The Impact of a Pilot Introductory Anatomy and Physiology Course on Undergraduate Student Success in Anatomy and Physiology

Program Abstract: Anatomy and Physiology courses are often referred to as “gateway” or “pathway” courses and historically have high D/F/W rates. Efforts to improve student learning outcomes in Anatomy and Physiology support pathways to upper division undergraduate majors and health related career fields, such as athletic training, kinesiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant medicine. This, in turn, helps meet the demands of the modern allied-health workforce.
The purpose of this project is to design and measure the impact of a pilot “Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology” course on final grades and D/F/W rates in Anatomy and Physiology as compared to no pre-requisite or another natural science pre-requisite. The outcomes of this intervention, a course built on aligned learning objectives, including the development of academic self-efficacy and strong disciplinary study skills, can be used to make data-informed decisions related to advising, curriculum, and degree requirements of pre-health majors.