crafting biochemistry: tiktok meets molecules

posted on february 27, 2025   by dr monika gostic, school of medicine, medical sciences and nutrition, aberdeen university

the education and outreach network is a group of national and international 英格兰vs美国谁会赢？ members interested in educating students at all levels of study and members of the public about microbiology. in this blog, dr monika gostic talks about her recent project, 'crafting biochemistry'. 
 

as an educator in the field of medical sciences, i've always been passionate about finding innovative ways to make complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging for students. the idea for "crafting biochemistry" was born out of a desire to bridge the gap between abstract molecular concepts and tangible, visual representations that students could easily grasp and remember.

my motivation behind this project stemmed from observing the challenges students often face when trying to understand intricate biochemical processes. i realised that by combining hands-on crafting with the popular social media platform tiktok, we could create a unique learning experience that would not only deepen students' understanding but also tap into their creativity and digital skills.

the project involved third-year undergraduate students creating short, engaging tiktok videos explaining key biochemical processes using crafted models. while the primary audience was fellow undergraduate students, we also aimed to make the content accessible to a broader audience interested in science.

collaboration was at the heart of this initiative, with the medical sciences academic working closely with the students. each student or small group selected a biochemical concept, crafted a physical model, and produced a tiktok video. one of the key advantages of this approach was its financial accessibility - crafting materials are generally inexpensive, making this model easily adoptable and transferable to other topics.

initially, some students were hesitant about appearing on camera. to address this, we offered the option to use animation techniques. the challenge was to explain biochemical processes without written text or spoken explanations, which quickly sparked creativity among the students. they even incorporated frames presenting parts of the concepts. the final videos were shared with the academic staff and the entire workshop group, with students voting for the best video and a small prize awarded.

the project received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with students reporting a deeper understanding of biochemical concepts through the process of creating physical models and explaining them concisely. key lessons emerged, including the importance of embracing creativity, encouraging collaboration, and striking a balance between entertainment and education.

for those interested in implementing a similar project, i recommend starting with a pilot group to address any technical or logistical issues. partnering with your institution's media or communications department can also provide valuable support and resources.