Complex sentence: Studies found that few understood what these terms were intended to convey, and that even though microstates and energy levels were emphasised in the course, for most these points were overwhelmed by simplistic notions of randomness or disorder.
Split into simpler sentences: Studies found that few understood what these terms were intended to convey. Even though courses emphasised microstates and energy levels, most students could not get beyond simplistic notions of randomness or disorder.