Building capacity through open approaches: Lessons from developing undergraduate electrophysiology practicals

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Physics
• Physiology
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Electrophysiology is crucial for biomedical research and clinical practice.
• Undergraduate education in electrophysiology requires both theoretical and practical components.
• Limited resources and infrastructure pose significant challenges to hands-on electrophysiology training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and integrate electrophysiology laboratory practicals into an undergraduate Biomedical Physics curriculum.
• To address challenges in providing practical electrophysiology education in resource-limited environments.
• To leverage open scholarship approaches for building educational and research capacity.

Main Methods:

• Development of experimental and data analysis practicals in electrophysiology.
• Incorporation of open tools, platforms, and licenses.
• Focus on techniques including electrocardiogram (ECG), electromyogram (EMG), and electrooculogram (EOG).

Main Results:

• Successful development and implementation of electrophysiology practicals.
• Open scholarship strategies proved key to project success and impact.
• Practicals enhance interdisciplinary learning by connecting physics concepts to human physiology.

Conclusions:

• Open scholarship offers universities valuable opportunities for capacity building.
• The project provides a model for educators in resource-limited settings.
• Dissemination of ideas, materials, and strategies to support similar initiatives globally.