BIO 304 . WEEK 1 OF 8 . DISCUSSION

Finding homeostasis in your own life

How a feedback loop works in something you control every day, then how that maps to body physiology.

Initial post due Friday. Replies due Sunday. Substantive replies build on or respectfully challenge a classmate's thinking.

Deadlines and expectations

Three dates to put on your calendar.

Prompt opens

Wed, Jun 10

Wednesday, 12:00 AM

Initial post due

Fri, Jun 12

Friday, 11:59 PM

Replies due

Sun, Jun 14

Sunday, 11:59 PM

Your prompt

What to write about.

This week we built the four-part negative feedback loop: stimulus, receptor, control center, effector. We saw how the body keeps variables like body temperature, blood glucose, and pH near a set point.

Pick one variable in your own life that you actively regulate, but that is NOT a body variable. Examples: the temperature of your bedroom, your bank account balance, your daily caffeine intake, the brightness of your phone screen.

In your initial post (200-300 words):

  1. Name the variable and its set point (your target).
  2. Identify each of the four feedback components in YOUR system (what is the receptor? control center? effector? response?).
  3. Describe a time the system worked and a time it failed.
  4. Then tie it to the body: what physiological feedback loop is the closest analog?
Replies

What makes a reply substantive.

  • Substantive: at least 75 words. Goes beyond "I agree" or "nice post."
  • Builds or challenges: extend a classmate's idea with new information, OR respectfully push back with reasoning.
  • Cite or apply: reference the OpenStax section, your textbook reading, or a topic from this week's pre-work.
  • At least two replies to different classmates by Sunday.
Ready to post

Open the Canvas thread for Week 1.

Initial post due Friday by 11:59 PM. Two replies due Sunday by 11:59 PM.

Open the Canvas discussion →