Biomedical communication course pilots game-based learning to tackle antimicrobial resistance
In the spring of 2025, Karolinska Institutet partnered with CAPTRS to pilot an innovative educational tool - the AMR Knowledge Space Game - within the biomedical communication course. This marks the first time the game has been integrated into the curriculum, offering students a novel and interactive way to explore the complexities of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The initiative, led by Dr. Giulia Gaudenzi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Global Public Health, offered students a structured, game-based learning experience designed to foster systems thinking and collaborative problem-solving. As part of the Biomedical Communication course on the Master's Programme in Biomedicine, taught by Dr. Matthew Kirkham researcher at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, students used visual frameworks and game tokens to explore the complex factors contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). They collaboratively mapped out these interconnections, brainstormed potential interventions, and anticipated their outcomes.
“This game allows biomedical students to engage with AMR not just as a molecular issue, but as a complex societal challenge,” says Giulia Gaudenzi. “Through game-based methods, we aim to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, equipping future biomedical professionals with the capacity to think systemically about antimicrobial resistance and act strategically in developing for solutions”
The pilot was supported by a departmental grant and brought together experts from biomedicine, global health, education and serious game design. Among them was Dr. Jennifer Valcke, Educational Developer at Unit for Teaching and Learning and researcher in the Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, who highlights the pedagogical value of the initiative.
“Using gamification to tackle complex healthcare problems is a great way to support students in developing systems thinking — which is one way of integrating sustainable development perspectives into education. It is also a great opportunity for us as educators to observe first-hand the role that cultures, active participation, transdisciplinarity, and critical thinking play in group formation processes.”
The success of the pilot has also sparked interest in expanding the use of the AMR Knowledge Space Game into future courses and educational research at Karolinska Institutet. As global health challenges grow increasingly complex, innovative tools like this are essential for preparing the next generation of health professionals.
To learn more about the AMR Knowledge Space Game or other games, visit CAPTRS.
If you want to explore new ways of teaching or need pedagogical support, contact the Unit for Teaching and Learning.