A Search for the Right Answer

By Ann W. Fourtner, Charles R. Fourtner, Clyde Freeman Herreid

Abstract

In this role-playing case study on Parkinson’s disease, students learn about brain injury and brain repair mechanisms, the physical and psychological effects of a degenerative disease on a patient and her family, the ethics of fetal tissue research, and the sociological implications of an aging population. The case has been used in a "Great Discoveries in Science" non-majors’ course for juniors and seniors as well as in a seminar in neuroscience for University Honors freshmen and sophomores.

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Date Posted

11/16/1999

Overview

Objectives

Learn fundamental principles of neurophysiology.
Learn about brain injury and brain repair mechanisms.
Consider the physical and psychological effects of a degenerative disease on a patient and her family.
Consider some cutting-edge research for the possible "cure" of the disorder.
Explore the ethical questions surrounding the use of fetal tissue in research programs.
Consider the sociological implications of an aging population.

Keywords

Parkinson's disease; neurodegenerative disease; neurophysiology; fetal tissue research; neural transplant; aging; bioethics

Subject Headings

Biology (General)

Medicine (General)

Neuroscience

Public Health

Sociology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, General public & informal education

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, Social issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Discussion, Role-Play

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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