By Andi Anderson
Purdue University’s Department of Biochemistry has introduced a new molecular genetics course designed to provide undergraduate students with practical research experience and advanced laboratory skills. The course helps students gain a strong understanding of genetics while preparing them for graduate education and careers in the biotechnology industry.
The course was developed in response to student interest in gaining more hands-on learning opportunities. According to Ben Carter, assistant clinical professor of biochemistry, the program was created to align with students’ academic goals and professional aspirations.
“One of the foundational reasons that this molecular genetics course was developed was based on student feedback,” Ben Carter, assistant clinical professor of biochemistry, said. “We wanted to develop a course that aligned with their interests and their career goals.”
The course allows freshman and sophomore biochemistry majors to experience the type of work commonly performed by graduate students and professional scientists. Students learn about genetic inheritance patterns and the molecular processes that influence them. The program focuses on developing valuable laboratory skills that are highly relevant in both research institutions and biotechnology companies.
The laboratory component is divided into three sections. In the first module, students study classical genetics using Arabidopsis, a model plant widely used in plant science research. Through observation and analysis, they learn how physical characteristics are passed from one generation to another.
In the second module, students perform CRISPR-based gene-editing experiments. They select a gene from a provided list and remove it from the genome of yeast, a microscopic fungus commonly used in scientific research. Using information from previously published studies, students develop hypotheses about how the modification might affect the organism. They then grow and observe the yeast to evaluate the results.
The final module requires students to place the removed DNA sequence into a circular DNA plasmid, which can re-enter the yeast genome. This step enables students to test whether restoring the gene also restores the original trait, helping them better understand gene function.
Carter emphasized that scientific research often involves challenges and unexpected outcomes. To help students understand the realities of research, he designed the course to include troubleshooting and problem-solving opportunities.
“I anticipated failure at all steps. I generated replacement reagents for each step for the different genes in case a group's experiments failed so they could continue,” Carter said. “When students look at published science papers, they assume that everything just worked correctly because that's how it's presented in the paper. But that's not actually how science works. So I think portraying those kinds of setbacks as a learning experience is another way of preparing them for graduate school and research.”
The course was developed with significant support from upper-level biochemistry students. Elysia Uggen, Maren Eaton, and Elise Denger, upperclass biochemistry majors and teaching assistants, helped design experiments, test laboratory procedures, and prepare instructional materials. They also served as the first teaching assistants for the course.
Discussing her experience, Denger said:
“I am excited about making a lasting impact on future undergraduates in my department, helping the students build familiarity and confidence with molecular genetics topics early in their college experience, which I think will help prepare them for future biochemistry coursework.”
Similarly, Eaton highlighted the benefits of participating in course development.
“I wanted to bring a fresh perspective to the class, both as a teaching assistant and as a fellow student,” she said. “Further, the prospect of planning, developing, testing and refining experimental methods was very exciting — few opportunities come up as an undergraduate researcher to substantially develop this skillset, which can make one a uniquely competitive applicant for graduate studies.”
The new course has already received positive feedback from students and faculty. One student shared the impact the class had on their academic motivation, stating:
“This class reminded me why I chose to be a future biochemist; you gave me that spark back. The passion you had for your subject matter was unmatched.”
By combining classroom learning with real laboratory experiences, Purdue University’s molecular genetics course is helping students build confidence, develop technical expertise, and prepare for successful careers in biotechnology, research, and higher education.
Photo Credit: purdue-university
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