Unit 3 Cells and human reproduction

In this Unit students are introduced to the cell as the basic unit of life and the fact that a new life begins from a cell. In man, when a sperm fuses with an ovum it may develop into an embryo.

The development of a new life from embryo to baby to adolescent is followed. Then the focus of the students is drawn to the changes they expect to have at puberty and the maturation of the sex organs to be ready for reproduction.

The stages from fertilisation to the development of the embryo are then studied. Signs and length of pregnancy and related health issues are also considered. The Unit ends with a discussion of other social issues like in vitro fertilisation and sexually transmitted diseases.

Much of the material in this Unit contributes towards 'sex education'. This is a cross-curricular issue where an agreed school policy is desirable. The content of the Unit should be evaluated in relation to the school policy. It is also important to liaise with staff of other departments in the school so that a more comprehensive programme may be offered. Sex education programmes should continue throughout the secondary school years.

All students should
1 understand that the cell is the basic unit of life
2 acquire some skills in using a microscope
3 appreciate and understand how a new life is born
4 be able to describe the various changes at puberty and the secondary sexual characteristics of the two sexes
5 be able to identify the different parts of the male and female reproductive systems
6 acquire some knowledge about the menstrual cycle
7 recognise nocturnal emission as a common phenomenon during adolescence
8 acquire some knowledge about pregnancy
9 recognise the responsibilities of parenthood
10 acquire some knowledge about the need for family planning and various methods of birth control
11 develop a positive attitude towards sex
12 recognise the responsibility within relationships and be able to make judgement on appropriate behaviour in relationships
13 appreciate the value of life and develop a positive attitude towards it

The more able students should
acquire some knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases and develop a sense of obligation towards the prevention of their spread
be able to make judgements on social issues related to in vitro fertilisation
acquire some knowledge about heredity

Remarks: The first part of this Unit introduces students to the cell as the basic unit of life and the fact that a new life begins from a cell. In view of recent development in DNA researches, we have included in the content of this Unit an introduction to the structure of the DNA and the working principle of the 'cloning' technology. We hope to equip students with the basics required to follow recent developments reported in the media and be able to participate in discussions in the issue. Another major component of the Unit relates to sex education which deals with the understanding of ourselves and our relationships with others. It goes beyond the biological aspects of life (such as puberty, human reproduction) and inevitably inculcates human values. In the school curriculum, this broadly defined sex education and family life education should be viewed as essentially integral. We consider it more appropriate to develop a separate curriculum package for students at this level and to deal with this 'cross-curricular' issue more thoroughly in that package.