Evolution of a Biocatalysis CURE for Organic Chemistry Students

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are increasingly recognized as valuable tools for engaging students in authentic research, for removing barriers to participation in research, and for the retention of students in STEM disciplines. Recently, we developed a CURE sequence for organic chemistry students in which they conducted self-directed investigations into bio- and organocatalytic approaches to the asymmetric synthesis of warfarin, a commonly prescribed anticoagulant with the potential for serious side effects. In this CURE, students worked on a chemistry problem with implications for modern medical practice while learning fundamental techniques in organic synthesis, chromatography, and spectroscopy. While engaging students in creative research activity, this CURE also emphasized working in scientific teams, an approach that prepares students for current practices in academic and industrial research settings. Publications on the design and implementation of CUREs have increased considerably in the past decade, but the benefits to faculty research are not well-documented. This article describes the evolution of this CURE from a screening-based approach to the identification of biocatalysts for the synthesis of warfarin to a more targeted approach using small biologically inspired catalysts. The most recent iteration of the biocatalysis CURE generated results that are included in an original research pre-print publication with student coauthors (Wurz, A. I.; et al. ChemRxiv 2024, 10.26434/chemrxiv-2024-krf7h).