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BIOL 310 is three credit undergraduate course that explores the definition of human sexuality, and notes that “defining human sexuality is not an easy task.” The term is often misunderstood, however, there is much more to human sexuality due to the complexity and range of behavior. BIOL 310 “offers students multiple perspective in order to understand sexuality.”
Who Should Take This Course and Why
This course is a biology course designed for those seeking a science elective, majoring in biology, or minoring in biology. However, it is also open to anyone who are interested in learning about human sexuality. The course will explore human sexuality and how it connects to the human body, gender identity, gender roles, attraction, behavior, orientation, pregnancy, and how it acts in later life. The course also covers the topics of sexual problems, dysfunctions, sexually transmitted infections, and disability.
Course, Assignment, Midterm and Final Exam Details
The course will cover knowledges of biology related topics in relation to human sexuality and help students understand and gain awareness for a healthy lifestyle. The course covers the human anatomical and physiological perspective, including the normal developmental perspective of the reproductive system from prenatal stage to adulthood. It will also cover the process of reproduction from conception to birth. The course also teaches students on the various aspects of sexual orientation and the biology of sexual attraction and behaviors in relation to human development, interaction, and reproductive health. These are just some of the topics, there are more topics in the course, and I recommend students check out the AU BIOL 310 website if they are interested in learning more.
The course is composed of two assignments each worth 15%. There is also an online midterm worth 20% and an online final exam worth 50% of the overall mark.
How to Be Successful in the Course
Tips from Course Coordinator – Dr. John Ulici, PhD
Dr. John Ulici is the Course Coordinator and his teaching philosophy has evolved from a combination of previous teaching experience and a well-formed knowledge base in a relatively large area of biology topics.
Dr. Ulici is continuously involved in initiatives that improve the quality of teaching; he sees himself as a facilitator with the overall goal of developing in students the capacity for independent action, initiative, and responsibility — through this constructivist approach, the students can reinforce the recently learned concepts. Through exercises, practical assignments, and written examinations, Dr. Ulici encourages students to better understand the topics at hand and develop creative and investigative skills. Dr. Ulici noted that he “obtained my Ph.D. degree in Veterinary Sciences in 1996, but my academic experience started earlier in 1991, in Europe, with post-secondary teaching and supervisory experiences until 2002”
Later, in Canada after 2004, he continued teaching at the post-secondary level in the fields of animal care, biology, anatomy, and physiology, with the most recent appointment as Academic Coordinator at Athabasca University in Jan. 2006. During the period Dr. Ulici has been with Athabasca University, he has completed major revisions for BIOL 230 and 235 including the addition of lab component for BIOL 230; years later he has developed the new course, BIOL 320 Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates, which included supervised laboratory activities.
Dr. John Ulici’s Advice for the Course
- Begin the study of each unit by reading the lesson notes and the objectives in the Study Guide; read each objective summary and insist on each keyword and topic, learning the details from the eText and pay attention to figures and tables.
- Be prepared to read the assigned eText chapter at least twice: once to get an overview and a second time to make notes; read each eText chapter in conjunction with the list of “Key Words and Topics” that appears in the Study Guide – this list specifies all the details that you must learn.
- Use the questions in the eText, online learning resources, and the Study Guide as a check to ensure that you understand the lesson; make certain that you can define, and use in context, each of the key terms identified in the Study Guide, and that you understand the concepts and processes listed – make use of the ancillary materials provided along with the eText, such as the Revel website; follow the instructions in the Study Guide regarding the learning activities at the end of each lesson and the reflective questions at the end of each lesson.
- As you complete the assigned readings, you may come across concepts that you do not understand. When this happens, try the following strategies. Reread the “difficult” part; make certain that you know the meanings of unfamiliar words. Read about the topic in another context, or in a work written by another author. Set the material aside for a while (not more than a day!), and then read it again. If you are still having difficulty with the material, consult your Academic Expert.
- Establish the habit of weekly study: we estimate that you will need about 5–8 hours per week to complete this course within the 52-week course contract.
- Maintain regular contact with your course Academic Expert (AE) to discuss issues and ask questions – you will have the best chance of being successful in the studies.
- Read actively, not passively – when your attention lapses, do not continue, as you will be wasting your time; take a break, and then try again. When you have read a portion of a chapter, stop, and try to remember the main points; if you cannot remember, re-read the textbook and your study notes, and then try again.
- When you receive the feedback to your assignment from your AE, go over it carefully, and pay particular attention to your AE’s comments.
Thank you very much to Dr. Ulici for his valuable advice!
Questions?
If you have any further questions regarding the course, please do not hesitate to contact the Course Coordinator at fst_success@athabascau.ca. Happy studying!
