Genetic susceptibility to scrapie in sheep: a clinically relevant theme in veterinary medical education

This article describes and evaluates two molecular biology practical classes based around the theme of genetic susceptibility to scrapie in sheep. These practical classes allow students to experience a range of molecular biology techniques in the context of a clinically based genetic disease.

The two molecular biology practical classes described are evaluated in terms of their perceived usefulness to study by first-year veterinary medicine students. The students' ratings are then assessed in relation to the approaches to studying (i.e., deep, strategic, and surface). These dimensions of learning are measured using the 52-item Approaches to Studying Inventory (ASI).

The overall ratings from students in relation to both the practical classes were found to be positive. The scrapie genotyping practical was the highest-ranking laboratory-based practical in the first-year curriculum. Ratings in terms of usefulness to studies for both practical classes were found to be significantly higher for students with higher deep learning scores.

The practical classes described here provide a clinically relevant scenario within which molecular biology concepts and methods can be illustrated to veterinary students. The positive correlation with deep learning is more evident for the scrapie genotyping practical than for the DNA extraction practical. This may reflects the complexity of the former, which is greater both technically and conceptually.