Enzyme Tales: Student Created Renditions of Enzyme Mechanisms
Faculty/Staff: Natasha Ramroop Singh
Platform: Pressbooks
Site link (if applicable): https://enzymemechanisms.pressbooks.tru.ca/
Services provided: TRU Open Press provided only minor support for this project, including accessibility checking, transcript preparation, copyediting, front matter development, and an official cover design.
Description: As part of TRU’s Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) initiative, Enzymes in Action: Student-Created Explorations of Biochemical Mechanisms was developed as an open educational resource to support BIOL 3130/CHEM 3730 – Introduction to Biochemistry. This innovative resource showcases student-created videos and chapters that creatively explain enzyme-catalyzed reaction mechanisms. Each chapter, named after the contributing student, includes background information and an original animated video, blending scientific accuracy with artistic expression.
Impact Summary
- Used in course(s): BIOL 3130/CHEM 3730
- When: Implemented as a supplementary resource and to grow with each upcoming cohort starting Fall 2025
- Estimated number of students using resource(s): 85 (TRU students – estimated enrollment)
- Average price of textbook/ resource replaced:
- The average price of a Biology- or Chemistry-related textbook in Canada typically ranges from $80 to $300 depending on format (print or ebook) and publisher – we are using a modest estimate of $100/ high quality textbook, featuring accessibility and engaging components such as videos, graphics, and interactive H5P activity components.
- Estimated savings: $100 x 85 students = $8,500 (at TRU)
