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TEACHING IN THE LABORATORY

COMPUTER SIMULATION OF INTRODUCTORY NEUROPHYSIOLOGY

¹ School of Biomedical Sciences ² School of Medical Practice and Population Health, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia 2308

Address for reprint requests and other correspondence: P. McGrath, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Univ. of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia (E-mail: paul.mcgrath{at}newcastle.edu.au)

A computer-assisted learning (CAL) package, NeuroLab, developed for use by first-year university students undertaking professional programs in the health area, is described and evaluated. NeuroLab is a simulation of a laboratory, in which students are able to impale neurons to measure resting membrane potentials and subsequently undertake experiments including measuring resting membrane potentials, determining threshold potentials, measuring refractory periods, and examining effects on membrane potential through altering the membrane permeability to sodium and potassium ions. Students find the package to be a worthwhile learning experience, with 81 ± 2.2% reporting the package increased their understanding of neuron function, and 78 ± 2.5% expressing a desire for more CAL packages. Exposure to the package resulted in significantly higher mean scores in a multiple-choice question test on measuring neuron membrane potentials compared with those who were not exposed (mean scores out of 4 of 2.42 and 2.02, respectively, P < 0.001).

Key words: neuron; membrane potential; action potential; threshold; refractory period; membrane permeability

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