A new research-based exercise was implemented into UC Irvine’s undergraduate laboratory course (Chem 128L). Chem 128L is designed to teach basic principles and techniques in chemical biology. Approximately 80-100 upperclassmen enroll each year. This course is often a student’s first exposure to biology-related lab skills, as most chemistry graduates do not enroll in an advanced biochemistry course. To provide these students with more than just a set of techniques, we developed experiments that not only teach basic skills, but also incorporate an element of research. The most popular of these experiments involves a high-throughput screen of small molecules for anti-cancer properties. UC Irvine is home to a collection of molecules synthesized by various research labs on campus. For the lab exercise, students screen the compound library using luciferase-labeled cancer cells.  Students work in teams to collect data and present their findings via classroom presentations. Additionally, undergraduates interested in follow up analyses of compound “hits” are eligible for summer research opportunities. To date, over 250 students have screened &gt;1000 compounds (in triplicate), and compounds with anti-cancer properties have been identified. Students have consistently praised the “real world” nature of the screening exercise in written evaluations. Importantly, the experiment also provides training in key areas relevant to chemical biology: compound screening, pharmacokinetics, assay development, and data analysis.<br/>

Luminescence screening for bioactive compounds: A research-based experiment for undergraduates

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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