In Stage 1 of the Understanding by Design (UbD) curriculum design process, you are trying to determine what should students know and be able to do (this relates to the course or program, depending on what type of design you are doing).
Establish Goals (course or program)
Understandings/Big Ideas (principles, coreconcepts, processes, and theories - serves as focus for curriculum/instruction/assessment)
Essential Questions (open-ended questions that are timeless; important in past, present, and future)
Student will know and be able to do . . . (by the end of the course or program)
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and Enabling Objectives (EOs)