A protein purification card game develops subject knowledge and transferable skills

Games can help learners of all ages retain knowledge and build skills such as critical thinking. As such, they could be a useful tool in supporting practical training at the university level. This paper describes the development, use, and evaluation of a card game based on protein purification techniques, for a large cohort of undergraduates studying Molecular Biology and related subjects. Game materials are available and can be adapted for a different audience. Players collect cards representing chromatography columns, buffers, and elution methods by drawing cards from a common deck, and discard them in order to separate a single protein from a mixture of molecules with different properties (represented by a separate set of cards). Surveys showed that the game met its three goals: to assess, increase, and apply subject knowledge; to develop skills in communication and experimental planning; and to provide a fun experience. It was more successful for those students who enjoy games and puzzles in their spare time than for those who do not, correlating with the ‘gamer’ group finding it easier to understand and remember the rules of the game. Thus, games can form a useful part of biochemistry teaching practice.