The Study of Biochemistry in Italian Universities: a Survey Promoted by GD SIB

Biochemistry is a fundamental discipline for most life and health sciences university programs, essential for understanding the complex molecular mechanisms that underlie life and, when altered, contribute to disease onset. Ensuring high-quality biochemistry education is crucial, primarily achieved by fostering students' active engagement with the subject. To accomplish this, educators must understand how students learn biochemistry and which study materials they prefer. In spring 2025, the SIB Board Education Group has promoted an anonymous questionnaire (available in Italian and English) inviting both Italian and foreign undergraduate students from Italian Universities to share information on their preferred study materials and methods for this subject. The questionnaire was distributed via email to SIB members, inviting them to share it with their students and promote participation. Analysis may uncover students' preferences for study materials (ranging from traditional textbooks to innovative resources), the time invested in studying biochemistry, variations across different courses, and the effectiveness in terms of overall learning experience. Additionally, it can assess whether biochemistry remains a subject students find engaging and intellectually stimulating. This knowledge will help teachers develop effective teaching by gaining in-depth insight into the key challenges that 21st-century students face when studying biochemistry.