Making molecular structures understandable

To recognise innovative approaches to improving the quality of teaching, the Medical University of Graz awards an annual special grant totalling 50,000 euros. One of the projects to receive this award is “Making molecular structures tangible – the implementation of virtual reality in teaching”.

One of the main research focuses at the Division of Medicinal Chemistry lies in the computer-aided design and synthesis of artificial molecules intended for use in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases. A key step in this process is understanding the three-dimensional structure of ‘small molecules’ and macromolecules, and consequently elucidating their interactions at the molecular level. This is because only knowledge and understanding of the three-dimensional structure of target molecules enable the precise and targeted development of active substances.

To convey this essential understanding of the structure of complex three-dimensional molecules to future medical students in the best possible way, Christoph Nusshold and his colleagues Christine Rossmann and Pedro Sánchez Murcia decided to to implement this using virtual reality (VR) headsets and the visualisation software Nanome©. This innovative teaching method is used in the course ‘Natural Products in Silico’ as part of the PT NAWI II programme. Here, students work in small groups on case studies, with the aim of elucidating the underlying molecular causes of a disease (e.g. a mutation leading to the development of a carcinoma). To understand the structure and, consequently, the function of the biomolecules being studied, the students visualised them in three dimensions via VR rather than in the usual two-dimensional format on a computer. In this way, students can literally ‘dive into’ or ‘enter’ the molecular structure of the respective macromolecules. As the individual group members are all in the same VR environment, the students are not only able to work together on their problem, but this interactive approach also enhances the quality of the subsequent presentation of the respective showcases (peer learning) is enhanced by this interactive work, as all participants are able to follow the explanations of their presenting peers much more easily.

The lecturers observed that, through the use of VR, the students optimised their digital skills and gained a better understanding of a subject that is often abstract for medical students, which was also reflected in their learning outcomes. In evaluations carried out specifically for this purpose, students provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, expressing a desire to incorporate VR into further courses as well.