“Doggy Diagnosis”: An Interactive Video Game for Teaching Functional Groups in Undergraduate Organic Chemistry

Abstract Undergraduate students have a difficult time recognizing different functional groups in complex compounds like biological molecules and drugs. Students are also challenged to find effective ways to study and recognize functional groups, typically relying on flash cards that lack a variety of locations and arrangements of the functional group. To support student learning, we have developed an interactive game that can serve as a useful and entertaining alternative to traditional study methods. “Doggy Diagnosis” simulates a hospital for dogs that have consumed different chemical compounds. You play as a nurse trying to cure each patient in as few days as possible by identifying functional groups to determine treatment. The game can be modified to ensure the appropriate difficulty for the student depending on their course application. The game also increases the complexity of the compounds over play time to challenge the student. Students that have played the game found it to be entertaining and a useful educational tool.