Improvement of a Vertebrate Physiology Course Using Computer-Based Data Acquisition, Student Independent Investigation, and CD-ROM Animation

本项目的目标是重新设计生物学专业本科脊椎动物生理学课程的实验室部分，以：1)激发学生的批判性思维和解决问题；2)帮助学生提高对生理过程的概念性理解；3)集中在细胞层面的生理学理解；4)为学生提供实验、数据收集和分析的机会。目前教授的这门课程在实验室方法方面是传统的，即进行“罐头”实验室，很少使用新技术。如果学生：i)进行更少的此类实验并设计自己的调查，2)拥有与计算机接口的可用的地形图设备来收集和分析数据，以及3)能够访问动画，这些实验室可能会更具挑战性和激励性。生理过程的交互式多媒体渲染。目前，现有的生理记录仪设备与计算机不兼容，只有两台计算机可供一个实验室的16名学生使用，而且只有一份A.D.A.M.交互软件可供演示。该项目的目标是：1)引入使用Intelitool设备的基于计算机的实验室；2)将学生实验室发展和扩展为学生设计的调查，这需要学生在心血管、呼吸系统和肌肉生理学领域进行2-3周的研究；3)将动画、交互、可视化、光盘软件整合和“分层”到传统实验室中。请拨经费用于购买生理记录仪设备、ADAM互动软件、六台计算机和两台打印机。预计重新设计的脊椎动物生理学课程将促进智力好奇心，加深对生理过程的了解，并鼓励年轻女性自信地在科学研究中应用技术。

The goal of this project is to redesign the laboratory component of the undergraduate Vertebrate Physiology course, for Biology majors, in order to: I ) stimulate student critical thinking and problem solving, 2) help students improve their conceptual understanding of physiological processes, 3) focus understanding at the cellular level of physiology, and 4~ provide opportunities for student experimentation, data collection and analysis. The course as it is presently taught is traditional in terms of its laboratory approach in that "canned" laboratories are conducted and little new technology is used. These laboratories could be far more challenging and stimulating if students: I) conducted fewer such experiments and designed their own investigations, 2) had available physiograph equipment interfaced with computers to collect and analyze data, and 3) had access to animated. interactive, multimedia renderings of physiological processes. At present, the existing phisiograph equipment is computer incompatible only two computers are available for a laboratory o~ 16 students, and only a single copy of A.D.A.M. interactive software is available for demonstration. The objectives of this project are to: 1) introduce computer-based labs using Intellitool equipment, 2) develop and extend student labs into student- designed investigations which require 2-3 ~ weeks of student research in the areas of cardiovascular, respiratory and muscle physiology, and 3) incorporate and "layer" animated, interactive, visual, CD-ROM software into traditional labs. Funding is requested for the purchase of, physiograph equipment, A.D.A.M. interactive software, six computers and two printers. It is expected that the redesigned Vertebrate Physiology course will promote intellectual curiosity, deepen understanding of physiological processes, and encourage young women to apply technology with confidence in the study of science.