9th International Conference on Engineering Education T3K-17 Novel Module Improves Interdisciplinary Learning of Glomerular Filtration

Abstract – In order to improve understanding of capillary filtration, a fundamental biomedical concept, a module that presents capillary filtration in the context of glomerular filtration has been developed and incorporated into the curriculum of the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology renal pathophysiology course. The module replaces traditional instruction, with two interactive online exercises that present core content and provide real time formative assessment to students. A novel Java simulation of glomerular filtration that permits manipulation of independent variables while displaying the dependent variables is projected during the lecture. Knowledge based outcomes demonstrate that students who used the module have improved mastery of the three learning objectives compared to those taught using traditional techniques. Recently, we have analyzed the patterns of incorrect responses in the tutorials and developed specific feedback for common mistakes, which the majority of students found to be helpful