Utilization of online data resources by final year student in completing final year project on biochemistry and biotechnology

Abstract

The discovery of DNA structure has changed our understanding of life. Large data has been generated from researches triggered by this discovery. Information technology development has made it possible to share DNA sequences, proteins sequences, and 3D structure of proteins, articles, and tools. This information will be continuously produced. Consequently, it will result in dynamic databases. As an agent of sustainability change, university is forced to make continuous adjustments to this dynamic phenomenon. This paper reports our preliminary study on developing a learning model to promote life-based learning to prepare our students to live in such dynamic and rapidly changing environments. This study focuses on utilizing open-access databases as learning resources by final year students to construct their knowledge on biochemistry and biotechnology through the final year project. The research was done by overviewing students' scripts and gathering information from students carrying the final year project using a closed- ended questionnaire. The results showed deficient students' access to the open-access databases by students who worked on protein projects due to low awareness of the presence of such databases. We propose problem-based learning with a database digging learning model as a possible learning model to promote students awareness at early courses