Understanding the Practical Consequences of Metabolic Interactions Using Computer Simulations

Project Title

Understanding the Practical Consequences of Metabolic Interactions Using Computer Simulations

Project Leader

Prof John Barford

School / Dept

SENG / CENG

Project Duration

Sept 2002 - Oct 2004

Project Description

This project dealt with metabolic pathway interactions for energy generation and manufacture of intermediates in the process of making major components in cells, which are important areas in biochemistry courses. Currently students are weak in the quantitative understanding of such metabolism as well as the meaningful relationships (or results) of the pathway interactions. The project involved the design and development of an instructional software package allowing students to explore, visualize, and develop a quantitative understanding of metabolism and its effect on cellular energetics. Further practical applications were developed in other topics e.g. environmental biotechnology.

Project Outcome

• Development of a calculator program for metabolism interaction using Excel.
• Preparing supporting learning materials (background theories and problem sets): to help students understand the quantitative aspects of metabolism interaction by utilizing the calculator, a document containing a user manual, the background theories and references, plus 4 problem sets were prepared and have been integrated into the program.
• Development of User-interface using Visual Basic, inlcuding instructional design, storyboarding, interface design and programming.
• Pilot testing and refinement of the program.
• The program was further tested in 2005 after the project completed.

Status

Completed

Project Documents
(Only accessible by HKUST users)

• Project Plan
• Progress Report: First | Second | Third |
• Final Report

Adaptation

Full Project