This case study is based on another case in our collection, The 2000-Meter Row: A Case in Homeostasis, which emphasizes the metabolic, respiratory, and cardiac responses of a young athlete competing in a championship rowing event. In this modified version, the same event is viewed in a new light to explore the psychological ramifications of the stressful sports competition. The case was developed for a mixed undergraduate-graduate course in sport psychology.

The physically demanding sport of competitive rowing is the backdrop for this case about homeostasis in which students follow the physiological changes that occur in an athlete competing in a 2000-meter race. The case was developed for use in a second-year anatomy and physiology course. It would also be appropriate in exercise and sports science classes.

In this case study, students read about the injuries sustained by a young man hurt in a serious diving accident. To solve the case, they must determine the type of central nervous system injury described using their knowledge of the differences between symptoms and signs of brain and spinal cord injury. The case was developed for upper-level neuroscience courses and rehabilitation courses that cover the neuroanatomy of the central nervous system and the symptoms of different types of central nervous system injury.

In this "clicker case," students learn about sex determination, meiosis, and chromosomal "crossing over" through the story of Santhi Soundararajan, an athlete from Kathakkurichi, India, who was stripped of a medal at the 2006 Asian Games after failing to pass a sex test. The case is called a clicker case because it combines the use of student personal response systems (clickers) with case teaching methods and formats. The case itself is a PowerPoint presentation (~2 MB) shown in class that is punctuated by questions students respond to using their clickers. It can be adapted for use without these technologies. Developed for an introductory biology class for both majors and non-majors, the case could also be used in an anatomy and physiology course or an endocrinology course.

The high school ice hockey team is playing the last of three games in one day. The game gets rough and Rick, the star player, is slammed against the boards. Injured, he has to be escorted from the ice. This interrupted case study follows Ricks health as it deteriorates over the next few hours. Students are presented with Rick's symptoms and use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to diagnose the problem. The case was developed for a one-semester animal physiology course taken mostly by sophomore and junior biology or general science majors. It could also be used in a freshman general biology course, anatomy and physiology course, or human physiology course for non-science majors.

Two speakers have been invited to a town hall meeting to help decide a hotly contested issue. A grant has been awarded to the school district with the stipulation that the money be dedicated to only one program. School officials wish to use the funds to improve the science curriculum, but district parents favor an investment in physical education to improve the health of their children. Since the grant money cannot be divided, students are forced to grapple with the role of science in education, the growing problem of childhood obesity, and related issues of public policy.

As an exhausted climbing expedition ascends a steep cliff, one climber in particular experiences severe difficulty breathing and quickly becomes the focus of this case study in which students are asked to assess the physiological changes that occur at high altitudes. The case is designed for upper division physiology students, most of who are interested in pursuing a career in the health sciences. Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of physiology of the respiratory system and some idea of how homeostatic mechanisms operate in a normal human.

This interrupted case study in cardiovascular physiology focuses on Suzie, a determined young woman who is training hard for the upcoming figure skating season. But family dynamics combined with high aspirations of competing in the Olympic Games have negative consequences for her health. Students are presented with a variety of signs, symptoms, and medical data as well as a series of guided questions to research. The case was developed for use in a one-semester animal physiology course taken by sophomore and junior science majors. It could also be used in an anatomy and physiology course or general biology course.

While backpacking in the Canadian Rockies, Joel loses his way and finds that his experience hiking and camping in his home state of Florida hasn't prepared him for springtime weather conditions in the mountains. This case study allows students to review and integrate physiological responses to cold exposure. It was designed for use in upper-level physiology, exercise physiology, and other courses in which integration of physiological systems and clinical outcomes are a primary focus.

Frank and Joe are 24-year-old fraternal twins who share similar interests, including cycling. The brothers decide to attempt their first long-distance bicycling trip, retracing the journey of early American explorers Lewis and Clark to the Northwest. Along the way, serious problems arise. Students review normal physiology of organ systems as well as changes that occur during physical exertion to piece together an understanding of the medical condition of one of the cyclists. The pivotal point in the case is learning that seemingly harmless and legally available substances can lead to potentially fatal outcomes, affecting organ systems already taxed beyond normal limits. This case is designed for use in a human biology course after students have learned about the integumentary, respiratory, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and urinary systems.

The Order of Mapungubwe is one of the National Orders bestowed each year on deserving South Africans. A number of UCT academics have been honoured with this award. This series of talks was occasioned by awards to Professor Timothy Noakes and Wieland Gevers in November 2008. It features talks by UCT academics Professors Vicki Lambert, Lionel Opie, Order of Mapungubwe 2006; Wayne Derman, Edward Ojuka, Wieland Gevers, Timothy Noakes and Ms Helen Moffett, iconic South African sportsmen Bruce Fordyce, Morneacute du Plessis, and Lewis Gordon Pugh. Professor Karim Khan from the University of British Columbia, Dr Peter Chapman, Respiratory Physician, Cape Town, and Mr. Tim Harkness, South African sports psychologist, who coached Abinav Bindrah to an individual Gold Medal in the 2010 Olympic Games and who is currently employed by the Chelsea Football Club UK.

This video lecture can be used by self learners or as a supplement to sports science course material. The Order of Mapungubwe is one of the National Orders bestowed each year on deserving South Africans. A number of UCT academics have been honoured with this award. This series of talks was occasioned by awards to Professor Timothy Noakes and Wieland Gevers in November 2008. It features talks by UCT academics Professors Vicki Lambert, Lionel Opie (Order of Mapungubwe 2006), Wayne Derman, Edward Ojuka, Wieland Gevers, Timothy Noakes and Ms Helen Moffett, iconic South African sportsmen Bruce Fordyce, du Plessis and Lewis Gordon Pugh, Professor Karim Khan from the University of British Columbia, Dr Peter Chapman (Respiratory Physician, Cape Town) and Mr Tim Harkness (South African sports psychologist who coached Abinav Bindrah to an individual Gold Medal in the 2010 Olympic Games and who is currently employed by the Chelsea Football Club, UK). This video is available in two parts.