Application of a pedagogical method for using non‐scientific literature to increase interest in the content taught in an undergraduate animal physiology course

Abstract

Animal Physiology at Missouri Western State University is a 4 credit lecture/laboratory undergraduate biology course. In addition to fulfilling the physiology requirement for multiple B.S. degrees within the Biology department, this course is critical for postgraduate work in several fields. Because the range of students taking the course varies from Wildlife Conservation and Management majors to those applying to professional health programs, the level of rigor and the presentation of selected materials for students to find both academically useful and personally interesting, can be a challenge. For the past two years, this course has included the adaptation and implementation of a pedagogical method that incorporates non‐scientific literature as a mechanism for introducing societal, cultural and ethical issues related to the study of physiology into this difficult and content heavy undergraduate biology course. An overview of the method, its implementation and its effect on overall student performance in the animal physiology course will be presented.