Bridging Complexity with Familiarity: Analogy-Based Teaching in Biochemistry for Basic Medical Science to Undergraduate Dental Students
List of Authors
Indah Mohd Amin, Mohd Aizat Abdul Rahim, RD Aidifitrina Khirotdin, Zatilfarihiah Rasdi
Keyword
Biochemistry, Analogy-Based Teaching, Dental Education, Basic Medical Science, Undergraduate Dental Students
Abstract
Biochemistry is one of the most cognitively demanding subjects for undergraduate dental students due to its abstract molecular nature and intricate metabolic pathways. This paper evaluates the implementation of the "Analogy Technique" as a pedagogical tool within the discipline of basic medical sciences for dental undergraduate. Utilizing a narrative review and pedagogical synthesis framework, the study explores how discipline-specific analogies can enhance student comprehension by mapping complex biochemical mechanisms onto everyday macroscopic experiences. The analysis demonstrates that the transition from passive learning to active conceptual mapping reduces cognitive load. Well-constructed analogies, such as comparing enzyme-substrate interactions to a ‘lock-and-key’ mechanism or metabolic flux to a "subway transit map," improve the ability to apply biochemical principles to clinical dental scenarios. The findings suggest that the strategic use of analogies serves as a vital bridge between basic science and clinical practice, fostering a more integrative learning environment for biochemistry lecturers in dental education.