Virtual reality protein visualisation and multiplayer education

Xu, Tianshu

Virtual reality protein visualisation and multiplayer education

dc.contributor.advisor	Tabirca, Marius-Sabin
dc.contributor.advisor	Tangney, Mark
dc.contributor.author	Xu, Tianshu	en
dc.contributor.funder	Science Foundation Ireland
dc.date.accessioned	2025-10-01T14:52:03Z
dc.date.available	2025-10-01T14:52:03Z
dc.date.issued	2024
dc.date.submitted	2024
dc.description.abstract	This research explores the integration of VR in the visualisation and design of protein structures, emphasising its revolutionary impact on educational and research methodologies in bioinformatics and protein design. The research harnesses VR's capability to transform traditional two-dimensional visualisation approaches into interactive, three-dimensional simulations, thereby enhancing the comprehension and manipulation of complex protein models. A significant part of the thesis is dedicated to developing "Pocket Peptides", a single-player game designed to enhance scientific outreach through interactive protein design. The game uses tools such as I-TASSER for protein structure prediction, UCSF Chimera for three-dimensional model conversion, and Unity and C# for game design and development, integrating these technologies into a gameplay environment that supports educational and research objectives. Furthermore, the research expands into multiplayer gaming with "Pepblock Builder VR" and "ProMVR", extending VR's educational benefits by enabling collaborative and interactive learning experiences. This multiplayer environment supports the sharing and manipulation of protein designs. It cultivates a learning space where users can engage with and learn from each other in real-time, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. This study demonstrates VR's potential to enhance the educational landscape of protein engineering significantly, making complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging through gamified learning environments. The findings suggest that VR can be a powerful tool in the future of scientific education and research, providing immersive experiences that promote a deeper understanding of the protein molecular world, empowering learners to grasp even the most intricate concepts.	en
dc.description.status	Not peer reviewed	en
dc.description.version	Accepted Version	en
dc.format.mimetype	application/pdf	en
dc.identifier.citation	Xu, T. 2024. Virtual reality protein visualisation and multiplayer education. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.
dc.identifier.endpage	196
dc.identifier.uri	https://hdl.handle.net/10468/17934
dc.language.iso	en	en
dc.publisher	University College Cork	en
dc.relation.project	info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/SFI/NSF Student Mobility Programme/18/CRT/6222 (S5)/IE/18/CRT/6222 Supplement/
dc.relation.project	info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/SFI/Centres for Research Training (CRT) Programme/18/CRT/6222/IE/SFI Centre for Research Training in Advanced Networks for Sustainable Societies/
dc.rights	© 2024, Tianshu Xu.
dc.rights.uri	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
dc.subject	Virtual Reality
dc.subject	Protein visualisation
dc.subject	Educational gaming
dc.subject	Interactive learning
dc.subject	Multiplayer gaming
dc.title	Virtual reality protein visualisation and multiplayer education
dc.type	Doctoral thesis	en
dc.type.qualificationlevel	Doctoral	en
dc.type.qualificationname	PhD - Doctor of Philosophy	en