Bringing the excitement and motivation of research to students; Using inquiry and research‐based learning in a year‐long biochemistry laboratory

Abstract

A successful laboratory experience provides the foundation for student success, creating active participation in the learning process. Here, we describe a new approach that emphasizes research, inquiry and problem solving in a year-long biochemistry experience. The first semester centers on the purification, characterization, and analysis of a novel fusion protein within a guided research experience. Throughout the semester, students gradually acquire skills as they are allowed to work independently. A fusion protein, malate dehydrogenase-green fluorescent protein with a histidine affinity tag (MGH), is used throughout the semester. The fusion protein allows for a high throughput analysis and is stable for duration of the semester. Students start with the purification and analysis of the plasmid DNA and end with an enzymatic analysis of MGH. As students take ownership of their experiments and choose two different chromatographic resins, they make many choices throughout the semester. Skills, motivation, confidence levels, and attitudes were assessed before and after the semester. Students achieved high levels of critical biochemical laboratory skills and critical thinking while increasing their confidence and motivation for working in a biochemical research setting.

Implementation of a Collaborative Series of Classroom-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences Spanning Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, and Neurobiology

“…BIOCHEM laboratory followed a classic procedure for creating site-directed protein variants and then studying the effect of these amino acid substitutions on the structure and function of an enzyme (Knutson et al ., 2010a,b). The novelty of BIOCHEM is the focus of the structure–function studies on biomedically relevant serine hydrolases from M. tuberculosis and the direct connection with the fluorogenic substrates from CHEMBIO.…”

“…With the confirmed benefits of CUREs to students and faculty (Wu, 2013; Auchincloss et al ., 2014; Harvey et al ., 2014; Corwin et al ., 2015), a limited number of institutions have begun to develop CURE programs that span multiple courses or even an entire curriculum (Knutson et al ., 2010a,b; Russell et al ., 2015; Shapiro et al ., 2015; Sanders et al ., 2016). These larger-scale CUREs provide tractable models of modern, collaborative science and move toward the complex, interdisciplinary nature of scientific investigation.…”

Engaging Students in Authentic Microbiology Research in an Introductory Biology Laboratory Course is Correlated with Gains in Student Understanding of the Nature of Authentic Research and Critical Thinking

“…Because involvement in this type of course can improve critical thinking skills and increase students’ enthusiasm for science and belief in their ability to perform scientific research (19, 21, 22), we created a novel microbiology research-based module that involves second semester freshman Biology majors at Purdue University in research early in their academic careers, similar to modules that have been described recently (5, 6, 13, 20). Within this module, we provided students with the same laboratory skills they would learn in traditional lab classes (pipetting, spectrophotometry, use of balance, preparation of dilutions, and basic statistics), but within the context of an actual research project.…”

Semi-Automated Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography Column Scouting Used in the Two-Step Purification of Recombinant Green Fluorescent Protein

“…The dynamic sample loop injection, sequential column selection, multi-wavelength analysis, and split fraction eluate collection increased the functionality of the system and reproducibility of the experimental approach. From an instructional perspective, it is of note to compare similarities and differences associated with target protein purification using a variety of instrumentation and approaches [10], [23]. While empirical determination of optimal HIC media and buffer conditions are commonly required for each new HIC-based protein purification, the approach presented here could serve as an initial template to be applied to other dual HIC-SEC target protein purification strategies.…”