Use of a Three-Dimensional Virtual Environment to Teach Drug-Receptor Interactions

Richardson, Alan; Bracegirdle, Luke; McLachlan, Sarah I.H.; Chapman, Stephen R.

Abstract

Objective. To determine whether using 3-dimensional (3D) technology to teach pharmacy students about the molecular basis of the interactions between drugs and their targets is more effective than traditional lecture using 2-dimensional (2D) graphics.

Design. Second-year students enrolled in a 4-year masters of pharmacy program in the United Kingdom were randomly assigned to attend either a 3D or 2D presentation on 3 drug targets, the β-adrenoceptor, the Na+-K+ ATPase, and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

Assessment. A test was administered to assess the ability of both groups of students to solve problems that required analysis of molecular interactions in 3D space. The group that participated in the 3D teaching presentation performed significantly better on the test than the group who attended the traditional lecture with 2D graphics. A questionnaire was also administered to solicit students’ perceptions about the 3D experience. The majority of students enjoyed the 3D session and agreed that the experience increased their enthusiasm for the course.

Conclusions. Viewing a 3D presentation of drug-receptor interactions improved student learning compared to learning from a traditional lecture and 2D graphics.

Citation

Richardson, A., Bracegirdle, L., McLachlan, S. I., & Chapman, S. R. (2013). Use of a Three-Dimensional Virtual Environment to Teach Drug-Receptor Interactions. American journal of pharmaceutical education, 77(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe77111

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 14, 2012
• Online Publication Date: Feb 12, 2013
• Publication Date: Feb 12, 2013
• Deposit Date: Jun 13, 2023
• Journal: American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
• Print ISSN: 0002-9459
• Electronic ISSN: 1553-6467
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 77
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 11
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe77111
• Keywords: General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics; Education; General Medicine; 3-dimensional; virtual reality; drug-receptor interactions; pharmacology