Free course

Early development

Free statement of participation on completion
Early development
More about this course

Course description

Course content

Course reviews

This free course, Early development, looks at the human being in the context of an individual life cycle, examining some of the processes that contribute to the formation of a new person. After a brief discussion of historical ideas about human conception, and about contraception to the present day, we look at the cells involved in the conception and development of a new individual. Gamete production (that is, production of mature cells able to unite with another in sexual reproduction) in both men and women is introduced and the role gametes in fertility and, when things go wrong, infertility is explained. We then discuss the early development of a new individual, along with some thoughts on women's experience of pregnancy.

Course learning outcomes

After completing this course, you should be able to:

  • explain the scientific basis for the main methods of contraception (Question 1)
  • list the factors affecting fertilization (Questions 2 and 5)
  • describe with the help of diagrams the early stages of embryonic development (Question 3)
  • describe the main developmental forces at work during early embryonic development (Questions 3 and 4)
  • discuss social attitudes towards fertility, and suggest how these can change with culture (including religion) and education (Questions 5 and 6).

First Published: 09/08/2012

Updated: 25/01/2018

You can start this course right now without signing-up. Click on any of the course content sections below to start at any point in this course.
If you want to be able to track your progress, earn a free Statement of Participation, and access all course quizzes and activities, sign-up.

Course content

Expand all course content

For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need.

Have a question?

Take your learning further371

Making the decision to study can be a big step, which is why you'll want a trusted University. The Open University has 50 years’ experience delivering flexible learning and 170,000 students are studying with us right now. Take a look at all Open University courses372.

If you are new to university level study, we offer two introductory routes to our qualifications. Find out Where to take your learning next?373 You could either choose to start with an Access courses374or an open box module, which allows you to count your previous learning towards an Open University qualification.

Not ready for University study then browse over 1000 free courses on OpenLearn375 and sign up to our newsletter376 to hear about new free courses as they are released.

Every year, thousands of students decide to study with The Open University. With over 120 qualifications, we’ve got the right course for you.

Request an Open University prospectus371

SK220_1