Nora's Medulla: A Problem-Based Learning Case for Neuroscience Fundamentals

Abstract

Students work through this Problem-Based Learning Case in order to discover how Nora ended up blue lipped and non-responsive. By exploring fundamental mechanisms of neuronal communication, students examine facts, research concepts, and propose hypotheses about how Nora's physiology was disrupted to cause her respiratory distress. The dramatic context supports student learning at many levels - from systems neurophysiology to synaptic pharmacology. The case as written is used in an undergraduate course for non-science majors, but because the case focuses on basic fundamental neuroscience concepts, the case could be easily used in high school or other undergraduate courses that cover basic neuroscience.

Keywords: Problem-Based Learning (PBL); active learning; agonist; antagonist; case study; drug abuse; neurotransmission; pharmacology; receptor; synaptic communication.