This article describes a one-semester project-based laboratory course for biochemistry students centered on the protein cytochrome c. Students learn a variety of protein purification techniques, including ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis, ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, and electrophoresis, by isolating cytochrome c. The oxidation-reduction properties of this relatively stable and forgiving protein are then characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy and electrochemistry. Electrophoresis is utilized to assess purity and determine molecular weight. Students isolate cytochrome c from bovine heart and yeast and compare their properties.

This paper describes a model of providing research experiences to undergraduate students by partnering a teaching-centered institution with a research-intensive school. Selected students from the teaching-centered institution spend ten weeks during the summer doing research in a specific laboratory at the research-intensive school. These experiences give the students a quality research experience, allowing students to learn how scientific knowledge is gained and to improve problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The students have a shared experience and continue to discuss ideas related to their research after returning to school the next fall. They share their experiences with students and faculty at their school and give presentations at undergraduate research conferences. This model has advantages over sending students to conduct research at unrelated institutions.