Deppmann Lab
Teaching & Course Materials
A 484-person biochemistry course, a free textbook, 750+ student-made trading cards, and more songs about hemoglobin than strictly necessary.
Current Courses
Courses Taught
From a 484-student biochemistry lecture to graduate seminars in cell signaling and neuroscience.
Biochemistry
A comprehensive survey of biochemistry covering protein structure and function, enzyme kinetics, metabolism, and molecular biology. One of the largest courses in the Biology department, with creative AI-assisted assignments that bring biomolecules to life. The course textbook is Biochemistrypedia, free and interactive.
Signal Transduction
An advanced graduate seminar exploring the molecular mechanisms of cell signaling, from receptor activation to transcriptional output. Covers RTK, GPCR, Wnt, Notch, and TNF superfamily pathways with primary literature analysis.
Foundations in Neuroscience
A rigorous upper-level course introducing the cellular and molecular basis of nervous system function. Topics include neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, sensory systems, and neural development. Co-taught with colleagues in the neuroscience program.
The Fun Stuff
Creative Course Materials
Students remember what they had a hand in making. Here are some of our favorite projects from BIOL 3030.
Biochemist Trading Cards
A gallery of AI-generated, Studio Ghibli-inspired trading cards featuring famous biochemists — created by over 750 students across multiple semesters of BIOL 3030.
Each student designs a trading card for a biochemist of their choice, using AI image generation to create a portrait in the style of Studio Ghibli animation. The cards include stats about the scientist's discoveries, contributions, and fun facts. The result is a growing gallery of the people behind the science.
Biochem Meme Gallery
Student-made memes that prove biochemistry can be hilarious — turning enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, and protein folding into internet-worthy comedy.
Each semester, BIOL 3030 students create original memes about biochemistry concepts. The best ones make it into the gallery — a growing collection that makes you laugh and study at the same time.
Browse the Memes →Bio3030 Music
Original biochemistry-themed songs that turn enzyme kinetics, protein folding, and metabolic pathways into catchy, memorable tunes.
Albums include Allosteric Anthems, The Hemoglobin Chronicles, and tracks with titles you won't forget. A song about cooperativity gives the oxygen-binding curve a tune to ride on.
We Are Biochemistry Podcast
A podcast that makes biomolecules, metabolism, and genetic engineering accessible, engaging, and fun — for students and lifelong learners alike.
Season 1 walks the central pathways of metabolism, from ATP to lipid synthesis, in twelve episodes. Season 2 is built around the scientists of The Molecule Hunters, one at a time.
Our Approach
Teaching Philosophy
We use creativity and technology when they help a student see a difficult idea more clearly. A song, a trading card, or a podcast episode gives an abstract mechanism something to hang on.
By integrating AI tools into assignments (like Ghibli-style trading cards), writing original songs about biochemistry, and producing a podcast that breaks down intimidating topics, we meet students where they are. In a class of nearly 500 students, making each person feel connected to the material is the greatest challenge — and the greatest reward.
AI as a Creative Tool
Students use generative AI to make things: portraits, songs, study aids. The science, the fact-checking, and the judgment stay theirs.
Multimodal Learning
Songs, podcasts, art, and hands-on projects give the same idea several ways in. The more hooks a concept has, the easier it is to find again at 2 a.m. before the exam.
Inclusive & Accessible
All materials are freely available. Science belongs to everyone, and our teaching reflects that commitment.
Want to Know More?
If you're a student interested in our courses, or an educator curious about our creative approaches, we'd love to connect.