Description
The proposed project introduces a completely new course of teaching to the curriculum of biological studies at the University of Lodz. It will enable the implementation of advanced and unique computer technology to the animal physiology course, making it possible to eliminate the need for live animals in the laboratory classes. Within the frame of the project it is planned to purchase four sets of software with full equipment whereby it will be possible to implement an innovative program that allows educating students in physiology, the field describing the physical phenomena occurring in the living body. A novel solution of the described project is to completely eliminate the use of laboratory animals. The proposed new course of teaching physiology of animals takes into account all the topics included in the minima of the curriculum for all fields of studies, specializations and postgraduate programs in biological and psychological science.
Summary of project results
The aim of the project was to develop a new course for biology and psychology students by using a sophisticated software. The course introduces new and innovative computer programmes to study animal physiology at the university level. The new teaching course includes all issues within the minima of the curriculum for all courses and specializations, as well as postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Educational Sciences (specialization in psychology) at the University of Lodz. The added value of the new teaching course is a complete departure from using laboratory animals for teaching animal physiology, as well as replacement of animal material by advanced computer programmes. The analyses of student surveys revealed the need for finding new methods of teaching. By using advanced computer programmes and creating conditions for interactive cooperation between a student and a computer, the proposed innovative teaching course on animal physiology will facilitate a substantial change in teaching methods. The students have the opportunity to virtually observe the physical phenomena occurring in a living organism by following instructions and solving tasks generated by the interactive computer programme LabTutor. The implementation of the new course also enabled students with physical disabilities to actively participate in laboratory exercises, which creates equal opportunities in the educational process. The project raised attractiveness of the educational offer, improved the quality of education especially in English, expanded education opportunities for foreign students and increased the competitiveness of the University. During project implementation an informal relationship with academics from the University of Bergen was established. The Norwegian university has a vast experience in using PowerLab system for laboratory exercises in Animal Physiology. Three members of the project team spent a week in University of Bergen participating in the training with the Powerlab system.
Summary of bilateral results