Dissecting the anatomy of a ‘superheroic’ science class

Ever wondered how superheroes Deadpool and Elastigirl can be used to enhance a college anatomy class? Well, at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, these iconic characters were incorporated into the curriculum to make learning human anatomy more exciting and relatable.

The “SuperAnatomy” course was designed by instructors to improve the experience of undergraduate students studying human anatomy. Surveys conducted among students who took the class revealed that the use of superheroes increased their motivation to learn, provided a deeper understanding of the material, and made the subject matter more approachable and enjoyable.

Examples of the course content included analyzing how Wolverine’s claws would affect his musculoskeletal system and using Groot to discuss skin disorders. The aim was to foster creativity in the classroom by integrating pop culture references in a way that applied scientific concepts.

The study, published in the journal Anatomical Sciences Education, was led by Jeremy Grachan, who designed the curriculum as a Ph.D. student at Ohio State and is now an assistant professor of anatomy at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

SuperAnatomy was a three-credit-hour undergraduate course open to students from all majors. The curriculum drew inspiration from an existing anatomy course but added the superhero element to elevate the learning experience.

During the study, data was collected from quizzes and surveys administered to students in both SuperAnatomy and another anatomy course. The results showed that students in both courses performed similarly, indicating that the SuperAnatomy content was effective and not merely cartoonish.

Follow-up surveys with SuperAnatomy participants indicated that the inclusion of superheroes enhanced their understanding of the course material and boosted their motivation to excel academically. This suggests that incorporating pop culture references can have a positive impact on students’ mental health and social well-being.

Anatomy can be challenging to learn due to the complex terminology and the personal nature of studying the human body. By introducing superheroes into the curriculum, instructors aimed to make anatomy more interesting and engaging for students.

The SuperAnatomy course demonstrates that even traditional subjects like anatomy can be adapted to resonate with the current generation of students. By embracing creativity and incorporating familiar cultural references, educators can create a dynamic learning environment that captivates students and encourages their academic success.

The authors of the study believe that this approach to teaching anatomy not only improves the educational experience but also contributes to the overall well-being of students. Drawing on popular culture can help students navigate challenging subjects and maintain their interest and enthusiasm throughout their studies.

The study was co-authored by Mason Marek and James Cray Jr. from Ohio State University.

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