Cardiovascular physiology teaching: computer simulations vs. animal demonstrations.

R. W. Samsel*, G. A. Schmidt, J. B. Hall, L. D. Wood, S. G. Shroff, P. T. Schumacker

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

The roots of physiology lie in laboratory observation, and physiology courses continue to rely on laboratory observation to provide students with practical information to correlate with their developing base of conceptual knowledge. To this end, animal laboratories provide a functioning example of interactions among organ systems and a source of data for student analysis. However, there are continuing objections to using animals for teaching, and animal labs are costly in time and effort. As an alternative laboratory tool, computer software can simulate the operation of multiple organ systems: responses to interventions illustrate intrinsic organ behavior and integrated systems physiology. Advantages of software over animal studies include alteration of variables that are not easily changed in vivo, repeated interventions, and cost-effective hands-on student access. Nevertheless, simulations miss intangible aspects of experimental physiology, and results depend critically on the assumptions of the model. We used both computer and animal demonstrations in teaching cardiovascular physiology to first-year medical students. The students rated both highly, but the computer-based session received a higher rating. We believe that both forms of teaching have educational merit. At the introductory level, the computer appears to provide an effective alternative.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S36-46
JournalThe American journal of physiology
Volume266
Issue number6 Pt 3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1994

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology (medical)

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