Self-planned experimentation (SPEX) practical classes in physiology

A new form of undergraduate physiology practical experience is described. Students make their acquaintance with the physiological apparatus in the usual manner. At the end of the afternoon each group of four students is allocated an item of equipment with which to perform a true investigative experiment of their own choice, in their own time, the results of which are to be presented 2 weeks later by a randomly chosen member of the group. Students may investigate any question that can be answered using the resources available to them without endangering themselves or their subjects. Marks are awarded for the planning of the experiment (i.e. choice of controls, etc.), the correctness of graphical presentation of the results, the appropriateness of the statistical analysis, and for the discussion. There are no penalties for negative or unexpected results.