This abstract describes work to develop a fully remote upper-class biochemistry lab course. The sudden change to on-line 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 of 2020 so students could have a hands-on lab experience in a remote setting. 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 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). Some assessment in the form of student survey questions and examples of the experimental results will be presented.

Implementation of an at-home first semester biochemistry lab module: It can be done.

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.