BME1122

Human affairs: health, illness and sexual difference

(MED)

Dr Sharron Pfueller (Graduate School of Environmental Science) and Dr Glenn McConell (Physiology)

6 points + One 2-hour lecture and up to 3 hours of workshops and practicals per week + Second semester + Clayton

Synopsis: Health, illness and disease and how different interpretations of them affect our understanding of the biological and psychological manifestations of sexual difference. The interaction of genetic, psychological, lifestyle and environmental factors in the expression, causation and treatment of genetic, infectious and degenerative disease and of ageing. The evolution of sexual dimorphism and human reproduction, including the roles of genetic, hormonal, psychological and cultural factors as bases for sexual difference. Issues including the form of sexual expression that is normal, whether the brain has a sex and whether science is inherently male.

Assessment: Group project: 30% + Essay: 30% + Written examination: 40%