Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Introduction to Biology (Online)

BIOL 1010-SW1

Course: BIOL 1010-SW1
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: BIOL
CRN: 32573

Course Description

Non-majors course in biology emphasizing mechanisms of living systems and impact of biological problems on human affairs. Course is designed to foster critical thinking, problem solving and the application of scientific thinking in biology. Not intended for science majors. Three (3) hours of lecture per week. A minimum grade of “C” (2.0 or above) must be earned in this course before it can be counted in a biological science major or minor or as a prerequisite for any other biology course. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Co-requisite(s): BIOL 1015 recommended Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll General Education Category: Life Sciences

Required Texts

Simon, E. J. (2024). Biology: The Core (3rd ed.). Pearson.

How to access your Pearson course materials (textbook & laboratory exercises) through Canvas:

  1. Log in to Canvas and open your Canvas course.
  • Select the Inclusive Access Course Materials link.
  1. Sign in or create a Pearson account.
  2. Click “Go to my course”
  • Select BIOL-1010 Fall 2025 from My Courses.
  • It is recommended you enter your course through Canvas.
*Dynamic Study Modules, Laboratory Exercises, and Discussions are also linked through the Assignments tab of Canvas.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of core biological concepts.
  • Apply biological principles to practical scenarios.
  • Enhance scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills.

Course Requirements

Students must adhere to academic integrity standards. Any form of dishonesty will be addressed according to university policies.

Computer requirements: This is an online course! You must have access to a high-speed computer/ internet, and be computer savvy and proficient with navigation on Canvas to be successful. You will be accessing most course content through Pearson by clicking on the VitalSource Course Materials link. To view all the visuals, make sure to enable downloads from the Pearson site.

Pearson suggests:
1. If you are using Google Chrome, please disable the Chrome McAfee extension from the browser or use an alternative internet browser like Microsoft Edge or Firefox.
2. Clear the browser cache and double-check the browser settings to ensure it is optimized to work.

Course Outline

Week 1: Introduction to Biology and Scientific Inquiry - 27 to 31 August

  • Chapter 1: Exploring Life (Pearson)
    • Overview of biological sciences, the scientific method, and the relevance of biology.
  • Dynamic Study Module: Chapter 1 (Pearson)
  • Week 1 Discussion: The Scientific Study of Life (Canvas)
Week 2: Chemistry of Life and Cell Structure – 1 to 7 September

  • Chapter 2: The Chemistry of Life (Pearson)
    • Study of atoms, molecules, chemical bonds, and their role in biological processes.
  • Chapter 3: The Cell: The Fundamental Unit of LIfe (Pearson)
    • Examination of cell types, organelles, and essential cellular functions.
  • Dynamic Study Module: Chapters 2 & 3 (Pearson)
  • Laboratory Exercise: Cells (Pearson)
Week 3: Cellular Metabolism – 8 to 14 September

  • Chapter 4: Energy and Life (Pearson)
    • Focus on metabolic pathways, enzymes, and energy production in cells.
  • Chapter 5: Chromosomes and Inheritance (Pearson)
    • Cell division, growth, mitosis, meiosis, Punnett squares
  • Dynamic Study Module: Chapters 4 & 5 (Pearson)
  • Week 3 Discussion: Enzymes (Canvas)
Week 4: Molecular Genetics and Evolution – 15 to 21 September

  • Chapter 6: DNA: The Molecular of Life (Pearson)
    • Introduction to DNA structure, replication, and gene expression.
  • Chapter 7: Darwinian Evolution (Pearson)
    • Principles of evolution, natural selection, and the diversity of living organisms.
  • Dynamic Study Module: Chapters 6 & 7 (Pearson)
  • Laboratory Exercise: Genetics (Pearson)
Week 5: Classification and Ecology – 22 to 28 September

  • Chapter 8: Microscopic Organisms (Pearson)
    • prokaryotes, archaea, bacteria, protists
  • Chapter 9: Fungi and Plants(Pearson)
    • Basic concepts of understanding fungi and plant anatomy
  • Dynamic Study Module: Chapters 8 & 9 (Pearson) 
  • Week 5 Discussion: Ecology (Canvas)
Week 6: Populations, Communities, and Human Biology – 29 Sept to 5 Oct

  • Chapter 10: Animals (Pearson)
    • introduction to the classification and diversity of the animal kingdon
  • Chapter 11: Human Biology (Pearson)
    • Focus on human anatomy, physiology, and health issues.
  • Dynamic Study Module: Chapters 10 & 11 (Pearson)
  • Laboratory Exercise: Macromolecules
Week 7: Advanced Topics – 6 to 12 October

  • Chapter 12: Ecology (Pearson)
    • Study of ecosystems, populations, growth models, population growth, and species interactions
  • Dynamic Study Module: Chapter 12 (Pearson)

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

o There will be a 10% per day deduction for most assessments.

o NO LATE WORK will be accepted during the final week of the semester

o There is no extra credit offered in this course so be sure to stay on top of your assignments and avoid the need for extra assignments to boost your grade.

Attendance Policy

Students should be present in the online classroom at least once a week. 

Course Fees

Inclusive Access Course Materials

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.