Since the Human Biology course is first of all a means of attaining the objectives of secondary education, it should contribute to general education by offering a series of concepts to acquire, skills to master, and attitudes to develop. To be effective, the content must respond to the needs of the adolescents for whom the course is intended, and take into consideration the changing needs of society. Needs of Adolescents Adolescents have a large number of needs that are closely linked to their physiological and psychological development. Any attempt to give a valid account of the characteristics of 14 and 15 year olds within the compass of a single course would either be too long, or be incomplete. It may be sufficient to review certain commonly expressed needs and how the Human Biology course can help meet these. Needs for security The development of physical, intellectual, and psychological maturity involves profound changes in the adolescent. The new problems created by rapid growth often create a stage of anxiety. To respond to the need for security, this course stresses concepts of physiology and of hygiene which will enable the pupil to understand and appreciate the changes which he is undergoing. Need for identity Conscious of the profound transformations that are taking place the adolescent feels the need to re-evaluate and re-define his or her self-image. In spite of a tendency to be part of a group of friends, and to conform to the standards of the group, the young person strives both for self-recognition as a unique individual and for recognition of this by others. To respond to the need for identity the course will avoid any pointless "dissection" of the human being. Instead, anatomical structures and physiological phenomena will be presented in a more global way which will highlight the interrelations between them. To help the adolescent develop a constructive self-image, the course encourages attitudes of acceptance, admiration, and respect for his or her body, life, and health. Click on the link below to browse or download the program. biohuma.pdf  (1 600 KB, Human Biology, Secondary III) 1985