When most people think of microbiology, they imagine petri dishes, microscopes, and dense textbooks filled with unfamiliar terminology. While these elements are essential, they can make the subject intimidating for students encountering it for the first time. In my search for creative ways to make microbiology engaging, memorable, and approachable without sacrificing scientific accuracy, I have adopted an innovative approach in my Principles of Microbiology course: using AI-generated music to teach key concepts. Yes, you read that right. I bring microbiology to life by turning lessons into songs, and AI helps me do it efficiently and effectively. This is not an entirely new concept, but today’s tools take it to another level.

Why Music? Why AI?

Music is a powerful learning tool. Songs can enhance learning by aiding memorization, reducing stress, engaging students through multiple sensory modalities, encouraging deeper understanding through lyrics, and increasing study time through enjoyable listening or songwriting tasks (Crowther, G., CBE Life Sciences Education, 2012). Students often tell me, “I still remember that enzyme song,” which is exactly the point. However, writing educational songs that are both engaging and scientifically accurate takes time and effort. That is where AI comes in. Instead of starting from scratch, I use AI to generate lyric ideas, assist with rhyme and rhythm, and even create backing tracks in genres ranging from smooth jazz and blues to contemporary pop. The result is music that students enjoy and learn from.

The Four-Step Process

  1. 1. Identifying the Core Concept
    I begin by asking a simple question: What do I want students to remember? This might be the steps of the Gram stain or the reason life cannot exist without enzymes.

  2. Drafting the Scientific Content 
    Before any lyrics are written, I outline the essential scientific facts. This step ensures completeness and accuracy, both of which are non-negotiable in my classroom.

  3. Using AI as a Creative Partner 
    Next, I use tools such as ChatGPT to help transform those facts into verses and choruses. For example, I might prompt the AI: “Write a soulful R&B chorus about the steps of Gram staining, crystal violet, iodine, alcohol wash, and safranin, with a fun hook that helps students remember the order.” The AI provides a starting point, which I then refine by adjusting terminology, correcting inaccuracies, and ensuring the lyrics align with course content. Accuracy always takes priority over convenience. The clearer and more specific the prompt, the better the result.

  4. Adding Music with AI Tools 
    Once the lyrics are finalized, I use music-generation platforms such as Suno to create a track that matches the intended mood. For example, I might choose a blues arrangement for a song about viruses. I then review the final product and make adjustments as needed so the song feels polished and authentic.

The Non-Negotiables: Completeness and Accuracy

It can be tempting to let AI take the lead, but science education demands precision. These songs are never “just for fun.” They are intentional study tools designed to reinforce essential concepts.

To that end, the lyrics must meet two requirements:

  1. Completeness: Every critical step or concept must be included.
  2. Accuracy: No shortcuts or misinformation, especially since AI can occasionally improvise or introduce errors.

This human-AI partnership works because I bring subject-matter expertise, and AI provides a creative boost.

Impact in the Classroom

When I play these songs, the energy in the room shifts. Students smile, tap their feet, and sometimes even sing along. Later, during reviews or exams, they recall specific lyrics. 
“Oh yeah, iodine’s the mordant. I remember that from the song,” or “I remembered worms because of that flamenco song.”

This anecdotal feedback suggests that music helps information stick. At times, I also invite students to co-create songs, giving them hands-on experience with responsible AI use while reinforcing their understanding of the material. They quickly learn that AI is a tool, not a replacement for critical thinking, which is a valuable lesson for future scientists.

Bringing AI Literacy into the Mix

This approach does more than teach microbiology. It introduces students to AI in a practical and ethical way. We discuss questions such as:

  • Why is it important to verify AI-generated content for accuracy?
  • How is AI currently being used in microbiology research?
  • These conversations help prepare students for careers in which AI will be a routine part of scientific work.

From Petri Dishes to Playlists

Incorporating AI-generated music into my microbiology class has been one of the most rewarding teaching strategies I have used. It blends science, technology, and creativity to make learning more engaging and meaningful. AI has not replaced my role as an educator; it has amplified it. By turning microbiology lessons into memorable songs, I offer students a new way to connect with challenging content and leave the course not only with knowledge, but also with curiosity and confidence. After all, when students sing science, they remember science.