Because the format of a case study problem is different than for a term paper, the criteria for evaluation must also be different. Case studies used as problems in the course can be used as models for the format. Professor Clyde "Kipp" Herreid at SUNY Buffalo has a web site for Case Studies in Science that also can provide guidance. The following is a check list of questions that I use to evaluate the quality of a case study problem. Not all apply for particular cases and, depending on the audience and purpose intended, other questions would be important.
 

• Is the title informative, appropriately creative, and/or does it provoke curiosity?
• Has a significant topic in intermediary metabolism been selected or has a specific topic been given general significance? (e.g. something worth learning and knowing)
• Has the case study been presented in an interesting or creative way? e.g. Does it tell a story? Involve a controversy? Or present a dilemma?
• Is there an introductory overview for the entire case before the first stage?
• Are the stages of the problem developed logically and clearly?
• Does the first stage draw and build on general knowledge and promote discussion?
• Are the questions and assignments realistic? Open-ended? And presented in a logical order?
• Do the questions and assignments require group participation? Involve thinking? And promote the use of resources beyond the text and the classroom?
• Does the problem represent an "original synthesis" in its identification and presentation of important subtopics represented by each stage?
• Does the problem exhibit an appreciation of the experimental evidence on which conclusions are based?
• Are significant experimental data (preferably from classic experiments) presented for student analysis in at least two stages?
• Does the content displayed in the Teaching Notes for each stage come primarily from peer-reviewed scientific publications rather than Internet web-site that lack experimental documentation?
• Is there a final assignment in which students display what they have learned and can do?  
• Is the information presented accurate?
• Is the problem well written?
• Was the problem proofread?
• Are any illustrations clear, instructive, and properly cited, if not original?
• Are chemical structures, reactions, and pathways presented in original figures using ChemDraw or similar programs?
• Are the pedagogical objectives described in the accompanying Case Summary well defined and appropriate?
• Does the Case Summary provide support the problem structure and content?
• Are the citations up-to-date? Presented in a standard format including full titles?
• Do the references display a thorough study of the subject? e.g., Are any important references missed?
• Were at least 10 primary references used in the project? In particular, are classic articles on the topic included?
• Was the problem handed in on time?

Bottom Line: What is the pedagogical value of this problem? Could it replace a problem used in the course or be considered for publication?