The trilayer approach of teaching physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology concepts in a first-year pharmacy course: the TLAT model.

This paper describes the development, implementation, and students' perceptions of a new trilayer approach of teaching (TLAT). The TLAT model involved blending lecture, in-class group activities, and out-of-class assignments on selected content areas and was implemented initially in a first-year integrated pharmacy course. Course contents were either delivered by traditional lectures or by the TLAT. A survey instrument was distributed by SurveyMonkey to determine students' perceptions of the TLAT model. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Students' performance in a total of 225 examination and quiz questions was analyzed to evaluate whether the TLAT model improved students' learning. Students' (n = 98) performance scores for TLAT-based and lecture-based questions were 83.3 ± 10.2 and 79.5 ± 14.0, respectively (P < 0.05). Ninety-three percent of students believed that in-class group activities enhanced conceptual understanding of course materials, helped them take responsibility of their own learning, and enhanced their overall learning experiences. More than 80% of respondents felt that solving cases and developing concept maps helped them sharpen creative and critical thinking skills. In addition, 90% of the respondents indicated that the homework throughout the semester helped them stay up to date and focused with the progress of the course. The use of the TLAT model led to an improvement in student learning of complex concepts. Moreover, the results suggest that this model improves students' self-reliance and attitudes toward learning. Our findings should serve as an impetus for inclusion of diverse active learning strategies in pharmacy education.

Concentrations and correlations for eight metals in human liver.

This study was undertaken to determine concentrations for eight metals in human liver and investigate correlations among these metals as well as subject age. Autopsy specimens from 32 males, ranging from 38-88 years of age, were analyzed for calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), magnesium (Mg), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Respective mean concentrations were 49.6, 2.1, 4.9, 318.7, 0.72, 135.2, 0.19, and 53.4 microg/g wet wt., and 209.2, 8.8, 20.6, 1342.2, 0.81, 569.4, 3.1 and 228.8 microg/g dry wt. Variables, including age and metal concentrations, were subjected to simple and multiple correlation analysis. Four metal pairs Zn-Cd, Fe-Pb, Mg-Hg, and Mg-Zn gave significant positive correlations. Age and Cu correlated negatively. Multiple correlations were found for Mg with Hg and Zn, Pb with Fe and age, Pb with Fe and Cu, and Zn with Mg and Cd. Results are discussed within the context of relevant literature.