Training on the foundations of biochemistry: Prof. Dr. Tobias Gulder (#TG1)

Format

• Instructional videos and data exchange via Opal (asynchronous, online)
• On-site interaction via Zoom video conferencing (synchronous, online)
• Optional on-site supplement (on site, no effect on exam)

Keywords

Hybrid training; biochemistry; proteins and enzymes; basic biomolecular laboratory techniques

Description

One of the most important aspects of the university education of natural scientists is the imparting of practical skills within the framework of laboratory training. Conducting training during the pandemic has also probably been the greatest challenge of the last few semesters. This is especially true for training that is built into tightly packed schedules, where it is not possible to extend the training period and thereby the time for completing them in smaller groups. We faced this problem with regard to training on the foundations of biochemistry, a course with more than 100 students for which only 6 weeks are reserved in the curriculum. The search was on for a solution that would enable the training to take place during this period, that would enable the teaching of the important practical content as well as possible and, above all, that would allow all students to complete the training and thus not lead to any delays in their studies.

These challenges were solved by designing hybrid training with three elements. In the first element, instructional videos made available via OPAL were used to teach important laboratory techniques (e.g. pipetting, autoclaving, centrifuging, making buffers, etc.) as well as all experimental background and experimental procedures for the training. The newly learned knowledge was consolidated through questions on all instructional videos. In Element 2, students were provided with real, individual readings for each experiment, which allowed each training participant to perform detailed evaluations and analyses and present them in writing in protocols. Here, intensive interaction with experienced doctoral candidates took place by means of online conferences, through which students could ask any unresolved questions about the experiments, protocols and evaluations and explain them in direct discussion. Upon successful completion of these two elements, students could easily complete the module in the current semester. In addition, a third, voluntary element was offered: following the module, interested students were given the opportunity to carry out the experiments they had learned in small groups, also on site. This was possible outside of the tight semester schedules, e.g. during the semester break – without time and grade pressure.

With the training held in the hybrid format shown here, we succeeded in meeting the needs of all students – from rapid study progress to detailed practical knowledge.

Sample videos

(1) Short sample videos on basic laboratory techniques and equipment:
- Instructions on pipetting: https://tud.link/us7m
- Instructions on using a spectrometer: https://tud.link/desv

(2) Short sample videos of selected experiments:
- Experiment on gel electrophoresis: https://tud.link/0j61
- Enzyme kinetics experiment: https://tud.link/7t2s 

Contact

Prof. Dr. Tobias Gulder
Dr. Hülya Aldemir
Manuel Hermit

Voting ID

#TG1​