Collaborative Learning Exercises for Teaching Protein Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

A collaborative learning module for teaching protein mass spectrometry has been developed to overcome common obstacles to incorporating the modern topic of biological mass spectrometry into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Protein mass spectrometry data is provided to eliminate the need for expensive instrumentation, and an instructor's manual gives necessary details for those unfamiliar with the topic. The first section provides background information on proteins and the field of proteomics. The second section describes the use of electrospray ionization to determine the molecular weight of a protein. The third section shows how to identify a protein using peptide mass mapping, and the fourth section describes tandem MS experiments for de novo peptide sequencing. Each section also includes lessons on the analytical instrumentation used to make mass measurements including electrospray ionization, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization, and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The module includes preclass reading assignments and small group problem solving exercises to be used during class sessions. The module was implemented over several semesters at both a small liberal arts college and a large research university. Assessment data from both institutions suggest that the module is effective in helping students to learn about mass-spectrometry-based proteomics. This freely available resource will assist instructors in introducing these topics to the undergraduate curriculum.

Adopting a Gamified Approach of Conducting Viva Voce in an Undergraduate Lab Module

“…This activity could also serve to reduce anxiety with regards to Viva voce. 36,43,44 The learning-byteaching effect has been demonstrated in numerous studies. 38,45,46 Moreover, due to the ease and affordability in implementation, Viva la Vida could be adapted for use by students in other chemistry courses for postlab knowledge consolidation.…”

“…In addition, as Viva la Vida encourages communication between peers, it enhances the learning experience of students partaking in this activity through collaborative learning. This activity could also serve to reduce anxiety with regards to Viva voce. ,, The learning-by-teaching effect has been demonstrated in numerous studies. ,, Moreover, due to the ease and affordability in implementation, Viva la Vida could be adapted for use by students in other chemistry courses for postlab knowledge consolidation.…”

“…The gamified Viva voce approach that was conducted in our third-year chemistry laboratory module is called Viva la Vida. This activity fosters communication and teamwork among students through collaborative learning, which has been shown to be helpful for students’ learning. − Meanwhile, the instructor standing by the side away from the students can assess students’ knowledge proficiency on the topic discussed passively (Figure b). The approach involves flashing the main menu to a team of students.…”

Modernizing the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory: The Design and Implementation of a Modular Protein-Centered Course

“…While many published research-based curricula focus on general chemistry, organic chemistry, or biochemistry, comparatively few have been reported to enhance bioanalytical chemistry laboratories . Even fewer have extended to the analysis of proteins and the application of biological mass spectrometry, despite its increasingly prominent role in analytical chemistry . This is a significant oversight, as bioanalytical chemistry and biological mass spectrometry are both consistently used in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries and are broadly applicable to students pursuing graduate school, professional school, or industry-related occupations following their undergraduate degree .…”

“…10 Even fewer have extended to the analysis of proteins and the application of biological mass spectrometry, despite its increasingly prominent role in analytical chemistry. 11 This is a significant oversight, as bioanalytical chemistry and biological mass spectrometry are both consistently used in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries and are broadly applicable to students pursuing graduate school, professional school, or industry-related occupations following their undergraduate degree. 12 By restructuring an analytical laboratory to focus on a single, semester-long biologically relevant research project, students experience a variety of analytical techniques without sacrificing the essential fundamentals taught in standard introductorylevel analytical chemistry courses.…”