During the first year of a Supplemental Instruction (SI) program on the Auraria campus in Denver, Colorado, SI Peer Leaders observed that the students in General Biology I classes struggled with understanding basic biological chemistry concepts.   Fundamental chemistry concepts are incorporated in biological processes, but students often have little prior knowledge of these when they take a General Biology I course.   Usually the biology professor explains some of the chemistry at the beginning of the semester  but does not revisit these concepts later.  A test was constructed and given to community college students to assess their knowledge of biological chemistry concepts often encountered in General Biology I.   SI Peer Leaders provided supplemental instruction about chemical concepts over the course of the semester to improve students' depth of understanding.  Findings indicate that students continue to operate at a novice level and therefore need on-going support provided by supplemental instruction.

Determining the chemical knowledge of community college students in general biology

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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