Evaluating a Research Course Designed to Help Students Understand Protein Structure and Function
Abstract
An educational curriculum has been implemented through the Farquhar Honors College (FHC) to integrate computational biology research for undergraduate students. Since its time as an independent study course, it has evolved into an Honors interdisciplinary course that is co-taught by professors from both the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry & Physics with support from the NSF-funded Connecting Researchers, Educators, and STudents program, and 3D Molecular Designs. The course is intended to be applicable to FHC students regardless of their academic background. Throughout the Fall 2023 semester, peer mentors worked with student groups to assist in literature comprehension, protein selection, bioinformatic tool manipulation, poster formation, and presentation feedback. The coursework was modeled after research lab experiences and required students to utilize a Literature Guided Assessment worksheet to help understand details of a scorpio-toxin peer-reviewed article and protein-based bioinformatic tools to aid in selecting their protein of interest. Continuous checkpoints throughout the semester encouraged students to actively apply the scientific process and understand the molecular mechanisms of their chosen protein. Students collaborated to create the final products of the course: a protein model description sheet, poster, oral presentation, Jmol script, and 3D printed protein. After these products are uploaded to NSUWorks (https://nsuworks.nova.edu/protein_modeling_reports), students present their work at conferences across all levels. Data from an altered Research on the Integrated Science Curriculum post-semester survey demonstrated improvements in student learning and confidence in research skills as indicators of success in this course-based undergraduate research experience.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Emily Schmitt Lavin, Dr. Arthur Sikora
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-3-2024 12:30 PM
End Date
4-4-2024 1:30 PM
Evaluating a Research Course Designed to Help Students Understand Protein Structure and Function
Alvin Sherman Library
An educational curriculum has been implemented through the Farquhar Honors College (FHC) to integrate computational biology research for undergraduate students. Since its time as an independent study course, it has evolved into an Honors interdisciplinary course that is co-taught by professors from both the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry & Physics with support from the NSF-funded Connecting Researchers, Educators, and STudents program, and 3D Molecular Designs. The course is intended to be applicable to FHC students regardless of their academic background. Throughout the Fall 2023 semester, peer mentors worked with student groups to assist in literature comprehension, protein selection, bioinformatic tool manipulation, poster formation, and presentation feedback. The coursework was modeled after research lab experiences and required students to utilize a Literature Guided Assessment worksheet to help understand details of a scorpio-toxin peer-reviewed article and protein-based bioinformatic tools to aid in selecting their protein of interest. Continuous checkpoints throughout the semester encouraged students to actively apply the scientific process and understand the molecular mechanisms of their chosen protein. Students collaborated to create the final products of the course: a protein model description sheet, poster, oral presentation, Jmol script, and 3D printed protein. After these products are uploaded to NSUWorks (https://nsuworks.nova.edu/protein_modeling_reports), students present their work at conferences across all levels. Data from an altered Research on the Integrated Science Curriculum post-semester survey demonstrated improvements in student learning and confidence in research skills as indicators of success in this course-based undergraduate research experience.
