors. Annie Prudhomme Genereux Susan M. DeSimone Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/prairie-garden-of-troubles Developed for a general biology course for non-majors, this case focuses on prairie habitat ecology and restoration. Jim, a young ecologist, has created a reconstructed prairie in his backyard. His neighbors don't like it and they have complained to the local building inspector. The city weed ordinance is very clear about vegetation management, and Jim has been told that he must mow his plants and keep a tidy lawn like everyone else in the neighborhood. But he feels strongly that his efforts to create a more sustainable form of landscape in the Midwest town in which he lives are being misunderstood. Eventually, Jim will have to defend his case in court. The case is presented in class as a series of PowerPoint slides (~10MB) with multiple-choice questions that students answer using personal response systems ("clickers"). It could be adapted for use without these technologies. Bruno Borsari Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/when-wilma-met-fred-a-human-evolution-case Stuents in a travel study course led by "Dr. Heinen" in Tanzania are searching for human fossils in an effort to better understand where humans come from.Will Dr. Heinen and his students find the "missing link" between early hominins and non-human primates? The case story is complemented by a classroom game that mimics modern TV shows where people look for an ideal "soul mate." Students are challenged to identify in the audience mates of the same species through clues disclosed by the instructor. The case and game facilitate learning about human evolution and the physical/cultural characteristics of a few, selected species of early hominins. Developed for a non-majors' introductory biology course, the case is also suitable for courses in evolution, natural history, biological anthropology, and general biology for majors with modifications. Although designed as a "clicker case" using PowerPoint slides (~1.3MB) with questions that students answer in class, the case can be adapted for use without these technologies. Bruno Borsari Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/face-the-fats-the-biochemistry-of-lipids This clicker case introduces students to the biochemistry of lipids through the story of Pete, a college student who begins to consider his nutritional fat intake after watching a commercial for the cholesterol-lowering drug Vytorin. In this case, students learn to differentiate the chemical composition of steroids, phospholipids, and fats as well as how lipids affect our health, both in positive and negative ways. Additionally, students learn how trans fats are manufactured and why they can have negative health side-effects. The case is designed for use in an introductory biology course either for science majors or non-majors. It could potentially be further modified for use in an upper-level biochemistry or cell biology class. The case is called a clicker case because it combines the use of PowerPoint slides (~3.74MB) and student response systems ("clickers") with a case storyline and questions. The case could be modifed however for use without these technologies. Nancy A. Rice Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/bloodline-a-human-genetics-case In this "clicker" case, based on a TV drama about a family secret that only knowledge of genetics can solve, students apply what they have read and heard about genetic diseases to determine familial relationships and predict the chance that a family member has inherited a genetic condition. The case is designed for use in a one-semester introductory biology course taken primarily by freshmen and sophomores to fulfill a general education requirement, but it could be used in any introductory biology course to help students understand and practice applying concepts related to human genetics. In addition, the case could be expanded or modified for use in a genetics or anatomy and physiology class in which human genetics and pedigrees are taught. The case is presented in class using a PowerPoint presentation (~1MB) punctuated by questions that students respond using "clickers" before moving on to the next slide. It could be adapted for use without these technologies. Peggy Brickman Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/decoding-the-flu This "clicker case" was designed to develop students' ability to read and interpret information stored in DNA. Making use of personal response systems ("clickers") along with a PowerPoint presentation, students follow the story of "Jason," a student intern at the Centers for Disease Control& Prevention (CDC). While working with a CDC team in Mexico, Jason is the only person who does not get sick from a new strain of flu. It is up to Jason to use molecular data collected from different local strains of flu to identify which one may be causing the illness. Although designed for an introductory biology course for science or non-science majors, the case could be adapted for upper-level courses by including more complex problems and aspects of gene expression, such as the excision of introns. Norris Armstrong Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/dengue-in-the-landscape-a-threat-to-public-health This interrupted case engages students in issues contributing to the increase of dengue fever in Jamaica. The overall goal of the case is to make clear the connections between land use management and public health, specifically dengue fever. Students learn about the effects of land use management on the breeding of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and its implications for public health as well as about the spread, extent, and form of the disease. In addition, students are challenged to think of solutions to public health problems given limited resources (in terms of personnel and money). The case was created for an introductory course in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology. It may also be appropriate for introductory biology and ecology courses. A PowerPoint presentation to supplement the case is also available. Hannah L. Rusch Jim Perry Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/escape-from-planet-soma-mastering-the-physiological-principles-of-neuronal-signaling In this case, students assume the role of a fictitious space explorer captured by aliens. To win their release, they must correctly explain the neurophysiology underlying some of the punishments used by the aliens to deter attempts at escape. The purpose of the case is two-fold. First, it strengthens students' understanding of ion channel function to the point where they are able to make predictions about the ability of the cell to generate an action potential if the activity of a particular ion channel is altered. Second, students are encouraged to place neuronal signaling in a larger context by hypothesizing how altered activity in a specified region or division of the nervous system will be manifested in physical symptoms. While written for a two-semester anatomy and physiology course, this case would also be useful in an undergraduate physiology or neuroscience course or in any course in which students must gain an understanding of foundational neurophysiology. Sheri L. Boyce Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/not-exactly-the-complexity-of-a-human-genetic-disease This case study follows a young couple that is consulting with a genetic counselor about their plans to have a child. Because of their family history with cystic fibrosis, they are concerned about their chances of having a child with this genetic disease. The case study reviews the basics of Mendelian and molecular genetics in humans, briefly examines the possibilities and limitations of genetic testing, and introduces students to online databases, including OMIM, a catalog of human genetic traits. The case also requires students to practice the scientific method, including hypothesis development, experimental design, and the analysis of primary research articles. Although developed for use as an introductory unit to an upper-level genetics course, the case could be adapted for an introductory biology course, perhaps as a closing exercise to a unit on molecular genetics. Dean Fraga William Morgan Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/poison-ivy-taking-the-itch-out-of-the-rash A longstanding belief that has it roots in Native American folklore is that the crushed leaves of jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) relieve the skin's allergic reaction to the toxin of poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). This case was developed for an introductory majors or non-majors biology or plant class. It first examines students' conceptions about the rash of poison ivy, what in the plant causes the rash, and how the body responds to the toxin. Then students in small groups plan an experiment using the scientific method to test the ability of jewelweed to reduce the reaction. Following a comparison of experimental designs from different groups, data from a scientific paper is presented for interpretation and analysis. An important outcome of this case is that students recognize the need for evaluating myths and misconceptions using scientific evidence. Rosemary H. Ford Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/poor-devils-the-plight-of-the-tasmanian-devils Cancer is usually thought to be a disease that affects individuals. But could cancer evolve to become infectious? This case follows the research on a form of transmissible cancer that is decimating the Tasmanian devil, the world's largest carnivorous marsupial. Students analyze two landmark papers that uncovered the molecular mechanism of this cancer, which is known as Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD). Through this case, students develop an understanding of cancer, immunology, microbiology, and cytogenetics in addition to becoming more comfortable using primary research literature. The case was developed for third-year biology students in a molecular biology course, but may also be used in courses in genetics, evolution, immunology, conservation, and research methods. Annie Prud�homme Genereux Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/girl-pulled-alive-from-ruins-15-days-after-earthquake This case examines the integrated physiological response to dehydration and starvation from the real-life report of a girl discovered 15 days after an earthquake devastated Port Au-Prince, Haiti, in January 2010. From the meager scientifically relevant facts reported by the newspaper accounts of the girl's condition, students are asked to work through the pathways of water loss from dehydration as they examine the multiple systems involved in homeostatic responses, and then are asked to calculate whether it is possible for a human to withstand 15 days without water. The case also gives the instructor the opportunity to differentiate between the general adaptive response to a stressor and the specialized adaptive responses exhibited by well-acclimated natives. The case was designed for an upper division comparative or human physiology course or possibly a graduate level medical physiology course. Susan B. Chaplin Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/josie-an-interdisciplinary-case-study-of-madness In this interdisciplinary case, students meet Josie, the main character, who suffers from a variety of symptoms. Students must grapple with the conflicting data presented, which ultimately leads them to a diagnosis of either porphyria or schizophrenia. This case can be used in many ways depending on the focus of the course and the instructor. In its simplest form, it can be used to develop content-specific knowledge on the genetic illness porphyria and/or the psychological illness schizophrenia. In an interdisciplinary context, it can be used as a way to discuss complex modes of inheritance and types of confounding issues a genetic counselor, social worker, psychiatrist, or psychologist might face when trying to sort through a complex family history to develop a pedigree or genogram. The case has been used successfully with majors and non-majors in psychology, biology, and genetics. Optional extensions to the case provide for reflection on the theme of "science in society" and how the perception of disease has changed over time. Joan-Beth Gow Kerri W. Augusto Susan Nava-Whitehead Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/pku-carriers-how-many-are-in-your-hometown In this interrupted case study, students read about a college student with phenylketonuria (PKU).Ę Students learn how diet affects a person with PKU and how PKU is inherited. The case is designed to introduce introductory biology students to the Hardy-Weinberg Principle. Terms of the equation are related to phenotypes and genotypes mentioned in the case. Given the number of people in the population with PKU and assuming the population is in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, students estimate the number of carriers for PKU in the population. Finally, students estimate the probability that a person from this population with PKU would have a child with PKU and the probability that a person from this population without PKU would have a child with PKU. David J. Grise Science and Technology 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/do-corridors-have-value-in-conservation This case study discusses conservation corridors as a means to reduce the problems of population size and isolation in a fragmented habitat. In an interrupted format, students learn what a corridor is, consider how nature preserves and corridors function, and analyze data from an article in Ecology on the use of corridors by various plant and animal species. As written, this case reviews and applies several topics from an introductory ecology and evolution class (population genetics, population ecology and island biogeography) to the problem of protecting species in fragmented habitats. It could be modified for use in environmental or conservation biology courses. Andrea Bixler Science and Technology 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/more-than-meets-the-eye-the-genetics-of-eye-color The genetics of eye color are more complex than commonly believed. This interrupted case study uses the story of a blue-eyed couple with a brown-eyed child to explore the possible scenarios that could result in this outcome. The case emphasizes the link between Mendelian genetics and the underlying molecular basis of the phenotype. It is appropriate for upper-level undergraduate biology majors with a good understanding of eukaryotic gene regulation and Mendelian genetics. Annie Prud�homme Genereux Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/the-great-parking-debate-a-research-methods-case-study Two friends debate whether people leave their parking spaces faster if others are waiting. They decide to see if they can design a study to test their ideas. In this interrupted case study, students develop a research question and hypothesis and consider how to test a hypothesis. Students read about what researchers have done to answer the research question and identify and evaluate different research designs. Students are also asked to evaluate data. Developed for a use in an introductory psychology course to cover terms and concepts related to research methods, the case could be used in other introductory science classes, early in research methods courses, or in upper-level social science courses. Jennifer Feenstra Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials http://www.oercommons.org/courses/the-evolution-of-human-skin-color In this case study, the evolution of human skin color is used as a means of exploring the process of evolution by natural selection. Through the progressive disclosure of data, students learn about are the factors that may have exerted pressure on the evolution of this trait. Students evaluate hypotheses, predict their outcomes, evaluate them in light of new information, and reformulate them to take unexplained data into consideration. The case has been used in a first-year introductory biology course for non-majors. Annie Prud�homme Genereux Science and Technology Social Sciences 2011-12-01T15:06:22 Course Related Materials