BIOL 122 - Biology of Sex

5 Credits

The origin, development and evolution of sex and sexual reproduction. Topics include a survey of the sexual systems of selected organisms, sexual selection and human reproduction.

Pre-requisite(s) MATH 81 or higher min 2.0
Placement Eligibility Math 91 or higher
Fees

Quarters Typically Offered
Summer
Fall Day
Winter
Spring

Designed to Serve General student population
Active Date 20250522T11:53:58

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 24
Contact Hours: Lecture 55
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
AA

Science
Natural Science

ProfTech Related Instruction

BAS

Course Outline

What is sex?
- Sex versus gender
- Asexual versus sexual reproduction; advantages and disadvantages
- Evolution of sex
- Genetics of sex
- Sex systems
- Chromosomes
- Genes
- Climate control
- Sexual Selection
- Mating Systems

Specific Sexual Strategies
- Bacteria, Fungi, Protists
- Plants
- Invertebrates
- Amphibians and Reptiles (examples)
- Non-primate mammals (examples)
- Primates (examples including humans)

Student Learning Outcomes
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of sexual reproduction compared to asexual reproduction.

Describe the environmental influences that lead to the evolution of sexual reproduction.

Describe the function of sexual selection and its impact on opportunities to reproduce.

Explain the reproductive strategies that different organisms utilize and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Describe the different structures and functions of primary and secondary reproductive organs.

Describe how gametes are formed and how that increases genetic diversity.

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of different mating systems.