Class Sexual Development and Behaviour I

Sexuality plays a crucial role in our existence, influencing a significant portion of our social interactions and having been molded through a process spanning over two billion years of evolution. Within the human lineage, we retain both biological and behavioral remnants of this evolutionary journey. However, our personal actions and choices concerning reproduction are also subject to the influence of cultural settings, environmental factors, and societal dynamics. By examining insights from evolutionary history, including non-human primates, small-scale communities, and industrialized nations, this course will engage in a rigorous evaluation of our comprehension of human sexual behavior and reproduction through an evolutionary lens.

Not applicable

S1. Introduction to human sexuality 1.1. Integration of the Nervous System, Endocrine System, Neuroendocrine System 1.2. Sexual cycles and reproductive endocrinology S2. Evolution and sexual reproduction 2.1. Mating systems  2.2. Selection of sexual partner 2.3. Sperm competition and cooperation  S3. Sex determination 3.1. Anatomy and reproductive system 3.2. Imprinting and attachment systems 

The syllabus will be taught using a variety of methods, namely: TM1: Oral presentation; TM2: Interactive Dialogue and Discussion; TM3: Exercises and activities to apply knowledge in the classroom, through the analysis of practical cases; and TM4. Discussion and critical reflection in a group, with feedback from the lecturer. During the learning process students will work in an interdisciplinary way, integrating the knowledge acquired in other CUs and applying it directly to the contents taught. Several contents and learning tools will be made available in addition to those taught in class that will allow students more autonomy in the acquisition of knowledge related to the contents of the CU. The use of forums/wikis will be promoted, which allow the creation of a final document prepared by all students together, and enable the discussion and reflection of the CU topics.

Striedter, G. (2015). Neurobiology: A Functional Approach. Oxford University Press. Darwin, C. (2004). The Descent of Man. Penguin. UK. Roughgarden, J. (2013). Evolution's Rainbow. University of California Press. de Waal, F. (2022). Different: Gender Through the Eyes of  Primatologist. W. W. Norton & Company. Fusco, G. and Minelli, A. (2019). The Biology of Reproduction. Cambridge University Press.