Threshold concepts are concepts that when mastered, represent a transformed understanding of a discipline, without which the learner cannot progress. For example, equilibrium has been identified as a threshold concept in biology and is likely to be relevant for biochemistry. Preliminary data suggest that students bring incomplete knowledge of equilibrium into biochemistry courses and that biochemistry courses do not alter their understanding significantly. By focusing on threshold concepts, instructors can maximize the impact of instruction. We are beginning work with a community of biochemists, biologists and chemists, to 1) identify threshold concepts for biochemistry, 2) design classroom activities targeting these concepts, 3) disseminate classroom activities and assessment tools, 4) measure changes in student understanding. Our prior work linking assessment of student understanding of protein structure to curricular reform provides a model of a process that uses assessment and community input in a feedback loop to improve student learning.

Using threshold concepts to drive curriculum reform in biochemistry

245th National Meeting (2013)

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