Overview
Defining human sexuality is not an easy task. Often misunderstood, human sexuality does not merely comprise the physical behaviour of sexual intercourse; the predominant behaviour likely to come to mind at the mention of “sex.” While important, sexual intercourse is only one component of a much larger and complex web called “human sexuality.” Given the complexity and range of human sexual behaviour, Biology 310 offers students multiple perspectives in order to understand sexuality.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to
- demonstrate knowledge of various biology-related topics in the area of human sexuality and demonstrate awareness in how they apply to a healthy sexual lifestyle.
- understand and describe the various aspects of human sexuality from an anatomical and physiological perspective.
- understand normal developmental perspectives of the reproductive system from the prenatal stage to adulthood.
- explain the process of reproduction from conception to birth.
- understand the biology of sexual attraction and behaviours in the context of human development, interaction, and reproductive health, and be aware of the different ways in which individuals express their sexuality.
- understand and describe the various aspects of sexual orientation.
- describe the developmental tasks related to sexuality throughout the lifespan.
- understand and describe the prevalence and characteristics of various types of sexual dysfunction.
- understand safe sex practices and behaviours and how they apply to a healthy lifestyle, and identify the methods of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
- understand safe sex practices and behaviours and how they apply to a healthy lifestyle involving non-conventional sexuality.
- explain the impact of disability and illness on sexuality and sexual function.
Evaluation
To receive credit for BIOL 310, you must also achieve a course composite grade of at least fifty percent D (50 percent), and a minimum passing grade of fifty percent (50 percent) on each assignment and the final examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 15% |
| Assignment 2 | 15% |
| Midterm Exam | 20% |
| Final Exam | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
The midterm and final examinations for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Rathus, S., Nevid, J., Fichner-Rathus, L., McKay, A., & Milhausen, R. (2020). Human sexuality in a world of diversity (6th Canadian ed.). Toronto: Pearson.
The textbook also includes access to online resources.
Revel is a publisher website that accompanies your eText. It is included with your course registration. You are not graded for any of the work you complete in Revel, but you are encouraged to enrich your learning with the online tools it provides, including practice questions, animations, videos, and other useful resources.
Other Resources
All other learning resources will be available online.