BIOL P451

Students in this one semester, human, systems physiology course are provided the opportunity to discover and explore their understanding of physiological concepts using team inquiry and case-directed learning. Class periods are interactive and collaborative and have been structured to allow for student reflection, discussion, problem-solving, and peer interaction. Case studies and discussion exercises are incorporated within the lecture/discussion format of the course and students can expect to be called upon to share their knowledge in this highly interactive learning environment. Student teams will present case studies and guide class discussions. Writing assignments associated with in-class cases and problems as well as syntheses of research findings and the current literature offer students the opportunity to hone their writing and analytical skills. Students also prepare research and case study reports and engage in a semester long collaborative research project presented during a poster session on the last day of class.

During the first week of the semester the instructor assigns students their student team. These teams work together during scheduled class and laboratory/discussion periods and during the four semester exams. Each team member is responsible for his or her own learning and for assisting the learning of teammates, thus creating an atmosphere of cooperation, community, and achievement.