Aligning biochemistry to the interests of biology students using haloperoxidase to illustrate reactions of environmental and biomedical importance*

Abstract

AbstractUndergraduate degree programs in the biosciences almost always include elements of biochemistry. In the United Kingdom, biosciences programs often have optional pathways to accommodate students of diverse interests. These programs rarely require students to demonstrate any school‐level chemistry knowledge, and many students find biochemistry difficult and irrelevant to their primary areas of interest. We have developed laboratory practical work that is used with more than 200 first year (Level 1) students, over 100 second year (Level 2) students, and about 30 final year (Level 3, Honors) students on pathways within a biosciences scheme ranging from Human Biosciences through Plant Sciences and Marine Biology to Environmental Biology. The practical work is based on haloperoxidase enzymes and is modified easily for different student groups and levels. The wide biological distribution of these enzymes and their important biological roles allow students with a wide spectrum of interests to engage with the practical work, and through it with biochemistry. Attempts to align the laboratory work with other aspects of the curriculum were confounded by organizational aspects of the student experience on a complex modular degree scheme.