Education Commons^™

Using Artificial (Ai) To Predict A Structure Of Protein Complex, Yiqing Zang

SACAD: John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days

Proteins play pivotal roles in essential life processes and elucidating their three-dimensional (3D) structures is crucial for understanding their functions. AlphaFold2, an advanced artificial intelligence-based method developed by Google DeepMind, has emerged as a promising tool for predicting protein structures. In this study, we evaluated the predictive capabilities of AlphaFold2. Our findings highlight AlphaFold2's efficacy in providing valuable insights into protein structure prediction, albeit with certain limitations. While AlphaFold2 represents a significant advancement in the field, its utility is best realized when integrated with complementary experimental approaches. Consequently, combining the strengths of AlphaFold2 with experimental validation remains essential for achieving …

The Exploration Of Biochemistry Laboratory Activity: Study On Higher Education In Mataram, Yunita Arian Sani Anwar, Muti’Ah Muti'ah

Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan IPA

As the core of science learning, laboratory work is inseparable from learning chemistry, including biochemistry. However, the implementation of laboratory work needs reconstruction, especially in higher education, so an initial study is needed to understand the problems in laboratory work at universities. This article was a study of the working conditions of the biochemistry laboratory at the University of Mataram. This study included quantitative research with students (N = 250), lab work assistants (N = 36), laboratorium staff (N = 4), and biochemistry lecturers (N = 4) as respondents. Techniques for obtaining data through participatory observation and questionnaires. Supporting data …

Institutional And Individual Approaches To Change In Undergraduate Stem Education: Two Framework Analyses, Stephanie B. Feola

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The overarching goal of this dissertation is to examine institutional change initiatives in STEM and to understand the impact of engaging with a specific change strategy on a biochemistry educator’s instructional practice. Institutional change initiatives involve executing an intentional strategy to influence teaching practices within a specific institution. This research investigates NSF-funded change initiatives at three public research universities that were focused on encouraging the adoption of evidenced-based instructional practices (EBIPs) by STEM faculty. As part of an effort to understand how the three institutions approached this task, framework analysis was performed using the initiative’s annual reports to NSF. Further …

First Course Portfolio For Bioc205: Scientific Analysis And Technical Writing, Lindsey B. Crawford

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

BIOC205: Scientific Analysis and Technical Writing is a core course for the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This course is geared for second year (sophomore students) with minimal prerequisites and as a foundation for future classes. Challenges include 1) teaching the needed scientific background and elements of scientific analysis and writing to a broad cohort of students with diverse backgrounds and interests, 2) building student skills towards analysis of primary peer-reviewed scientific literature, 3) developing students as writers of scientific information for different audiences. This course used Genetic Engineering as a broad topic choice to capture students …

The Concentration Of Heavy Metals In Lincoln Nebraska's Tap Water, Evan Neuhaus

Honors Theses

Heavy metals are commonplace in nature, and are typically found in scarce quantities in all drinking sources. However, in high enough concentrations, they can have a myriad of negative health effects. This study seeks to find the concentrations of such metals in the Lincoln water supply utilizing the resources of the Water Center at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. To test for discrete concentrations of trace elements, a method of using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was implemented. ICP-MS uses plasma to ionize and atomize a sample which is then filtered into a series of cones into a …

3-Dimensional Model Making As An Innovative Tool For Enhanced Learning Through Student Engagement Among Early Professional Medical Graduates, Shobha Chikkavaddaragudi Ramachandra, Vivek Anand Ojha, Devananda Devegowda, Suma M Nataraj, Prashant Vishwanath, Akila Prashant

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Background: Various innovative teaching-learning methods have been introduced in the medical curriculum for a better understanding of the difficult topics. We introduced the 3-dimensional (3D) model-making as an innovative tool for enhanced learning through student engagement among early professional medical graduates. Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry of a Private Medical College. The phase I medical undergraduate students were divided into 20 groups with 10 students in each group. The topics taught by didactic lectures were allotted to each group by lottery method and were informed that the best model will be suitably rewarded after evaluation. …

Investigation Of The Role Of Overexpression Of Psbs Under Stress Inducible And Constitutive Promoters To Improve Water Use Efficiency., Annie Nelson

Honors Theses

As climate change continues to impact environmental growth conditions, it has become increasingly more important to identify potential mechanisms of crop development to resist these changes. Previous studies have identified the role of PsbS in the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) mechanism in the plant by identifying its direct effect on the rate in which excitation energy absorbed by photosystem II is dissipated as heat. It was identified also that PsbS via NPQ oxidizes chloroplastic quinone A (QA) which is a signal for stomatal opening in response to light. By identifying this relationship between PsbS and the signal for stomatal opening in …

Spring 2022 Saturday Seminars Agenda, Shubha Tewari

Science and Engineering Saturday Seminars

No abstract provided.

A First Project Benchmark Portfolio Of Biochemistry Ii: Metabolism And Biological Information (Bioc/Bios/Chem 432/832), Xinghui Sun

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

This portfolio has been developed for Biochemistry II: Metabolism and Biological Information (BIOC/BIOS/CHEM 432/832). This course is taken primarily by senior undergraduates with majors mainly in biochemistry. The objectives of this course portfolio are: 1) to provide a broad overview for this 400 level class; 2) to revise/refine the course using a backward design approach with clear student learning objectives; 3) to assess and reflect the instructor’s teaching approach; and 4) to analyze and reflect on student learning. The course structure was redesigned with three modules to support the learning objectives of this course. Course activities for each module include …

The Implications Of Case-Based Learning (Cbl) On Biochemistry Education: An Integrative Literature Review, Ryan C. Ripert

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The COVID-19 has significantly impacted the world as we know it, especially in higher education institutions. In response to COVID-19, most colleges and universities were forced to close their doors to students and switch to online learning over Zoom. Although most students are adjusted well to this new mode of education, other students, such as individuals pursuing degrees in the sciences, have difficulty adapting to the online mode of instruction. Case-based learning (CBL) is considered one of the best strategies in teaching a course like Biochemistry in a large classroom setting. Implementing CBL in biochemistry education may increase student engagement …

Study Of Student Resource Use In Introductory Chemistry Courses, Sarah E. Melvin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), college textbook prices have increased by 186% from 1986 to 2004.1 The impact of rising cost of textbooks is increasingly apparent as students are becoming more selective in the courses they enroll in, as well as more concerned with the quality of the learning experience they receive once enrolled in a course.¹ In response to high textbook prices, open-education resources (OER) are increasingly becoming more accepted for student use as an alternative to traditional textbook options. OERs are open-source textbook and/or materials that are free to use without worrying about copyright …

Developing Psychomotor Evaluation Instrument Of Biochemistry Practicum For University Students Of Biology Education, Etika Dyah Puspitasari, Mohamad Joko Susilo, Novi Febrianti

REID (Research and Evaluation in Education)

Practicum is one of the important aspects of the learning of biology. There is no psychomotor evaluation instrument that is valid and reliable. This study is aimed at developing a valid and reliable psychomotor evaluation instrument for biochemistry practicum. The study is developmental research using the 4-D model of 'define, design, develop, and disseminate'. Instrument validation was carried out through construct validation. The findings show that the developed instrument is characterized by a high level of construct validity although the reliability measure is not very well-estimated. The instrument is constructed of four factors of perception, set, guided response, and mechanism …

University Honors Program News, Georgia Southern University

Honors College News (2011-2020)

• A Golden Summer Research Experience

Creation And Implementation Of A Flipped Jigsaw Activity To Stimulate Interest In Biochemistry Among Medical Students, Charlene Williams, Susan Perlis, John Gaughan, Sangita Phadtare

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Learner-centered pedagogical methods that are based on clinical application of basic science concepts through active learning and problem solving are shown to be effective for improving knowledge retention. As the clinical relevance of biochemistry is not always apparent to health-profession students, effective teaching of medical biochemistry should highlight the implications of biochemical concepts in pathology, minimize memorization, and make the concepts memorable for long-term retention.

Here, we report the creation and successful implementation of a flipped jigsaw activity that was developed to stimulate interest in learning biochemistry among medical students. The activity combined the elements of a flipped classroom for …

Bioc 321: Elements Of Biochemistry – A Peer Review Of Teaching Project Benchmark Portfolio, Jing Zhang

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

The benchmark portfolio of Biochemistry 321, Elements of Biochemistry, aimed to provide a broad overview for this large-enrollment class for non-biochemistry majors. This course was delivered in a blended format, and the learning objectives were aligned with the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) foundational concepts and skills. Classroom response system iClicker was employed and Think-Pair-Share method was utilized to facilitate the in-class discussion and group-learning. Additional activities include the 3D molecular models for visualizing and hands-on learning of the structure-function relationship concept, and practicing problem-solving through the end-of-chapter essay questions. Data analysis suggested that the iClicker response …

Application And Comparison Of Active Learning Implementation Methods In Biochemistry Education, Dylan Thibaut

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Biochemistry has continued to be one of the most complex and important subjects in science education. The purpose of this research is to investigate active learning implementation methods in a Biochemistry I context to determine the most effective means of preparing current science undergraduates. Two Biochemistry I classes over two semesters were analyzed in this study, with class A using a variable active learning schedule and class B using a consistent active learning schedule. Four aspects were analyzed to determine active learning validity: perception of different active learning properties, standardized final exam grades, class grade, and teaching implementation. The consistent …

The Successful Use Of Case Studies In Biochemistry, C. Michele Davis Mcgibony

Georgia Journal of Science

The Department of Chemistry at Georgia Southern University provides foundation courses for nutrition majors in the Department of Health and Kinesiology. One foundation course is Nutritional Biochemistry- a one ­semester course that focuses on the basic principles of biochemistry as they apply to human metabolic systems. The students gain familiarity with biological molecules such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and they learn how the body metabolizes each of these molecules. Tradition­ally this course has been taught with a lecture-based format placing the students in a passive learning role. Recently, case studies have been incorporated as a supplement to these lectures …

Approaching Undergraduate Research With Students Who Are Deaf And Hard-Of-Hearing, Austin U. Gehret, Jessica W. Trussell, Lea V. Michel

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

An undergraduate research experience can provide a unique opportunity for students to learn and grow as scientists; when positive, this experience is often transformative and motivates students to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduate degrees or careers. Conversely, negative research experiences can sour a student’s opinion of research, propagate misconceptions of graduate school, and lead to attrition from STEM fields. Negative research experiences can be equally devastating for faculty mentors and may result in reluctance to mentor future research students. Using a mentoring approach that has traditionally translated to positive research experiences for hearing students may not be …

Lipid Binding Studies Of Blood Coagulation Factor Viii C1 And C2 Domains, Rachel L. Blazevic

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

Blood coagulation factor VIII (fVIII) is an essential cofactor in the mammalian blood-clotting cascade. fVIII must bind the phospholipid membrane of activated platelets to function as a cofactor for fIXa. The blood coagulation cascade culminates in the formation of a stable blood clot. In humans, the C1 and C2 domains are implicated in binding phospholipid membranes, however the relative contribution of different residues in the lipid-binding mechanism is unclear. Using site-directed mutagenesis, expression of the isolated C1 and C2 domains in Escherichia coli cells, protein purification with metal affinity chromatography, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, liposome sedimentation assays, …

Becoming A Scientist: Using First-Year Undergraduate Science Courses To Promote Identification With Science Disciplines, Chloe Ruff, Brett D. Jones

Education Faculty Publications

In this qualitative study, we examined how two professors (a physicist and biochemist) of first year college students perceived their students’ development of identification in biochemistry or physics and how they actively supported this development. The professors described students who entered college with different levels of domain identification and different expectations for their college science experience depending upon whether they were in a biochemistry or physics major. Although neither professor was familiar with research related to the concept of domain identification, their beliefs about their students’ identification and academic support strategies generally aligned with the Osborne and Jones (2011) model …

Participant Experience Of The First Massive Open Online Course (Mooc) From Pakistan, Syed Hani Abidi, Aamna Pasha, Syed Ali

Current Issues in Emerging eLearning

Background: In recent years, massive open online courses (MOOCs) have steadily gained popularity. It appears, however, that MOOC learners are concentrated mostly in the affluent English-speaking countries. MOOCs’ free-of-cost, easy accessibility should make them obviously attractive to participants from low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC). The reason why LMIC enrollments in MOOCs are so low is therefore unclear. In the year 2014, the first MOOC was launched from Pakistan. We administered a survey to the enrollees of this MOOC to explore concerns, fears, and limitations that might be deterring the LMIC audience from participating in MOOCs.

Methods: The MOOC was a three-week course …

The Impact Of A Flipped Classroom Compared To Lecture-Based Teaching On Achieving Course Outcomes, Melissa J. Beck, Akwasi Appiah, Jasmine Gunti, Victoria Bumgardner, Caleb Tang

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Education is one of the most vital components that compose a modern society and as such, its improvement and optimization is always sought. This study investigates the efficacy between two learning methods in a graduate level biochemistry course: complete active learning and a hybrid of active and passive learning. Active learning is one method of achieving course outcomes with an emphasis on student responsibility through self-studying of course material followed by classroom discussion. In comparison, passive learning emphasizes instructor responsibility through didactic lecturing of course material. The aftermath results following a hybrid form of active and passive learning (in-class didactic …

New Nmr Spectrometer Boosts Research Capacity, Sarah Gardner, Dave Albee

Press Releases

The recent addition of a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer has greatly enhanced the instructional and research capacity of both faculty and students in Dominican’s Chemistry and Biochemistry program.

“Analyze, Acquire, Apply, And Write” As A New Learning Model In Science, Jeong Choe

Jeong Choe

I have developed a new teaching and learning model called AAAW, which stand for Analyze, Acquire, Apply and Write. This model grows from action research and unique experience in teaching a biochemistry course to high school students who are talented in math and science. In this model, students first "Analyze" lab data to generate questions that lead them to "Acquire" background knowledge. Students then go back to the data and "Apply" their new knowledge to better understand the data. Finally, students "Write" about the connections they make from their reading, data analysis, and application of the data. The rationale behind …

“Analyze, Acquire, Apply, And Write” As A New Learning Model In Science, Jeong Choe

Faculty Publications & Research

I have developed a new teaching and learning model called AAAW, which stand for Analyze, Acquire, Apply and Write. This model grows from action research and unique experience in teaching a biochemistry course to high school students who are talented in math and science. In this model, students first "Analyze" lab data to generate questions that lead them to "Acquire" background knowledge. Students then go back to the data and "Apply" their new knowledge to better understand the data. Finally, students "Write" about the connections they make from their reading, data analysis, and application of the data. The rationale behind …

Developing Transfer Skills In A Biochemistry Class, Jeong V. Choe

Jeong Choe

Students seem to struggle with transferring prior knowledge if the new problem they are given is in a different form from the way they learned the material. The process of transfer can be identified by four components: 1) recognizing the similarity between the old and new contexts; 2) identifying the potential of a certain skill or concept that has worked in the past, to give solutions to new problematic situations; 3) mental testing of the application of the potential solution; and 4) an attempt to apply the skill or concept to a new context (Georghiades 2000). These four components are …

Developing Transfer Skills In A Biochemistry Class, Jeong V. Choe

Faculty Publications & Research

Students seem to struggle with transferring prior knowledge if the new problem they are given is in a different form from the way they learned the material. The process of transfer can be identified by four components: 1) recognizing the similarity between the old and new contexts; 2) identifying the potential of a certain skill or concept that has worked in the past, to give solutions to new problematic situations; 3) mental testing of the application of the potential solution; and 4) an attempt to apply the skill or concept to a new context (Georghiades 2000). These four components are …

A Course In Critical Thinking For Phd Students In Biomolecular Sciences And Biotechnology: Classical Experiments In Biochemistry, Carlos B. Hirschberg

Higher Learning Research Communications

This essay presents and discusses an eight-session seminar course designed to develop critical thinking skills in doctoral biochemistry students by exposing them to classical experiments in biochemistry. During each 2.5 session, different key topics of the discovery and development of biochemical concepts are discussed. Before each session, students are required to read the one or two classical papers. The size of the seminar course and the seating of the students are critical to make this a highly interactive environment for all students to participate in the critique and re-designing of key experiments, including control experiments, which helped formulate these classical …

Blended Learning As An Effective Pedagogical Paradigm For Biomedical Science, Perry Hartfield

Higher Learning Research Communications

Blended learning combines face-to-face class based and online teaching and learning delivery in order to increase flexibility in how, when, and where students study and learn. The development, integration, and promotion of blended learning in frameworks of curriculum design can optimize the opportunities afforded by information and communication technologies and, concomitantly, accommodate a broad range of student learning styles. This study critically reviews the potential benefits of blended learning as a progressive educative paradigm for the teaching of biomedical science and evaluates the opportunities that blended learning offers for the delivery of accessible, flexible and sustainable teaching and learning experiences. …

Reading Questions In Large Lecture Courses., E. Offerdahl, T. Baldwin, L. Elfring, Elizabeth Vierling, M. Ziegler

Elizabeth Vierling

As an alternative to reading quizzes, a team of biochemistry instructors implemented student reading questions (Henderson and Rosenthal 2006) as a new instructional strategy within their large-enrollment biochemistry courses. Unexpected positive outcomes of this instructional method were realized, as well as limitations of the method within this setting. Outcomes and limitations of the reading-question strategy as well as suggestions for their more efficient implementation are discussed. (Contains 2 figures.)