Implementation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Approach for Computer Aided Drug Designing (CADD) Course

Abstract—Computer-aided drug design (CADD) is a course that provides a foundational understanding of the concepts and methods of computational drug design techniques that are used by the biggest biotech and pharmaceutical companies in the world today. PBL is an instructional methodology in where learners work in teams to find a solution for open-ended problems in order to gain information about specific topics. The aim of this study is to apply PBL model in the CADD course to analyze to what extent this encourages students to engage in group activities which fosters experiential learning and critical thinking and focuses on the course's foundations and applications. The students were asked to form teams and work to solve the problem statement “Pharmacoinformatics based screening of potential drug candidates from Indian medicinal plants against Cancer targets” provided. Mini-project, laboratory examination, manuscript submission, Monograph presentations were part of the course evaluation which were evaluated based on the framed rubrics. The evaluation scores, student outcomes, survey feedback and qualitative testimonies received from students, highlights the positive role of PBL model in knowledge and skill acquisition among students in this course. The exercises were helpful in addressing the following graduate attributes: the ability to identify and solve problems, determine appropriate tools, analyze and interpret data, communicate effectively, and work well in teams were the main outcomes of this course. Further implementations and future studies may bring in additional insights into this model of teaching-learning. Keywords—Bioinformatics, Education, Drug Design, PBL, Student outcome.