Integrating Biology Into Social Work Education Using Interdisciplinary Character-Driven Case Studies

Abstract

An understanding of biology is necessary for effective social work practice. However, the traditional approach to teaching biology to social work students often fails to address and promote self- efficacy. This article demonstrates the relevance of biological knowledge to social work practice and connects biology education to the curriculum standards of the Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. It presents an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to teaching biology content to social work students using a theme- based, character- driven case study that (a) relates the challenges of individuals to the dynamics of their families, (b) presents biological knowledge as a necessary tool to solve complex, real- world problems, and (c) requires students to explore the personal and social dimensions of problems. Furthermore, we suggest that implementing the case study using a red thread model, which links information and ideas from multiple classes in biology and social work, can increase students’ interest in and retention of biology material.