As chemistry instructors we recognize the importance of molecular visualization in undergraduate chemistry education and hope that students are able to apply visualization skills learned in general chemistry to advanced coursework including biochemistry. A pre/post-test we developed revealed a robust incorrect idea about the location of the amino acid side chains in the protein alpha helix structure. Since this incorrect idea was present even after a semester of instruction in biochemistry at a range of institutions, an intervention was necessary. We worked collaboratively with a community of twenty expert biochemistry instructors to design two classroom activities that examine alpha helix structure more systematically.  Several of these faculty used one or both of the activities in their classrooms.  Student responses to the activities revealed further issues related to molecular visualization and students' ability to properly interpret space-filling molecular diagrams.

Probing and improving students' understanding of protein structure using targeted assessment and classroom interventions

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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