Homework # 2
Biology Lab Current Issues Essay Topic: Gut Microbiota (20pts)
• The purpose of this assignment is to explore the relevance of biology in society.
• For credit: name on paper and file; MUST use headings as listed below in the essay so it is known that you addressed each item.
• Page length: 1-2 pages maximum; size 12 font, double-spaced; 2 references.
• Late homework not accepted, no exceptions (allow time for technical difficulties)
• Must be submitted to Dropbox on D2L
Assignment
1) Read a current (within the last 3 years) article or two about bacterial species in the human gut microbiome from a reputable source (peer-reviewed journals, public health agency websites, official university websites, etc.).
2) Write a brief essay about any perspective you choose related to gut microbiota. For credit, use the headings provided (the words next to the bullets that are underlined below: Introduction, Discussion, Impact, Opinion, References).
You may choose to answer any of the following questions to guide your essay: Where do our gut bacteria come from? What diet/lifestyle changes in the human host can cause changes to the diversity and makeup of their internal ecosystem? What is a positive or negative effect on humans that can be tied to gut microbes? What is the impact of gut microbiota on public health? Feel free to answer other questions that you generate as you read your article(s).
For credit, the essay must include the following points:
• Introduction (4pts) – Briefly describe gut microbiota from the perspective that you selected.
• Discussion (5pts) – Further develop your discussion of gut microbiota.
• Impact (4pts) – Explain the significance of the topic (e.g. How it affects society).
• Opinion (5pts) – Articulate your opinion about this topic.
• References (2pts) – List at least two reference sources (not your biology textbook) using the following citation style:
o Author – last name, first initial. Year. Title of article. Name of journal. Volume (issue); pages.
o For an internet citation: Author – last name, first initial. Year. Title of article. Date accessed on internet. Internet address for source.
o Wikipedia is not a reputable source. You will be marked off for citing Wikipedia.