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

本计划的目标是重新设计本科脊椎动物生理学课程的实验部分，以达到以下目的：1)激发学生的批判性思维和解决问题的能力；2)帮助学生提高对生理过程的概念理解；3)专注于生理细胞水平的理解；4~为学生提供实验、数据收集和分析的机会。目前所教授的课程在实验室方法方面是传统的，即进行“罐装”实验室，很少使用新技术。如果学生们：1)少做这样的实验并设计他们自己的调查，2)有可用的物理设备与计算机接口来收集和分析数据，3)有机会使用动画，这些实验室可能会更具挑战性和刺激性。互动，生理过程的多媒体渲染。目前，现有的照相设备是计算机不兼容的，一个0 ~ 16名学生的实验室只有两台计算机，而且只有一台A.D.A.M.交互软件可供演示。该项目的目标是：1)使用Intellitool设备引入基于计算机的实验室；2)将学生实验室发展并扩展为学生设计的研究，这需要学生在心血管、呼吸和肌肉生理学领域进行2-3周的研究；3)将动画、互动、视觉、CD-ROM软件“分层”到传统实验室中。所要求的经费用于购买照相设备、A.D.A.M.互动软件、六台电脑和两台打印机。期望重新设计的脊椎动物生理学课程将促进求知欲，加深对生理过程的理解，并鼓励年轻女性在科学研究中充满信心地应用技术。

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.