Medical Science Research
Designing, Analyzing, and Interpreting Medical Science Research W/ Dr.Duennwald
Course Overview
This course examines the theoretical foundations of experimental design and the scientific method as applied to neurodegenerative disease research, with a primary focus on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Emphasis is placed on identifying appropriate experimental controls, ensuring accurate replication, and integrating statistical analysis at the design stage of research. The course also explores the reproducibility crisis in biomedical science, highlighting the importance of rigorous and transparent experimental design. Using ALS-focused case studies, students evaluate and select experimental approaches for diverse research questions across both basic and clinical research contexts. A range of methodologies, including qualitative research approaches, are critically assessed for their strengths and limitations in medical science research.
Assignment Highlights
1. Protein Analysis
For this assignment, I prepared a short recorded presentation focused on Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC), a protein analysis technique that was not covered in class. I selected this method to explore an advanced experimental approach used to study proteins and macromolecular complexes in their native solution state.
In the presentation, I explain the main purpose of AUC and the type of data it generates, including information about molecular size, shape, sedimentation behavior, and binding stoichiometry. I also describe the fundamental physical principles underlying the method, such as the balance between centrifugal force, buoyancy, and frictional drag that governs macromolecular sedimentation.
At a high level, I outline how AUC experiments are performed using sedimentation velocity and sedimentation equilibrium analyses, as well as the key instrumentation and software required for data collection and interpretation. The presentation also discusses the strengths of AUC, including its ability to analyze heterogeneous samples directly in solution, alongside its main limitations, such as high sample purity requirements and computationally intensive data analysis.
This assignment allowed me to independently explore a protein analysis method commonly used in research settings and to critically evaluate its applications, limitations, and relevance alongside other protein characterization techniques.
2. Model Organism Presentation
Click here for presentation deck
This presentation provided a valuable opportunity to critically evaluate the domestic cat (Felis catus) as a biomedical model organism while working collaboratively to integrate historical, scientific, ethical, and translational perspectives. As a group, we were able to structure the talk logically, moving from foundational characteristics and historical use to modern biomedical applications, strengths, limitations, and future directions. The clear division of roles ensured that each section built upon the previous one, creating a coherent narrative that fit well within the 12-minute time limit.My contribution focused on the advantages, limitations, and future directions of feline models, which required balancing scientific enthusiasm with ethical and practical realism. Through this process, I deepened my understanding of how model organism selection is not solely based on biological similarity, but also on feasibility, availability of tools, regulatory oversight, and public perception. Highlighting features such as cats’ gyrencephalic brains, long lifespan, and conserved genome organization reinforced their value for studying neurological and chronic diseases, particularly those related to aging. At the same time, addressing limitations such as ethical concerns, limited genetic tools, and a smaller research community emphasized the importance of transparency and responsible research design. The presentation also strengthened my science communication skills. Explaining complex ideas, such as genomic conservation and translational relevance, in a way that was accessible to a broad audience required careful simplification without losing accuracy. The Q&A period further reinforced the need to defend methodological choices and ethical considerations clearly and concisely. Overall, this presentation reinforced the idea that no model organism is “perfect.” Instead, their value depends on how well their unique traits align with specific research questions. This experience enhanced my ability to critically assess model systems, work effectively in a team, and communicate nuanced scientific arguments, skills that are directly applicable to future research and clinical contexts.
Overall Course Reflection
My science rotation strengthened my approach to experimental design, data interpretation, and critical evaluation of biological models. By investigating the role of the neuroligin-3 (nlg3) gene in fecundity, longevity, and innate immune-related responses, I gained hands-on experience translating research questions into measurable outcomes and interpreting results within biological and methodological constraints. Working with experimental data reinforced the importance of rigor, replication, and cautious interpretation, particularly when drawing connections between molecular mechanisms and broader phenotypes. This rotation deepened my appreciation for how basic neuroscience research contributes to our understanding of health and disease, while sharpening the analytical skills needed for translational and interdisciplinary research.