Simplifying the Problem for Anatomy and Physiology

Limitations of Models

Search some of these pages to look at some models:

Some models you might look at include:

Planetary model
The Bohr Model <http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr162/lect/light/bohr.html> or click on the <Next> button and see Bohr's Model of an Electron Wave

DNA double helix
DNA Molecule: Two Views <http://www.accessexcellence.org/AB/GG/dna_molecule.html>

Computer model of the human body
Human--A Computer Model of the Human Body <http://www.physiol.cam.ac.uk/misc/human.htm>

Bioscience models
Models in Medicine and the Biosciences <http://www.shodor.org/master/biomed/>

Identify the principles/laws/procedures that you will use in studying obesity

What is the underlying reason that people gain or lose weight?

Assumptions about the model

What are some of the variables that you can identify that influence obesity in humans?
Which of these variables would you be able to measure?
Which of these variables do you think that "someone", but not you with your experience and equipment could measure?
What makes you think that someone else could measure these variables?

You can make a model based on observations that you can make, but you can also make a model that includes observations from other people by doing research into what other people have done.  From the research that you have done, list the variables that you can measure and the ones that you have read about other people measuing and then mark those variables that you would include in a model.  There are two main criteria for choosing variables for your model:

  • You can get quantitative data on the variable, and
  • The variable is important in the study of obesity.