Undergraduate Theses

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Browsing Undergraduate Theses by Subject "Parasitology"

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    Game-based learning in science: The use of an educational game in parasitology
    (2021) Nykyforuk, Christina; Summers, Mindi; Finney, Constance
    Parasitology is an important subject matter that is highly complex. This complexity creates challenges with student comprehension and engagement. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of an educational game called Parasite Patrol in two upper-level zoology courses: An Introduction to Invertebrate Zoology (ZOOL 401) and Principles in Parasitism (ZOOL 581). The game was strategically designed using the essential elements outlined by Malone (1980) to create an effective and engaging learning tool. Through the utilization of a pre and post-game survey design, we assessed the impact of playing Parasite Patrol on undergraduate students' knowledge of parasitology, attitudes towards parasites, and attitudes towards educational games. We identified that students in both courses had an improved performance on parasite knowledge questions after playing the game, more positive attitudes towards parasites, and enjoyed using the game as a learning tool.
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    Using picture storybooks to communicate complex parasite lifecycles with undergraduates
    (2021) Kong, Nikki; Summers, Mindi; Finney, Constance
    The goal of this thesis was to create a storybook and implement it in two upper- division Zoology courses at the University of Calgary to investigate if storybooks are effective in communicating complex scientific concepts. This thesis also aimed to examine if the use of storybooks would facilitate the development of positive attitudes toward parasites and this educational tool in undergraduates. Findings in this study suggest that Nick the Tick storybook had a positive impact on undergraduates’ conceptual understanding of parasites. It also had a positive impact on undergraduates’ attitudes toward parasites and storybooks as an educational tool. Results and data from this study can provide a useful framework for the design and development of future storybooks for public outreach.