The Collaborative Learning Space is a recent addition to the University of Arizona that helps students engage in active learning. Prior to the incorporation of the CLS, courses were primarily taught in a lecture based format. After receiving a grant, the University of Arizona decided to use the money to develop new types of leaning spaces and classrooms to increase student engagement and active learning. These classrooms are not only effective for the students, but also they make a huge impact on the faculty. For my honors senior thesis, I worked with Dr. Cohen to get a closer look at how we learn and what learning is like in the CLS. We investigated what types of learning and teaching styles are used in the CLS, and how students and professors view this new space in comparison to a regular lecture based classroom. We also explored the literature on how active learning impacts students learning. Overall the teacher and student satisfaction with the new learning spaces was seen to be very high, and active learning was found to show improvements in different areas including information retention, critical thinking, study habits, student attitude, and problem-solving skills.

Subsequent to the analysis of a pre-workout supplement, during-workout supplement, and post-workout supplement, it was concluded that only the post strength training recovery supplement (Optimum Nutrition’s™ Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein) was able to successfully fulfill all of the company’s claims as well as proved the most beneficial. It was noted that the other two types of supplements had some potentially negative effects on a human’s cardiovascular system, were not necessarily beneficial for strength training exercisers, and contained various ingredients with both valid and invalid company claims. This review of the cardiovascular (CV) system in congruence with strength training supplements concludes the vital connections between the two are important and should be heavily considered upon use of supplementation resembling any of the three reviewed.

Approximately 50 million Americans, 20 percent of the population or one in five people, suffer from autoimmune diseases (How many Americans have an autoimmune disease?, n.d.). Autoimmunity is when the immune system (which usually protects individuals from infection) begins attacking cells and tissues within the body. Autoimmune disorders can be particularly difficult to deal with because in many cases there are no definite cures. Additionally, many fail to understand how the body system that is supposed to protect them from illness is the exact system causing them problems. When the immune system begins attacking the body’s cells and tissues, an immune response is mounted and resulting damage occurs. The overall goal of this research on Immune (also sometimes referred to as Idiopathic) Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) is to make a more comprehensible guide to the autoimmune disorder and the various treatment options available without over complicating an individual’s understanding.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States. Though prevalent in both genders, certain risk factors leave women especially susceptible to cardiovascular disease. Aerobic exercise has been shown to both prevent and control major risk factors. Through public awareness and outreach, women within the community will have the opportunity to learn about their risks and begin steps towards a healthier lifestyle. This paper will inform the average reader about the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, and the history and heart-health benefits of cycling all while taking special consideration to note female-specific factors. Its purpose is to encourage women to evaluate their lifestyle, understand their cardiovascular risk factors, and begin cycling and eating well in order to live a healthier, longer life.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common cause of death in the United States. CAD, also known as atherosclerotic heart disease, occurs from the accumulation of cholesterol- related plaques within the coronary arteries. A common treatment modality is Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), including the use of heart stents. To gain a better understanding of this treatment, education regarding basic anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system is necessary. In addition, knowledge of the disease state with associated risk factors, diagnosis and treatment is also required. A common occurrence after the insertion of a coronary stent is the restenosis of the stent, requiring further therapy. Lifestyle modifications to reduce stent restenosis include: weight loss, heart healthy diet, exercise, and management of coexisting diabetes. This thesis serves to educate the reader about the underlying physiology of CAD with emphasis on PCI and the use of stents. Stent restenosis with modifiable risk factors to reduce its incidence will be presented.

The relationship between alcohol and the cardiovascular system (CVS) can have serious effects on the whole system. Excessive consumption causes damage while moderate consumption (1 drink/day for women; 2 drinks/day for men) can be protective. Moderate alcohol intake has been proven to show health benefits by increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and preventing clot formation which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. However, excessive alcohol intake can lead to development of chronic diseases. By comparing alcohol consumption between the US and South Korea, it was discovered that factors such as location, culture, as well as, occupation, play a role in both the type and amount of alcohol consumed. In both nations, alcohol consumption has been increasing each year. A study showed that 16,749 deaths were due to alcoholic liver disease in 2011 in the United States. In Korea, the percentage of cases of chronic liver diseases as incidences of acute pancreatitis have increased. Lastly, although many studies show the affect of alcohol on arteries and arterioles, not much work has been done on capillaries and veins.

Pediatric congenital heart defects primarily occur during fetal heart embryological development. This purpose of this thesis was to provide a comprehensive review of the basic cardiovascular physiology, focusing on three separate components - the heart, the blood vessels, and the blood - and a current look at three common occurring conditions. The congenital heart defects are reviewed with an anatomical overview of the condition, patient presentation, current surgical repairs, and life expectancies following successful repair. Repairs of tetralogy of fallot report mortality rates below 3%, compared to a 50% mortality rate prior to development of surgical repairs (Apitz). Transposition of the great arteries repaired with the relatively new Nikaidoh procedure show 95% late survivability rates (Martins). For truncus arteriosus, currently 83% of patients survive past 15 years (Soriano). Continuing research and refinement of existing surgical techniques are expected to increase survivorship from this congenital heart defects. To help families and patients understand that congenital condition their loved one may have, a very easy to understand picture book was created. This can hopefully inspire further improvements in family resources to aid in comprehension of congenital heart diseases.