Western Governors University

D588: Human Sexuality

A guide to WGU's D588, the public health course on sexual health, behavior, risk, prevention and health education.

Updated October 2026 · 5 min read

D588 Human Sexuality is a three-unit course in WGU's Bachelor of Science in Public Health, placed in term six of the standard path. WGU describes it as giving learners foundational knowledge about public health issues, behaviors, risks, prevention and treatment for sexual health.

Learners explore how environment, biology and personal choices shape sexual health and well-being, examine inequities linked to status, age, ethnicity, citizenship, disability and sexual orientation, and then produce educational materials for target populations.

The task is to write factually and respectfully, with a public health lens rather than a personal one, which many students find takes practice.

Course at a Glance

ItemDetails
UniversityWestern Governors University
Course codeD588
LevelUndergraduate
Subject areaSexual health and public health education
Standard pathTerm 6 of the BS Public Health guidebook (3 competency units)
Typical workAnalysis of behaviors and impacts, and health education for a target population

What D588 Covers

Competency (WGU wording, summarized)What it means in practice
Describes biological, social, cultural and psychological aspects of human sexualityThe range of factors that shape sexual health
Analyses behaviors related to human sexuality and their impact on personal and public well-beingRisks, protective factors and population effects
Develops health education related to sexual activityMaterials designed for a specific audience and health literacy level

The description also mentions identifying community resources, data sources and sexual health education materials, and exploring gaps in sexual public health resources.

Key Concepts Explained

A Population Perspective

Public health looks at patterns across groups: who is affected, why and what could help. Use data from recognized agencies and discuss inequities with care and precision.

Health Literacy and Audience

Educational materials work only if the audience can understand and act on them. Consider reading level, language, culture and the setting in which people will see the material.

Illustration (hypothetical): A leaflet for university students might be short, visual and point to campus services. The same information for older adults might use larger print, plain language and link to local clinics. Explaining why you made these choices shows audience analysis.

Prevention and Access

Prevention covers education, screening and access to services. Gaps often relate to cost, location, confidentiality and stigma, which connects this course to equity topics elsewhere in the degree.

Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them

Task typeWhat it testsHow to approach it
Aspects of sexualityBreadth of knowledgeCover biological, social, cultural and psychological factors
Behavior and impact analysisEvidence-based reasoningUse credible data and population examples
Health education materialCommunication and designState the audience, goal and reasoning for content choices

Designing Education for a Target Group

The education competency rewards deliberate design. Define the group by age, setting and need. Decide what they should know, feel or do after seeing the material, and keep to two or three key messages.

Addressing Inequities Respectfully

The course description asks learners to examine inequities linked to status, age, ethnicity, citizenship, disability and sexual orientation. Present these as differences in access, information and treatment that public health can address, and support each point with data from recognized sources.

Keep a professional, neutral tone. Your task is to explain gaps and propose responses, not to argue personal views.

Self-Check Before You Submit

Read your education material aloud. If any sentence is hard to say or to follow, simplify it, since materials for the public should work for readers with limited time and varied health literacy.

Where Students Get Stuck

Study Tips for D588

How We Help with D588

Send the prompt, rubric and your audience. We can prepare a custom response, advise on structure and sources, or review your draft. See our community health assignment help guide.

GradeEssays is independent and not affiliated with WGU. Our work is a study and reference aid. Your submission must be your own work under WGU's academic integrity policy. Orders are written from scratch, with free revisions within the scope of your original request and a full refund if late.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does D588 focus on?

Public health issues, behaviors, risks, prevention and treatment related to sexual health, and developing health education.

Is it a biology course?

It includes biological aspects but also social, cultural and psychological ones, from a public health perspective.

Will I create educational materials?

Yes, one competency is developing health education related to sexual activity.

Where is it in the degree?

Term six of the BS Public Health standard path.

How should I choose sources?

Use recognized public health agencies, peer-reviewed research and professional organizations.

Can GradeEssays complete my assessment?

No. We provide tutoring, custom answers, editing and feedback only.