Biology of Women
Fall 2011
Dr. Margaret Field
I.Biology of Women
Bio 088, WS 088
Course Description:
Women’s Health is intended to be a science course and, as such, it can be taken for Area B credit. By design, it will be a very biologically based look at women’s biology and their specific health concerns. There are some obvious social and economic factors, which also effect women’s health, and these will be discussed when appropriate. The first half of the class will be directed at learning about genetics, developmental biology, growth, development and reproduction. The latter part of the class will deal with aging and disease. We will focus on issues that are either predominantly impacting women, are unique to women, or manifest differently in women than men. In both portions of the course we will address ethical concerns for women that will range from the ethics of trying to manipulate the sex of your child, to vaccination, to access to care for women’s health. The specific topics will be broad and I hope to get your input into topics of special concern to you as a class.
II.Grades: Your grade will be both subjective and objective.
The subjective component is attitude, participation, preparation and enthusiasm for the subject in lab and in lecture (this includes everything from staying awake to facebooking while in lecture). The objective part will be based on a mid-term exam, your writing on an ethical issue, a notebook and a written and oral presentation on a topic of special interest to you. (See methods of evaluation)
III.Prerequisites: None
IV.Course Objectives:
To develop a strong understanding of:
1) Genetics, anatomy and physiology of the human female
2) Developmental changes in the female.
3) Reproductive Health
4) Special Health Risks to Women
5) Preventative Health Methods
6) Ethical concerns in Women’s Health
7) Methods of collection, analysis, and interpretation of empirical data gathered in a laboratory or field setting
V.Faculty
Margaret Field, Ph.D.
Office 206 Brousseau Hall
631-4450
VI.Textbook
Human Reproductive Biology, Mader 3rd ed.
New Dimensions in Women’s Health, Alexander 5th ed.
VII. Teaching Methodology
We will use a combination of assigned reading, lecture, laboratory exercises, films, and class discussion.
VIII.Method of Evaluation
1mid-terms (100 points), homework assignment on an ethical issue in women’s health (50 points), written and oral presentation on a pre-approved topic of your selection (100 points), laboratory participation and write-ups (100 points), Notebook (100 points).
IX.Course Policies
1. Class attendance is mandatory but more importantly you cannot pass this course without attending.
2. Students are responsible for obtaining class material after an absence.
3. I welcome questions during class. Participation is encouraged.
4. Some of our topics are sensitive and can be controversial. It is essential that you treat the opinions of others with respect.
5. Drop-in visitors and children are not permitted.
6. You may be required to attend on-campus lectures if directly relevant to the course, you will be given ample notice.
X. General Information
1. My office is in Brousseau 206, Ext 4450. It is best to reach me by e-mail at
2. Office hours are Monday 1-2 and W 2-3, or by appointment. There are many hours that I am in my office when you can drop-in to ask questions. Please do not come to see me on Thursday when I am either in lab or preparing for lab. If my door is open, you are welcome to come in to see me for any reason.
3. This course is not a test of your secretarial skills. Do not try to write down every word said. Read the assignment or relevant portion of the chapter before you come to class and take notes in your own words if necessary. I will try to provide you with important diagrams that are used in lecture. Learning to take notes rather than dictation is essential to taking a science course.
4. For some of you, this may be the first class you have had where such topics are discussed openly or so clinically. We all try to keep a sense of humor, which is a great tension reliever, and an element of gender studies in general. I try very hard to be aware of gender stereotypes, but also try to relate those to known biology when possible. However, respect for the opinions of others is essential. Please feel free to bring to my attention anything that makes you uncomfortable.
5. Since this course is always in development and I am eager to incorporate your ideas, please give me suggestions as to form or content as we work together.