Implementation of an At-Home, First-Semester Biochemistry Lab Course: A Module Based on Banana Tyrosinase

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a fully remote upper-class biochemistry lab course. The sudden change to online teaching in the middle of spring semester 2020 had a primarily negative impact on laboratory teaching. These effects were mitigated because the students had done many of the basic hands-on procedures before the switch. A true "at-home" biochemistry lab module was implemented in the fall semester of 2020 to ensure students could have a hands-on lab experience in a remote setting despite the remaining COVID-19 restrictions placed upon universities. The module covered several fundamental concepts and techniques found in a first semester biochemistry lab sequence: extraction and purification of a protein from a sample, and further analysis of the protein. Tyrosinase was isolated and purified from a banana extract followed by kinetic analysis of the enzyme. A key component to the module is an LED light board that, in combination with a cell-phone app, made a simple at-home colorimeter. The module was implemented in three sections of a first semester biochemistry lab course (81 students total) in the fall of 2020, and components of it have been used periodically since. Some of the procedures are now being implemented into normal in-lab sessions. An assessment in terms of a student survey showed that most of the students were able to adapt to this format and felt that their learning was not impeded.

Sourdough as a Model Organism for Facilitating Undergraduate Biochemistry and Biology Education

“…Though the concept of a hybrid lab course is not new, the development and implementation of a complete at-home biochemistry lab course is still novel, with only one recent example, and many individual experiments that provide effective low-cost solutions that could be practiced in a home setting. ,− Transitioning laboratory learning experiences to adapt to hybrid settings, as necessitated by recent shifts in educational modalities, presents both unique opportunities and challenges. At-home laboratories offer the advantage of convenience and flexibility, allowing students to engage in scientific inquiry in a familiar environment.…”

“…In biochemistry and biology courses, the use of model organisms is a well-established approach to teaching complex concepts and providing applied experiences (e.g., E. coli, Dictyostelium discoideum , Neurospora crassa , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , and C. elegans ). − However, the accessibility, cost, and safety of some model organisms can be prohibitive. As educational institutions continue to adapt to hybrid learning environments, it is essential to develop innovative approaches to laboratory courses; thus, educators have been exploring alternative methods and resources for teaching laboratory-based courses, with a focus on practicality and accessibility. − …”

Whey Protein Analysis Using the Lowry Assay and 96-Well-Plate Digital Images Acquired Using Smartphones

“…Normally, colorimetric assays were carried out using spectrophotometers. However, nowadays, digital images obtained using electronic devices such as smartphones and scanners have been widely used instead of spectrophotometers. − For example, Na + , F – , Fe 3+ , − Cu 2+ , , NO 2 – , NO 3 – , tyrosinase, glucose, proteins, ,, food dyes, − reducing compounds, and pharmaceuticals − were quantified using digital images.…”

A Snapshot of Chemistry Teaching and Learning Practices in UK Higher Education as It Emerges from the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Perhaps it is no surprise that a large proportion of the chemical educational literature related to COVID-19 teaching covers the replacement of face-to-face laboratory courses with online alternatives . These include asynchronous recordings of experiments, − synchronous viewing of experiments performed by an instructor in the laboratory, , being given sample data to analyze, − ,− performing online simulations , and performing at-home experiments . In a seminal review by Kelley, it was found that many of these approaches offered limited evidence about how effective they were as replacements for face-to-face laboratories .…”