Assessment 2 Instructions: The Special Senses
Part A
John Smith is a 60 year old diabetic patient. He regularly attends the clinic where you are completing your placement. During a regular check-up, you notice that Mr. Smith is having trouble reading and is very sensitive to glare. On checking his file, it becomes evident that he has very poorly managed blood sugar levels and is also hypertensive. He is referred to an eye care specialist.
During a follow-up visit, Mr. Smith mentions that the specialist has diagnosed him with diabetic retinopathy. Mr. Smith doesn’t understand how his long-standing diabetes can result in him potentially losing his sight and has asked him to help him understand the anatomy of the eye and how diabetes can affect the normal function of the eye.
Your task is to write a short essay to briefly explain the anatomy of the eye and how poorly managed diabetes can affect vision. Be sure to use language that Mr. Smith will understand; he has not studied science since high school. In you explanation you must include at least one (1) hand drawn labelled diagram that clearly shows the anatomy of the eye. The following must be labelled on your diagram: the optic nerve, optic disc, retina, iris, pupil, lens, suspensory ligaments and the cornea.
Details:
• As this is an essay, it should be written in correct sentences and paragraphs.
• Third person is preferable.
• Sub-headings should not be used.
• Additional diagrams may be used but these must be your original work (not copied from the internet or scanned from a text). They should be incorporated into the essay, not placed in an appendix. Referencing is essential.
• Please see FAQ at the end of this document for more details.
• Word Limit for the essay: 800 words.
• Remember that Turnitin will identify any copying from the Internet or other students. It will also identify copying from the textbook or study guide. Do not be tempted to plagiarise. University penalties apply.

Part B
Complete the following tests on three subjects. Choose your subjects so that they represent a variety of ages and preferably include one subject aged less than 25 and one subject aged more than 50.
After completing the practical tests, prepare a report that records your results and answers the questions below.
1. Test for near-point accommodation.
1. Ask the subject to close one eye.
2. Hold a pen vertically, 1m in front of the subject’s open eye. Ask them to focus on the writing tip of the pen.
3. Slowly move the pen towards the subject until they can no longer see the tip in sharp focus.
4. Measure the distance from their eye to the pen tip at this point and record the distance in the table below.
5. Repeat for the other eye.
Subject Near point accommodation (mm)
Name Age Right eye Left eye

Question 1 How and why does near-point accommodation change with age? What is this condition called?
2. Test for visual acuity.
Visual acuity [sharpness of vision] is generally measured using a Snellen eye chart, which consists of letters of various sizes printed on a white card. The test is based on the fact that a letter of a certain size can be seen clearly by eyes with normal vision at a specific distance (20 feet). The distance at which a normal eye can see each line of letters is printed at the end of each line.
Visual acuity is reported as two numbers separated by a forward slash. The first number is always 20, which represents the subject’s ability at 20 feet. The second number is the distance a person with normal vision would need to stand to read the same letters.
1. The chart provided here has been scaled to be used at 3 metre (10 feet) but the distance is reported in standard measures.
2. Stand the subject to 3 metres [10 feet] from the Snellen eye chart, with one eye covered by their hand.
3. Ask them to read each line aloud while you check for accuracy.
4. Record the number of the smallest line in which every letter was read correctly.
5. If the subject normally wears glasses repeat the test with and without their glasses.
6. Repeat for the other eye, this time reading the lines from right to left.
Subject Visual Acuity
Subject Age Right eye Left eye
20/ 20/
20/ 20/
20/ 20/
Question 2 Discuss how visual acuity is reported, using your subjects as examples where appropriate. Describe what it means if the number recorded is less than 20 (e.g. 20/15) or more than 20 (e.g. 20/40).

3. Demonstration of the blind spot.
(This test will be performed on yourself. You can also ask your subjects to do it if you wish)
1. Hold the figure below about 45 cm [18 inches] from your eyes.
2. Close your left eye and focus your right eye on the X which should be positioned so that it is in the centre of vision for that eye.
3. Move the figure slowly towards your face. Keep looking at the X. You will notice that the dot will suddenly disappear.
4. Turn the page upside down and repeat the procedure for your left eye. Note that everyone has a blind spot. If you do not see it the first time, repeat the procedure following the instructions carefully.
X •
Question 3 What caused the dot to disappear? Why is the blind spot not normally obvious?

4. Test for Binocular Vision.
To demonstrate the importance of two-eyed (binocular) vision for depth perception, perform this simple experiment:
1. You will need a pencil and a small tube (1-1.5cm diameter). You could also use the barrel of a ball point pen and the cartridge inside it.
2. Hold the tube vertically and just less than an arm's length from your subject.
3. Ask them to quickly insert the pencil in the tube with both eyes open.
4. The subject must now remove the pencil and take it back close to their body. You should also withdraw the tube and then present it again in a similar (but not identical) position.
5. Ask your subject to close one eye and again try to quickly insert the pencil in the tube.
Subject Yes/No
Subject Age
Question 4 Did your subjects find it as easy to insert the pencil with one eye closed? Why not? People with only one eye still have some degree of depth perception. Discuss three other cues that can be used to judge how far something is from you.

200
120
80
60
40
30
20
15

Marking criteria (Note that each criterion does not carry equal weighting.)
Marks HD D C P F
Writing skills
Grammar Excellent Very good Good Reasonable Needs improvement
Spelling No errors 1 or 2 mistakes Very few errors Few errors Many mistakes
Structure Well-structured sentences, paragraphs and discussion well organised Quite well structured sentences, paragraphs and discussion Sentence or paragraph structure can be improved Sentence or paragraph structure require attention Needs significant improvement
Style Interesting and engaging Holds reader's attention Easy to read Reasonably easy to read Difficult to follow
Format Neat and tidy, double spaced Neat and tidy Reasonable presentation Formatting can be improved Needs attention
Marks 5 - 4.25 4.25 - 3.75 3.75 - 3.25 3.25 - 2.5 2.5
Essay Content
Diagram Clear, hand-drawn diagram; all labels correct Clear, hand-drawn diagram AND/ OR
1 incorrect label Relatively clear, hand-drawn diagram AND/ OR
2 incorrect label Diagram present
AND/ OR
3 incorrect labels No diagram present OR
4 or more incorrect labels
Structure and function of each component Clearly explains structure and explains function of all components. Clearly explains function of all components. Describes function of most components. Mentions components briefly Not discussed or incorrect
Comment on diabetic retinopathy Comprehensive and well discussed comment with evidence of research Well discussed comment with evidence of research Considered comment Mentions diabetic retinopathy No comment or incorrect
Appropriate language Clear explanation of scientific terms, easily understood by audience Clear explanation of scientific terms Good discussion of sight but not appropriate for audience Incomplete discussion not appropriate for audience Lack of understanding or incorrect use of scientific terms
Marks 15 - 12.75 12.75 – 11.25 11.25 – 9.75 9.75 – 7.5 7.5
Practical Tests Tests performed correctly. Data recorded accurately Some errors in test performance or data recording Many errors
Marks 5 - 4.25 4.25 - 3.75 3.75 - 3.25 3.25 - 2.5 2.5
Question 1 Comprehensively answers question Evidence of research Answers question well. answers question Basic answer to question Incomplete answer or errors of fact
Some references no references
Near point accommodation Links to test results. Links to test results Notes test results Notes test results Results not discussed
Marks 5 - 4.25 4.25 - 3.75 3.75 - 3.25 3.25 - 2.5 2.5
Question 2 Comprehensively answers question Evidence of research Answers question well. answers question Basic answer to question Incomplete answer or errors of fact
Some references no references
Visual acuity Links to test results. Links to test results Notes test results Notes test results Results not discussed
Marks 5 - 4.25 4.25 - 3.75 3.75 - 3.25 3.25 - 2.5 2.5
Question 3 Comprehensively answers question Evidence of research Answers question well. answers question Basic answer to question Incomplete answer or errors of fact
Some references no references
Blind spot Links to test results. Links to test results Notes test results Notes test results Results not discussed
Marks 5 - 4.25 4.25 - 3.75 3.75 - 3.25 3.25 - 2.5 2.5
Question 4 Comprehensively answers question Evidence of research Answers question well. answers question Basic answer to question Incomplete answer or errors of fact
Some references no references
Binocular vision Links to test results. Links to test results Notes test results Notes test results Results not discussed
Marks 5 - 4.25 4.25 - 3.75 3.75 - 3.25 3.25 - 2.5 2.5
References Information correctly referenced Most information correctly referenced Some more references required Some more references required No in-text references
In text references Correct formatting Correct formatting Minor formatting errors Minor formatting errors Major formatting errors
Research Evidence of high level of research Evidence of good research Some research beyond basic texts or web sites Only basic texts or web sites used No research beyond set text
Reference list Well formatted Minor format error Present Poorly formatted Absent
Originality No information copied from other sources Few small quotes or info from other sources Few small passages copied from other sources Small passages copied from other sources Many passages copied from other sources
Marks 5 - 4.25 4.25 - 3.75 3.75 - 3.25 3.25 - 2.5 2.5
Submitting your assignment
Complete both Part A and Part B below. You should then submit a Word compatible document (doc, docx or rtf) on the Moodle site.
Do not include these instructions, the full text of the questions or the marking criteria. A cover sheet for the assignment should include your name, the course name and number, and the coordinator’s name. If you work with a fellow student to perform the practical tests, include this information on your cover sheet. Both students are required to submit part B and are expected to answer the questions independently.
Referencing is important. Your assignment must include in-text referencing. Copying of sentences and paragraphs from the internet or textbooks is plagiarism and it will be identified by Turnitin. I will closely scrutinise all Turnitin reports that exceed 20%. Passages identified as plagiarised will receive no marks. If the plagiarism is considered extensive, the assignment will be referred to the Deputy Dean of Learning and Teaching and appropriate actions taken as per CQUniversity policy. Read the document about how to avoid plagiarism attached to these instructions. If you are unsure about what constitutes plagiarism, you are encouraged to seek advice from the Academic Learning Centre: http://www.cqu.edu.au/about-us/service-and-facilities/academic-learning-centre.
Note that the marking criteria sheet provides comprehensive comments on your assignment. You might not receive any further comments on your work, with the exception of pointing out some specific deficiencies so you can understand why full marks were not awarded.
How to write an essay without plagiarising.
“Plagiarism is defined in dictionaries as the -wrongful appropriation,- -close imitation,- or -purloining and publication- of another author's -language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions,- and the representation of them as one's own original work” (Wikipedia, 2012).
When writing a descriptive essay, it is always tempting to use phrases and information direct from another text. It is also very tempting to put the information in exactly the same order as a professionally prepared piece of work. Students often comment on this behaviour by saying “The text said it better than I could, so it seemed only sensible to follow that format.” Unfortunately, this activity often crosses the line and become ‘plagiarism’. The following is advice on how to avoid falling into this trap and incurring an Academic Misconduct Report.
1. Read your task carefully and identify the topics you need to discuss. Note the keywords you will be using to search for information.
2. Identify 3-4 sources that contain appropriate information.
3. Write notes from each of these sources. I said ‘write’ - don’t copy and paste chunks of information into a word file; either type it into a document or hand-write it onto sheets of paper. I also said ‘notes’ – don’t copy out whole sentences and paragraphs; use keywords as short headings for groups of notes. Use a separate page for each source.
4. Close your sources. You will no longer be taking information from them – that is all in your notes. You may refer back to them for extra information or clarification as you go.
5. Collate your notes. Bring the information for each topic or keyword you will be writing about together.
6. Organise your essay. Decide the sequence you will use to organise your keywords in order to address the task. At this point you should carefully re-read your task again. The order in the original sources might not be appropriate to answer your specific task.
7. Write your essay from your notes. You will not have your primary sources available. All text books and web sites are closed; no paragraphs have been copied and pasted. Therefore, you will not be able to copy exact phrases and paragraphs from any one source. You will have produced an original essay and can be proud of your achievement.
Best of luck, Delma
Also see the CQU page: Plagiarism and the APA Referencing Guide
References
Wikipedia (2012) Plagiarism, Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plagiarism
Frequently asked questions about assignments:
References:
Do you require two separate reference list for each part of the assignment or will one reference list at the end of the two parts be fine?
• A single reference list at the end of the whole assignment.
If we are writing this as a reply to George's question where does the referencing fit it? And the way I would reply to him in language he can understand is very different to how I would write an essay using referencing......
• It is meant to be a reply to George's questions but I want it written as an essay. I know that when speaking we don't necessarily speak in correct sentences or paragraphs but that is not to say we can't or, in fact, shouldn't. Consider it a more formal response that just a conversation. You might like to think that you are sitting down and taking the time to write it out clearly so George can take it away and refer to it later. The referencing would then also be important so that George can look up more information if he wishes.
• Why reference? Referencing is good manners (give credit to the original ideas of others), professional behaviour (show that your information is sound) and protects you from accusations of being incorrect. It also allows the reader to go to your sources for additional information if you have stimulated their curiosity.
Just wondering how many references are we aiming for in part A?
• This assignment is comprised of mostly general information. I do not want it to contain heaps of references. You should use more than the set text and the study guide but will most likely not use many original journal articles.
• Setting a minimum number of references, as is done in other courses, is a way of encouraging you to read widely and practise referencing. That is not the point of this assignment. I do not have any minimum number of references required. I trust you to read widely enough to fully understand the topic and then to indicate what resources you have used by referencing them in the text. That said, note the marking criteria for an HD score for referencing.
Are references required for Part B?
• Yes. Please see the marking criteria.
What type of information needs to be referenced?
• As I am from the science discipline, I have less rigorous demands on referencing for first year assignments. I want:
o a list of the resources used to obtain information for this essay
o each of these references to be cited at least once
o all data must be referenced (eg -the human ear can hear sounds at a minimum of 2 kHz-)
o all metaphors must be referenced if these are not your original ideas (eg -the tympanic membrane is like the lid on a Tupperware container-)
o unusual information must be referenced (eg -the ear arises from two separate embryonic tissues-)
Word limit
Is the total word count for both parts A & B or do you have separate word counts for both A & B?
• Part A has a word limit of 800 words. The tables of results and answers to questions and reference list will be extra.
What is the word limit for the questions in Part B.
• Use enough words to answer the question well. Most students use 100-150 words per question.
Structure:
Just wondering for Part A of this assignment is it to be written with an 'Intro, Body and Conclusion' or just split up into paragraphs?
• Your essay will contain an Intro, Body and Conclusion but please do not use these headings. It should be written so that one section flows to the next.
Do you require a table of contents for the assignment?
• No. That is not necessary in such a short assignment.
Can we use the tables you have provided in Part B to record our information and display this in our Part B report of the assignment?
• Definitely - copy and paste them.
Do you want the assignment double spaced?
• Always use double spacing for all assignments - even the reference list. Since we do not print them it doesn't save paper to single space. Double spacing is easier for markers to read and comment on.
Should the Results Tables, Figures and References be placed in an appendix?
• An appendix contains information that may be useful to the reader but is not essential to the paper (similar to the appendix in the human body really). Look at the appendices in your textbook for example. NEVER place figures and tables or answers to questions in an appendix or the marker might not award any marks for those pieces of work. References should be under the heading ‘References’.