Genetics Learning Framework

The Genetics Learning Framework, developed in 2015 and recently revised by the GSA Education Committee, includes a broad overview and organizational scheme for topics within a comprehensive genetics curriculum. The framework provides a flexible and inclusive resource for course and curriculum design for a variety of levels and contexts. It is organized into foundational concepts that identify large areas of genetics and subdivided into core concepts that span the field. Each core concept includes representative sample learning objectives that could be used in a course, but are not designed to cover the entire scope of learning objectives in that area. They include a range of difficulty levels, Bloom’s levels, and types of biological thinking.

The framework now includes narrative descriptions of each core concept, which provide a more detailed and comprehensive overview of the topics. Within these descriptions, an increased emphasis on biological diversity supports learning through comparison across the range of genetic systems employed by different organisms.

Two new topic areas were added during the recent revision. One addition is a core concept on systems biology that highlights modern approaches to understanding the complexity of gene networks and the importance of gene-environment interactions in determining biological characteristics.

The other new component is a foundational concept on genetics and ethics that supports overt teaching and learning around social and societal impacts of genetics concepts. Beyond the direct instruction of issues in genetics relevant to society, a growing body of research from the education literature demonstrates that the way educators frame and discuss biological issues impacts students’ perception of race and genetic essentialism, sex and gender identities, disability and health impacts, and their own identities and relationships with science.

Throughout this revised framework, the language and descriptions seek to support accurate biological understanding as well as human identities and experiences. For example, the framework normalizes variation as common and expected, and limits the usage of terminology that can have unintended connotations such as “mutation” and “normal.” The Genetics Learning Framework is also aligned to peer-reviewed educational resources on CourseSource.