The IMCA assess student conceptual understanding of topics covered in undergraduate introductory molecular and cell biology courses. The topics covered include the theory of evolution; characteristics of viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotic cells; monomers; properties of water in cells; biochemical reactions; diffusion; matter and energy in cell growth; gene information storage; and genetic expression.
The IMCA is commonly administered in introductory molecular and cell biology courses for majors and nonmajors.
Shi and colleagues (2010) report course averages of 42% and 44% before instruction and 71% and 59% after instruction.
The was developed by Shi and colleagues in 2010.
Shi, J., Wood, W. B., Martin, J. M., Guild, N. A., Vicens, Q., & Knight, J. K. (2010). A diagnostic assessment for introductory molecular and cell biology. CBE—Life Sciences Education, 9(4), 453-461.
We recommend using Google Scholar and the citations listed under validation to find articles of interest.
Please follow this link to our example report for concept inventories.
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