labs

Re Human ECG Lab

Aloha class, really good improvements on the human ECG labs this week, especially in the results. Just to make sure weʻre all on the same page regarding any remaining confusion on the WorkSheets here are some clarifications:

  1. The goal of the worksheet is to help you focus on making a strong hypotheses (section 1+2) , and linking data (3) to interpretation (4).
  2. For the Hypotheses, you need to clearly articulate mechanisms and how they will be demonstrated (section 1) and expectations – the parameters involved and how they are expected to vary in the data (2).
  3. Results – What the data show. Make sure you have a result for each hypothesis. Basically follow the lab grading rubric, but shorter. Get straight to the point.
  4. Discussion –  Interpret the results. Link the evidence (data) back to the mechanisms and explain the physiology.

The comments below may or may not apply to you – use your judgement. If youʻre not sure, please ask your TA.

For Hypothesis section 2, some people didnʻt have clear expectations. Some didnʻt explain HOW the parameters would vary. Heart sounds happen with which phase of the ECG, etc? This is not the time for definitions, but what do you expect to see in the data? Any necessary definitions would go in section 1.

For Results, some folks forgot to address the heart sounds and ECG hypothesis regarding the role of the valves in the cardiac cycle. This was a major omission. Some folks were not clear on what the figure is. Is it ECG amplitude or duration? We know HR increases, but did everything increase to the same degree?  Details make for deeper inference. If you donʻt look carefully at the data, it is hard to make good inferences in Discussion.

For Discussion, Dig deeper into the results. Summarize the important result, but then go further and interpret. For example, When HR increased, which interval(s) was most responsible? What is going on at that time in terms of cardiac cycle? Does that make sense in terms of increasing cardiac output? etc. … really dig into their numbers and link back to what you know. Connect the dots. How might it be important?

Most of you are making excellent progress! Keep it up. If you donʻt understand why you got the grade you did, please ASK. Any Questions, please ask ask ask.

We know youʻre working hard. We want you to do the best you possibly can.