Instrumentation to facilitate learning in a first bio-potentials course

Abstract

Engineering students in a new bioelectricity course, at both graduate and undergraduate levels, were provided the opportunity to measure bio-potential signals from their own person. Implementation of such an active approach was hypothesized to enhance the motivation to learn and to facilitate exploration of bio-potential signals from skin that were coming from deep within the body. Commercially available instrumentation facilitates these processes by providing a flexible interface to acquire, visualize, and analyze bio-signals. Anonymous assessment results of student attitudes and opinions regarding posed statements concerning bio-potential signals are presented. All students agreed that the laboratory experience provided insights into bioelectricity that they did not gather from text or lecture alone. © American Society of Engeneering Education, 2013.