This free course is designed to provide a background and understanding of tricky topics, the practical application of threshold concepts, and their connection with learning design, digital innovation and learning analytics. The course, and the innovative teaching tricky topic process which it explores, will be useful for trainee or experienced teachers in schools, colleges and universities, who need to develop their skills in teaching difficult knowledge. It will also be useful for career development of academics who wish to upskill in learning design, digital innovation and analytics.