Introducing Peptide Synthesis Based Research to Freshman Students
Disciplines
Science and Mathematics Education
Abstract (300 words maximum)
KSU has a unique program to introduce freshman students to undergraduate research. In the last two years, our group has recruited 14 students for a two-semester long research project on peptide synthesis. The key challenges to engage freshman students with peptide synthesis projects are that they do not have sufficient background in organic chemistry, basic biochemistry, and analytical instrumentation. In this research project, we developed several modules to teach key concepts in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and mass spectrometry so that students can build a strong understanding and foundation on peptide synthesis and characterization. For organic chemistry module, functional groups, structural presentation are introduced. Students are required to memorize two compounds’ name and their Lewis structures from aliphatic group and ten compound names from aromatic group. For Biochemistry module, all amino acids names were introduced alphabetically (A for Alanine, C for Cysteine). Moreover, classification of amino acids, Lewis’s structure and peptide bond formation was reviewed. Several worksheets and quizzes were made to monitor students’ learning. For peptide synthesis, four key concepts including resin swelling, deprotection, coupling and cleavage were explained. Students are trained on a peptide synthesizer and allowed them to synthesize therapeutic peptides for Infectious, Alzheimer and Cancer diseases. Before joining our team, 64% of students did not know the name and properties of amino acids and 28% of students only knew a few names and their properties. 72% strongly agreed and 28% agreed that alphabetic way is an effective way to memorize all amino acids. Out of 14 students, 10 students were extremely confident, 3 students were somewhat confident, and 1 student was neutral on peptide synthesis. Over 90% of students strongly agreed that this program helped them to improve their research skills, communication skills, team-oriented work, and significantly boosted their confidence for organic chemistry, biochemistry, and instrumentation.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Chemistry and Biochemistry
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Mohammad A Halim
Introducing Peptide Synthesis Based Research to Freshman Students
KSU has a unique program to introduce freshman students to undergraduate research. In the last two years, our group has recruited 14 students for a two-semester long research project on peptide synthesis. The key challenges to engage freshman students with peptide synthesis projects are that they do not have sufficient background in organic chemistry, basic biochemistry, and analytical instrumentation. In this research project, we developed several modules to teach key concepts in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and mass spectrometry so that students can build a strong understanding and foundation on peptide synthesis and characterization. For organic chemistry module, functional groups, structural presentation are introduced. Students are required to memorize two compounds’ name and their Lewis structures from aliphatic group and ten compound names from aromatic group. For Biochemistry module, all amino acids names were introduced alphabetically (A for Alanine, C for Cysteine). Moreover, classification of amino acids, Lewis’s structure and peptide bond formation was reviewed. Several worksheets and quizzes were made to monitor students’ learning. For peptide synthesis, four key concepts including resin swelling, deprotection, coupling and cleavage were explained. Students are trained on a peptide synthesizer and allowed them to synthesize therapeutic peptides for Infectious, Alzheimer and Cancer diseases. Before joining our team, 64% of students did not know the name and properties of amino acids and 28% of students only knew a few names and their properties. 72% strongly agreed and 28% agreed that alphabetic way is an effective way to memorize all amino acids. Out of 14 students, 10 students were extremely confident, 3 students were somewhat confident, and 1 student was neutral on peptide synthesis. Over 90% of students strongly agreed that this program helped them to improve their research skills, communication skills, team-oriented work, and significantly boosted their confidence for organic chemistry, biochemistry, and instrumentation.