BIOL 208 Human Anatomy via Flipped Lectures

Human Anatomy (BIOL 208) is a non-majors course with an annual enrollment of 700-800 students. For many of these students, this rigorous class represents the first science course they have taken since high school, and many are not accustomed to the level of rigor anatomy requires. Our restructure is focused on making the course an interactive learning experience. We have removed the hour-long lectures that accompanied the laboratory portion of the class and replaced them with a three part learning system: 1) multiple short videos describing every anatomical part students need to know*, to be watched at home, 2) a readiness assurance quiz each week on both review and new material covered in the videos, but not in class#, and 3) in class interactive laboratory stations where students use critical thinking and inquiry skills to investigate anatomical materials and make key learning connections#. These techniques have decreased the number of D grades and increased student understanding beyond the rote memorization typically associated with anatomy.