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.
Outline
Unit 1: Studying Human Sexuality: An Introduction
Unit 2: Anatomy and Physiology: The Female Body
Unit 3: Anatomy and Physiology: The Male Body
Unit 4: Sexual Arousal and Response
Unit 5: Gender Identity and Gender Roles
Unit 6: Attraction and Love
Unit 7: Sexual Behaviours and Fantasies
Unit 8: Sexual Orientation
Unit 9: Pregnancy and Childbirth
Unit 10: Contraception and Abortion
Unit 11: Sexuality in Childhood and Adolescence
Unit 12: Sexuality in Adulthood and in Later Life
Unit 13: Sexual Problems and Dysfunctions
Unit 14: Sexually Transmitted Infections
Unit 15: Sexuality and Disability
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
Rathus, S., Nevid, J., Fichner-Rathus, L., McKay, A., & Milhausen, R. (2020). Human sexuality in a world of diversity (6th Canadian ed.). Toronto: Pearson. (eText)
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.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.