Discovery-based learning in nucleic acid research using innovative and interactive teaching methodology

Abstract

In this project, I will implement discovery-based learning in nucleic acid research using innovative and interactive teaching methodology, which will greatly enhance the teaching and learning experience of the course BCH3081 Chemical Biology of DNA and RNA that is being offered every year to ~40 undergraduate students. This teaching idea is original, and can be applied to other courses as well, making this broadly applicable. Current teaching in DNA/RNA structure and folding lacks hands-on interactive experience and real-time feedback when issue arises, leading to a steep learning curve and lack of learning motivation. This teaching initiative will first allow the students to have first-hand experience to learn and interact with the state-of-the-art RNA/DNA online game Eterna, to better understand the properties, folding rules and design of nucleic acid structure motifs, and be able to test their own designs and discover new findings in a non-traditional report format Besides assistance from course leader, the game itself will also provide direct-feedback troubleshooting guide in real-time, which will allow more efficient learning of DNA/RNA molecules, and facilitate interactions between the students and the game course leader, allowing them to address the issues promptly instead of accumulating them. In addition, interactive discussion will be established to encourage the students to explore and support with evidence their selected candidate for the next Nobel Prize winner, Since Nobel Prize is announced every Oct, having the course in SEM A will help to implement this exercise most effectively. The student will have stronger incentives, as learning through activity playing will improve the level of involvement and motivation. This exerche can enable the students to link between teaching learning with up-to-date scientific research and literature, and uncover deeply about the latest research data and findings of their proposed candidate, and present it in front of the class to justif why their nominated candidate deserve a Nobel Prize These 2 activities are creative and will be able to foster student's curiosity and discovery sense in science.