| Title | Enhancing Curiosity and Conceptual Understanding Using Comic Narrative Learning in the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (BPSc) Program |
|---|---|
| Faculty/College/Unit | Pharmaceutical Sciences |
| Status | Active |
| Duration | 2 Year |
| Initiation | 04/01/2026 |
| Project Summary | The purpose of this pilot project is to make learning engaging and accessible for Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science (BPSc) students by creating comic narratives that illustrate complex concepts. Storytelling positively impacts undergraduate STEM learners’ engagement, higher-order thinking, and affective wellbeing. We assessed student experiences and found that BPSc students struggle with abstract concepts because they feel disconnected from the real world. Research and recent work in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology show that connecting course content to real examples sparks curiosity, increases motivation, and deepens understanding. The BPSc program curricula focuses on building basic science knowledge relevant to pharmaceutical industry and regulatory sectors. Since Microbiology and Immunology and Pharmaceutical Sciences are closely aligned disciplines with common core concepts, similar pedagogical approaches are expected to translate effectively. This pilot will use comics to contextualize learning, make abstract concepts easier, and increase engagement in PHAR 304, a core BPSc course. |
| Funding Details | |
| Year 1: Project Year | Year 1 |
| Year 1: Funding Year | 2026/2027 |
| Year 1: Project Type | Small TLEF |
| Year 1: Principal Investigator | Jennifer Brown |
| Year 1: Funded Amount | 28,039 |
| Year 1: Team Members | Co-Leads: Jennifer Brown, Assistant Professor of Teaching, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Project Team Members: Joseph Topornycky, Manager, Graduate Student Programs, Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Technology |