Biology 8

De Anza  College   

Biology 8: Biology of Women 

Fall Quarter 2007

Greensheet

instructor: Dr. Kandula

room: SC 2116; Mon and Wed 12:30pm – 2:10pm

email: (best way to reach me) anitakandula@yahoo.com

office phone: 864-8917

office: SC 1216

office hours: Mon 11:15 - 12:15 by appointment only

Objectives of the course:  This class is designed for non-science majors.

Ø       We will explore women’s anatomical and physiological characteristics and their management for good health.

Ø       We will be studying the biological processes and principles organizing a “typical” women’s life progression.

Ø       We will also consider the structural and functional dimorphism of human body systems.

Ø       We will recognize components of the scientific process distorted in the historical view of women and the impact that societal and cultural biases have on behavior and on female health issues

Textbook

            Required Text

• Sloan, Ethel, The Biology of Women, Third Edition, Delmar Pub. 2001

Attendance

        Students are expected to arrive to class on time and prepared for every class meeting. Students are responsible for any material missed in any absence. Make up examinations will not be given. The class is conducted in a lab therefor footwear must be closed-toed

Examinations and grading

         Midterm I:  Monday, October 15

         Midterm II: Monday, November 19

         Final Exam: Tuesday, December 11 @ 11:30am – 1:30pm

Midterm I                                           100 points

Midterm II                                          100 points

Final Midterm                                     100 points

Homework and assignments                100 points

Research Paper                                    50 points

Total                                                  450 points

Make-up exams will not be given. Grades are determined as a percentage of accumulated points

A = 90 – 100% = 405 - 450  points

B = 80 – 89% =   360 – 404 points

C = 70 –79 % =   315  – 359 points

D = 60 – 69% =   270 – 314 points

F < 59% or less than 269 points

Classroom policies

1)       Homework assignments must be turned in completed and on time to count towards your grade

2)       In addition each student is required to access and read the student handbook. An online copy can be found at http://bhs.deanza.edu/StudentHandbook.pdf. This handbook provides useful information on how you can improve your chances of success in classes within this division. It also outlines expected behavior. The material and expectations contained in this handbook are part of my contract with you and will be applied during this course

3)       Cheating will not be tolerated and will result in an automatic zero in the concerned assignment, homework and/or exam

4)       Cell phones must be turned off or put in the vibration mode prior to the beginning of each class session

5)       Eating and drinking are not allowed in class

6)   The class is conducted in a lab therefor footwear must be closed-toed

Important dates

Last date to drop for refund:  October 5

Last day to drop without “W”: October 12

Last day to drop with “W”: November 16

It is always the students responsibility to drop

Instructors do not drop students unless they are absent from the first class meeting

Failure to drop by November 16 will result in the students receiving a letter grade.

Syllabus

The following is the list of topics we will cover this quarter

• Analyze the basic biological processes of scientific inquiry as they relate to women’s health.
• Evaluate the contributions by culturally diverse scientists to female specific health issues
• Examine the organization of life, including the expression of sexual differences among cells, tissues, organs and body systems
• Assess the impact of historical, racial, social and cultural factors on female body image
• Examine the biological basis of gender differences in humans
• Contrast and compare the anatomy and physiology of the human male and female reproductive system
• Compare normal and abnormal functions of the ovarian and uterine cycles and the influence of hormones
• Examine the stages of pregnancy and labor
• Explore cultural and socioeconomic factors impacting prenatal and postnatal healthcare, nutrition, diagnostic testing, maternal age and birthing alternatives
• Examine select female specific and general disease/infectious processes, their etiologies, pathologies and the racial and social issues impacting their occurrence
• Assess the impact of biological, hormonal, societal, and cultural factors on menopause
• Evaluate cultural and socioeconomic conditions in terms of their effects on women’s health and well-being
• Analyze and appraise the value of health promoting behaviors to the maintenance of wellness