Conceptual Frameworks
Unpacking Core Concepts
An important part of this project is 'unpacking' the core concepts of physiology into the component ideas that make up the core concept. This 'unpacking' yields a conceptual framework that can be used to inform teaching, learning, course and program design, practice and assessment.We have unpacked the core concepts into a hierarchical structure, including
The Core Concept: the "Big Idea"
Critical Components: aspects of the concept that are essential for building an accurate mental model of a core concept
Constituent Ideas: elements that are necessary to develop a working understanding of a critical component for undergraduate physiology
Elaborations
Amplifications
| Level | Example |
| CORE CONCEPT (BIG IDEA) | CELL-CELL COMMUNICATION |
| Critical components | CC4 binding of the messenger molecule to its receptor gives rise to signal transduction |
| Constituent ideas | CC4.3 there are two basic mechanisms for transduction ... |
| Elaborations | CC4.3.3 The speed of response of the two systems is different |
| Amplications | CC4.3.3.1 The speed of response in a second messenger system is fast |