Cellular Physiology Presented within Anatomy & Physiology Courses
INTRODUCTION
Cellular physiology, specifically membrane transport, can be one of the first major hurdles for students attempting to master anatomy and physiology. The purpose of this sabbatical project is to learn how this concept is taught to students in undergraduate anatomy and physiology courses. With recent changes in modality of instruction, we need to ensure that the core concepts are being presented and mastered.
METHOD
Educators were invited to complete an online survey, addressing how they teach cellular physiology. They described the format of their course, any prerequisites for their course, and the modalities offered (both before and during the year of COVID-affected delivery). They were able to describe when and how they first presented the concept of membrane transport within their course.
Educators were interviewed through Zoom to elucidate their method of presenting and assessing student mastery of membrane transport in their course. They were able to describe the coverage of that core concept specifically in muscular, nervous, endocrine, and urinary systems.
RESULTS
Ninety-nine (99) educators completed the online survey. Thirty-two (32) states were represented by the ninety-one (91) full-time and eight (8) part-time faculty members. Educators represented high schools, 2-year schools, 4-year schools, and graduate/medical schools.
Thirty-four (34) educators were interviewed through Zoom. Most present cellular physiology in lecture or through case studies or worksheets, but a number described lab or group activities for presentation of membrane transport (follow the QR code for more analyses and descriptions).
DISCUSSION
Whereas most educators agree to the importance of student mastery of membrane transport in Anatomy & Physiology, few have hands-on classroom or lab activities to demonstrate these concepts for students. Most admitted that they would love to utilize a hands-on activity, but do not feel they have the time to commit to create such an activity.
RESOURCES
- Poster of Cellular Physiology – this poster will be presented at the 2022 Human Anatomy & Physiology Society conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in late May 2022.
- Tables and Charts – quantitative data from the educator survey was organized into a Pivot table. Charts were created from the data to show any possible trends.
- “Other” Responses – For questions that asked “other/please describe” as an answer option, this document lists the specific ‘other’ answers.
- Essay Responses – For essay questions, such as “describe how you first present cellular physiology in your course”, this document lists the responses.