Development of concept-based physiology lessons for biomedical engineering undergraduate students

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering Education
• Physiology Instruction

Background:

• Physiology is essential for undergraduate biomedical engineering students.
• Current organ system-based instruction may not optimally prepare students for engineering applications.
• Concept-centered learning can enhance knowledge development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop concept-based physiology lessons for undergraduate engineering students.
• To create prerequisite online training for a collaborative engineering challenge.
• To demonstrate converting traditional physiology content to a concept-based format.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Backward Design instructional model.
• Developed a series of seven online, concept-based physiology lessons.
• Designed lessons as prerequisite training for engineering students.

Main Results:

• Successfully converted standard, organ system-based physiology content into concept-based lessons.
• Created online learning modules tailored for engineering students' needs.
• Prepared students to engage in a subsequent collaborative engineering activity.

Conclusions:

• Concept-based physiology instruction can effectively support biomedical engineering education.
• This approach enhances students' ability to apply physiological knowledge in engineering contexts.
• The developed lessons serve as a model for curriculum adaptation in science education.