Using the protein folding literature to teach biophysical chemistry to undergraduates

An understanding of physical chemistry principles enhances student understanding of biochemical phenomena; however, the application of these principles to biological examples is frequently missing in the standard undergraduate physical chemistry curriculum. The topics of protein folding and stability are based in thermodynamics and can serve as a vehicle for presenting essential thermodynamics in a context that is highly relevant to undergraduate biochemistry majors. The outline of a course that replaces the standard thermodynamics offering in physical chemistry is described. The protein folding literature is used to illustrate thermodynamic concepts in this course and students are expected to read and comprehend the assigned literature. The course is offered as a separate biophysical chemistry course for B. S. Biochemistry majors; however, elements of this course may be useful in crafting a more standard thermodynamics course for B. S. Chemistry majors in chemistry departments seeking to fulfill ACS guidelines for approved B. S. Chemistry majors.