This semester (Spring 2024), the USF School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences (SPTRS) began offering undergraduate courses for Health Science students interested in pursuing professional, clinical programs such as physical therapy, athletic training, and occupational therapy. One of the first courses offered under this new program was a unique anatomy and physiology experience combining both in-person lecture and hands-on lab components utilizing clay modeling. While this foundational course is not new to the ‘Health Sciences’ curriculum, the faculty behind the course development are eager to take student learning to the next level with kinesthetic tools designed to enhance knowledge retention and success in graduate programs centered around a deep understanding of anatomy and physiology.
In designing this offering, Doug Haladay, PT, DPT, PhD, MHS, Director of the SPTRS and MCOM Associate Dean, turned to the ‘Anatomy in Clay’ product which allows students the opportunity to build structures within the body out of clay – a unique and different undergraduate experience that appeals to visual, tactile, and kinesthetic learners.
Under the SPTRS, Rosalia Parrino, PhD, has been instructing Anatomy and Physiology I students this semester. She states that the “Anatomy in Clay is a great teaching tool that allows us (instructors) to really engage students and help them grasp a true understanding of the body. It’s a very forgiving way to explore structures – if something isn’t built just right, we can take it off and try again… all as a part of the learning process.”
Here is what students have had to say:
“I really loved this lab! I was super excited coming in but leaving I am more excited for AP2! I really liked the clay model and thought it was a great way to learn about the body hands on. I am a very hands-on learner, so this option worked well for me.”
“I loved it. It was a great way to have fun and want to learn at the same time. The hand on experience really helps you see and understand where each part is that you’re making and how it works not only with the body but with other parts surrounding that section.”
Students working to build structures with Anatomy in Clay.
Spring 2024 students working on Anatomy in Clay.
For Fall 2024, the school plans to continue offering an on-campus section of BSC 2085 Anatomy and Physiology I with lab, but also plans to expand including:
· Offering BSC 2086 Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
· Possible tour of the USF Health Cadaver Lab
· Continued use of Anatomy in Clay
· Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) in partnership with the USF Academic Success Center
The BSC 2085 course offered by the school will be the first and only section to offer PASS tutoring at USF. Not only does this provide study sessions, but it also provides these sections with a dedicated student who will audit the course. The pass tutor will partner with the SPTRS faculty to ensure they are supporting student success in this course. Dr. Parrino is very excited for this partnership with ASC and PASS to provide additional resources for students to be successful in anatomy and physiology.
To learn more about the schools BSC offerings or questions, email dpt@usf.edu.