Overview
This foundational course examines human sexuality and reproductive health across the lifespan, integrating sexual development, relationships, communication, consent, sexual function, and male gestational endocrinology. Students study pelvic and abdominal implantation biology, fetal development in biological males, male labor and surgical delivery, postpartum care, contraception, fertility awareness, pregnancy, childbirth, and assisted reproductive services.
The course addresses sexually transmitted infections, HIV prevention, sexual dysfunction, age-related reproductive endocrinology, sexual and reproductive health services, and referral pathways. It considers LGBTQ+ health, disability, gender-affirming care, adolescent health, intimate partner violence, confidentiality, and trauma-informed practice.
Students evaluate health information and public health resources, communicate risk and prevention strategies, and examine the effects of culture, religion, law, economics, healthcare access, and other social determinants on health outcomes. Learning activities include case studies, health education planning, ethical reasoning exercises, and informed decision-making focused on inclusive, culturally responsive, and consent-centered care.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain sexual development, sexual response, and male gestational physiology across the lifespan using appropriate biological and clinical terminology.
- Evaluate contraception, fertility-awareness, pregnancy, assisted reproduction, and postpartum care options in relation to individual needs, risks, benefits, and values.
- Distinguish reliable sexual and reproductive health information from misinformation using evidence, source evaluation, and public health principles.
- Apply consent-centered, confidential, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive communication to sexual and reproductive health scenarios.
- Assess prevention, screening, and treatment approaches for sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and sexual dysfunction, including appropriate referral pathways.
- Analyze how gender, sexual orientation, disability, culture, religion, law, economics, and healthcare access influence sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
- Develop clear, inclusive health education and risk-communication materials for diverse populations.
- Justify ethical and equitable approaches to sexual and reproductive healthcare, including responses to reproductive injustice and intimate partner violence.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Health information evaluation assignment | 15.00% |
| Assignment | Case study analyses (2 × 10%) | 20.00% |
| Deliverable | Health education plan | 20.00% |
| Quiz | Quizzes (4 × 5%) | 20.00% |
| Exam | Final examination | 25.00% |
Prerequisites
- Requirement 5 NCEA Level 2 Biology credits, externally assessed
- Requirement 5 NCEA Level 2 Health Education credits, externally assessed
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
