Enrolments for 2022 have closed.
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Science of Sex
Undergraduate | MAQ-BIOX2320 | 2022
Previously MAQ-BIOX260
Course information for 2022 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Chart how the human attitude and biological approach to sex has evolved. Understand the chemistry that influences partners’ attraction to each other. Scrutinise hormones, reproductive cycles and the sexual behaviours of both humans and animals.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 18 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Science of Sex
About this subject
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Differentiate between asexual and sexual reproduction, and articulate why sexual reproduction has evolved
- Understand and use correct biological terminology
- Comprehend core evolutionary processes, especially in relation to sexual selection, and the distinction between sexual and natural selection
- Investigate different mating systems for both plants and animals, and compare the strategies used by males and females from each system
- Succinctly summarise and effectively communicate scientific information on a sexual selection topic.
- Synthesise and critically evaluate perspectives from primary scientific papers in the sexual selection literature
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This subject is designed to appeal to a broad diversity of students, from those studying science to those in anthropology, arts, communication, education, psychology, sociology, etc. Indeed, we hope it will engage all students with an active interest in being alive! A scientific background is not required for students taking this subject, but we hope to provide students with a scientific approach to understanding sex. This subject takes a broad approach, using examples (some quite bizarre) from the animal and plant worlds. At the same time, it covers in depth the sexual biology and behavioural science of our own intriguing species.
- Science Literacy assessment (5% each topic, 20% total, 4 due dates) (20%)
- Peer review (5%)
- Quizzes 2-11 (5% each topic, 50% total) (50%)
- Poster assessment (25%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
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- 10
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 10
Entry requirements
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
Others
completion of 4 1000 level units
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students must have access to MS PowerPoint and Excel
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA subjects offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in subjects through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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