title: Human situations: a course introducing physiology to medical students.
abstract: A block course of 12 days is described. It is considered to be appropriate for both physiologically naive and sophisticated students entering either a traditional or a problem-based curriculum. It is adaptable for medical schools in both developed and developing countries. Six problem-based small-group sessions, based on everyday human situations, are the core of the course. They are supplemented by a lecture series, laboratory experiments using student volunteers as subjects, laboratory demonstrations, and patient presentations. Student assessment is carried out by criterion-referenced examinations using take-home assignments, oral examinations, and a multiple-choice test containing context-dependent questions. The course is well received by students and faculty. Pre- and posttesting show that all students acquire a basic understanding of physiological control systems and of homeostatic mechanisms as they operate in intact human beings.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Roberts
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010827:Physiology / Q000193:education*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods