Incorporating Problem-based Learning in an Undergraduate Allied Health Prerequisite Anatomy and Physiology Course

Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) is one of the final biology prerequisites undergraduate students enroll in before progressing in nursing and allied health degree programs. Using design-based research methods to examine our backward design approach, we defined learning objectives for an advanced A&P lab course, created aligned assessments, and are implementing new activities iteratively over four semesters. We are evaluating student learning outcomes using a previously validated homeostasis concept inventory. Our preliminary results suggest that students experience persisting misconceptions about homeostasis despite instruction, but in future semesters, we aim to support student learning of physiology topics through problem-based learning