Metadimensional simulation for biochemistry and pharmacology learning

Abstract

The integration of active learning strategies in health education is essential for improving student engagement and understanding, particularly in basic sciences like pharmacology and biochemistry. However, these disciplines are often perceived as abstract and disconnected from clinical practice. The aim was to develop and evaluate two innovative, live-action simulations for teaching fundamental concepts in pharmacokinetics and enzyme kinetics, using accessible materials and student-centered design. The study involved 305 students from health-related undergraduate and graduate programs. Two simulations were designed: a pharmacokinetics (PK) simulation representing systemic circulation and drug metabolism using plastic blocks and classroom stations; an enzyme kinetics (EK) simulation using both digital slides and physical block sets to model substrate-product reactions and construct Michaelis-Menten curves. Student perceptions were measured using a Likert-scale instrument adapted from validated educational models. Quantitative data (pharmacokinetic and enzymatic curves) were also generated from simulation outcomes. Students successfully built representative pharmacokinetic and enzymatic activity curves, allowing exploration of key concepts such as drug absorption, metabolism, Cmax, Tmax, half-life, and enzyme-substrate reaction rates. Perception surveys revealed high approval levels, particularly regarding the effectiveness, engagement, and collaborative aspects of the simulations. Over 85% of participants preferred the simulation-based approach over traditional lectures. These live-action activities represent a novel, effective, and low-cost strategy for enhancing the teaching of basic sciences in health education. The methods promote experiential learning, integrate cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains, and foster student autonomy and motivation. These findings support the broader application of active methodologies in foundational science curricula.