Modern reproductive technology has made it possible for women to have healthier babies later in life and for some infertile women to bear children. While medical options and biological understanding of women's bodies have increased dramatically, for the general population, knowledge about women s bodies and of the options made available by medicine and science has lagged far behind. Traditionally, women have not been expected to understand the biological underpinnings of the major life events they commonly experience. Psychobiology of women is the study of the way in which physiology and behavior interact in women's lives. The first section of this course is designed to establish a basic foundation of understanding of women s anatomy and physiology.
Heavy emphasis is placed on the role of hormones in women s lives.
The second section of this course is an exploration of the physiological and behavioral changes associated with major events or experiences in women's lives. Others events discussed are experienced by some women but should be understood by all people. In each of these cases, the course concentrates on the physiological causes or effects of the event and examine, as much as possible, the behavioral implications of the event. Interestingly, in some cases, the biology will be well understood but the behavioral effects not well understood. To help both women and men understand the wondrous workings of the female body.