This book is a comprehensive human biology text. The information is presented in a fashion that is relevant, especially to women–but also to those who are interested in biological functions in women. Where relevant, a feminist analysis of the information occurs, so that readers comprehend that our understanding of the biology is frequently rooted in cultural bias. Since both faculty are Professors of Biology and Women's Studies, we bring to this text a critical eye. Science does not take place in a vacuum, but in particular societal contexts, and our goal is to teach the biology within these broader contexts. This text is a work in progress and does not yet contain chapters 19 and 20 and chapter 2 is incomplete. Figures are to be added at a later time.

About the author

Deborah D. Wygal Dr. Wygal has been a Professor of Biology and Women's Studies at St. Catherine University for twenty-five years. Her specialties are genetics and microbiology but she has taught a wide variety of general biology courses for majors and non-majors including Biology of Women, Human Genetics, and Gender and Science. She believes that all science should be learned in a context relevant to students' lives and that an analysis of the gender, racial, and class biases in science will improve scientific knowledge.

Lynne H. Gildensoph. Dr. Gildensoph's formal training is in plant biochemistry and physiology. She has been a faculty member at St. Catherine University since 1993, and is Professor of Biology and Women's Studies. As an early second wave feminist and activist, she became interested in the intersection of feminism and science through her interactions with her colleagues in both departments, and out of this grew her desire to participate as a co-author with Debbie Wygal on this text.

Preface
Chapter One: Women's Biology and Health
Chapter Two: What Is Science?
Chapter Three: Life, Sex, and Reproduction
Chapter Four: Reproductive Anatomy
Chapter Five: Biochemistry
Chapter Six: Cells and Tissues
Chapter Seven: Hormones and the Endocrine System
Chapter Eight: The Menstrual Cycle
Chapter Nine: Menstrual Cycle Variations and Disturbances
Chapter Ten: Menopause
Chapter Eleven: Conception, Contraception, and Contragestion
Chapter Twelve: Infertility and Reproductive Technology
Chapter Thirteen: Chromosomes and Inheritance
Chapter Fourteen: From Genes to Proteins
Chapter Fifteen: Sex Determination and Sexual Differentiation
Chapter Sixteen: The Biology of Cancer
Chapter Seventeen: Women and Cancer
Chapter Eighteen: Human Protective Mechanisms
Chapter Nineteen: Microbes and Disease
Chapter Twenty: Human Development: Embryo to Fetus to Child
Chapter Twenty-One: Women and Aging