Colorado Mountain College Cardio Renal Syndrome Essay

This paper should be 4-6 pages in length; the topic must explore a connection between at least two of the

systems addressed in this course (for example, a disease that affects cardiovascular and renal function or a
phenomenon that affects both respiratory and cardiovascular systems). You may choose a pathology or a
phenomenon of normal physiology; ideally a topic that you would enjoy writing about.

Please make sure to reference appropriately!! Avoid quotes when possible – this is meant to be YOUR writing.

GRADING RUBRIC
Integration of organ systems
1: more than one organ system is mentioned, but they are not discussed in an integrated manner (in regard to normal
physiology as well as chosen topic)
2: secondary organ system mentioned primarily as a “side effect” to the main organ system’s situation, rather than as an
equal “player” (for both normal physiology and for chosen topic)
3: organs tied together in normal physiology (and discussed as such), but not in the application to the topic (e.g. the
pathology really affects only one organ)
4: paper integrates organs in all situations – normal physiology, specific situation chosen, etc. and they are more or less
equally considered
Physiological Depth
1: very basic discussion; lack of mechanisms (that is, “how” things occur)
2: some basic mechanisms, but discussion is rudimentary; on par with intro physiology
3: inconsistent depth, with some areas showing knowledge/understanding on par with 133 course and others very basic
4: consistently sophisticated discussion of mechanisms underlying phenomena; clearly written at a level on par with 133
course
Use of outside sources [CAREFUL! Cite appropriately! Paraphrasing is not original writing!!]
1: outside sources are primarily quoted and there is little interpretation by the writer; limited original writing or thought
(relies on expert sources to discuss topic)
2: outside sources are quoted, although there is some interpretation on the part of the student; original writing discusses
meaning of sources, but does not completely rephrase
3: outside sources are used, but the writer (student) has digested the information and is writing their own
descriptions/explanations (little reliance on quotes)
Paper structure
1: Sentence-level grammatical errors, spelling errors throughout paper. Sentences are choppy and use basic language.
Errors impede understanding.
2: Occasional spelling or grammatical errors; sentences read well but are more basic
3: Few (if any) spelling or grammatical errors; sophisticated, smooth writing, sentence variety