The document discusses a research project that aimed to identify threshold concepts in plant sciences through interviews with tutors. Six threshold concepts were identified: water potential, electrical potential, gene for gene hypothesis, circadian clock, species area curves, and photoprotection. The researchers developed concept maps and ontologies of the key concepts, such as photosynthesis and photoprotection, to enhance student learning outcomes and engagement.

1. Ontology-based concept
mapping in Plant
Sciences
Katy Jordan, Department of Plant
Sciences
Kate Taylor, Computer Laboratory
University of Cambridge

2. How we encountered Threshold Concepts in
Plant Sciences
Enhance Student
Improve Learning Engage Students Recruitment and
Outcomes Better Retention

3. Research Approach
Identification
of desirable
practices
Analysis of Development
effectiveness of of resources
interventions
Implementation
of resources
and practices

4. Interviews with Tutors
• To identify successful tutorial activities for each
lecture topic
• To highlight areas where extra resources are
likely to be useful for students and tutors
• To get ideas for new types of resources

5. Mapping to Meyer & Land Definition

6. Threshold concepts identified
• Water potential
• Electrical potential
• Gene for gene hypothesis
• Circadian clock
• Species area curves
• Photoprotection

7. Photoprotection

8. Excess Production PSII
CO2 Light of ROS Damage
Energy
Metabolism Limited Chronic
of TrioseP
RUBISCO Photosynthesis Photoinhibition Dynamic
Activity
RuBP Photosynthetic
Regeneration Rate Mid-day
Photoprotection
Leaf Physiological Photorespiration Stomata
Movement Adaptation Close
Non-
LAI Sun and Photochemical Water Transpiration
Shade Quenching Potential Rate
Leaves Change Decreases
Chloroplast
Movement
Reflective Enzymes Carotenoids Xanthophyll
Leaves Cycle

9. From concept map to ontology
Photosynthesis
Photoprotection

10. From concept map to ontology
Photosynthesis
Photoprotection