Teaching Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with Virtual Reality — Lesson Creation and Student Response

Abstract

The commercialization of virtual reality (VR) hardware has enabled the use of VR as an educational tool. We describe how a VR platform was used to create molecular visualizations using standard PDB files with the purpose of delivering biochemistry and cellular biology lessons for undergraduates.  Specifically, we describe two new software modules, one for rendering molecules generated from PDB files and one for creating interactive lectures.  These modules were used to create two VR labs, one on DNA and collagen and the other on hemoglobin.  We then describe how these labs were delivered, along with surveys and quizzes, to over 100 students in undergraduate biology courses.  Student response to the labs are found to be extremely positive and the labs themselves are found to satisfy their educational objectives.