Enhancing Understanding in Biochemistry Using 3D Printing and Cheminformatics Technologies: A Student Perspective

Abstract

Students often approach biochemistry with a degree of trepidation with many considering it one of the more difficult subjects. This is, in part, due to the necessity of making visual images of submicroscopic concepts. Molecular interactions underpin most biological processes; therefore, mastering these concepts is essential. Understanding the forces and mechanisms that underpin protein–ligand interactions is a key learning goal for mastering the protein structure–function relationship. We intended to overcome such learning barriers by implementing assignment-based activities across three successive biochemistry cohorts. The activities involved 3D printed proteins and cheminformatics/molecular modeling software activities which had the advantage of targeting students’ visual–spatial ability. Learning activities, conducted in small groups, were specifically designed to enhance understanding of the protein structure–function relationship through a detailed analysis of molecular-level interactions between proteins and ligands. Here we describe the methodology for preparation of the learning tools and how they were incorporated in the learning exercises in the form of both formative and summative assessments. We compared their perceived effectiveness via student feedback surveys conducted over three consecutive cohorts. Survey results showed students were positively engaged with these technologies with a slight preference for cheminformatics. From an instructor’s perspective, we found significantly improved overall grade averages for the subjects following implementation of the assignments which may suggest these tools contributed to enhanced understanding. While print resolution could not match that of cheminformatics software, we present evidence to support their continued incorporation in the course. Feedback obtained will inform future curriculum development.

Chemistry Teachers’ Awareness, Understanding, and Confidence toward Computational Tools for Molecular Visualization

“…This is due in part to the growing demand of cheminformaticians, bioinformaticians, and biological data sciences in the job market (Attwood et al, 2017). Another reason is that the integra-tion of the use of cheminformatics software has been reported to improve students' visual and spatial abilities (Lohning et al, 2019). It has also been reported that the perception of secondary school students towards the integration of bioinformatics in the curriculum is also very positive in improving their learning (Machluf et al, 2016).…”

Sars CoV2, una experiencia de la bioquímica en contexto para la enseñanza de conceptos asociados a las proteínas

“…Algunas investigaciones han recomendado utilizar una metodología multifacética, incorporando numerosos enfoques que incluyen el aprendizaje cooperativo, enfoques con casos clínicos, mapas conceptuales, modeladores virtuales, multimedia, webinars, entre otras, las cuales han mostrado resultados positivos en aspectos como: el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes, la motivación por el aprendizaje de conceptos bioquímicos y la reducción en los errores conceptuales (Cookmeyer, et. Al., 2017;Lohning, Hall, & Dukie, 2019). Además, el aprendizaje en contexto tiene la posibilidad de ser utilizado con enfoques combinados mediante el uso de herramientas propias de la bioinformática, asistida por el internet y en general con el uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) (Macaulay, Van Damme, & Walker, 2009 ;Vaughan, 2007).…”

“…El dibujo y la distribución de carga en la fracción de proteína propuesta por el estudiante 10 son similares a las propuestas por otros estudiantes, por lo que se evidencia el progreso en la de los conceptos aminoácidos, enlace peptídico, proteínas, estructura primaria, estructura secundaria, distribución de cargas y punto isoeléctrico, gracias a las actividades virtuales en contexto y al uso de herramientas bioinformáticas, resultado que complementa los reportados por otros investigadores (Lohning, Hall, & Dukie, 2019;Macaulay, Van Damme, & Walker, 2009).…”

“…Por esta razón, es importante que en los cursos de bioquímica se adopten estas herramientas con el fin de facilitar el aprendizaje de conceptos bioquímicos. Diversas investigaciones han reportado el uso de herramientas bioinformáticas en procesos de enseñanza aprendizaje de la bioquímica con resultados académicos favorables (Lohning, Hall, & Dukie, 2019;Sun, Tang, Sa, & Gao, 2019).…”

Use of 3D Printing to Manufacture Document Camera Mounts in Support of Online Education Shifts during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…3D printing has become prevalent within chemical education, with numerous examples in the recent literature. , 3D printing has been used in chemical education toward improving student understanding in lecture through providing hands-on interactive projects, − enhancing laboratory methods through hands-on learning − and the development of libraries of 3D models for use across the curriculum. , The usefulness, simplicity, and flexibility of 3D printing, even in its infancy as a technology, cannot be overstated with respect to chemical education. It is with this perspective that the problem of board-based instruction in distance-learning was approached.…”