Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Human Biology (Online)

BIOL 1020-30I

Course: BIOL 1020-30I
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: BIOL
CRN: 31055

Course Description

BIOL 1020 Human Biology Online Asynchronous

Please be advised that this Human Biology course will cover a wide range of topics related to the human body, including all body systems, their structures, functions, diseases, and related medical information. This will include, but is not limited to, discussions and visual materials related to:

  • Anatomy (structures) and Physiology (functions) of the human body
  • Potentially sensitive topics and current events related to health and wellness

Some of this material may be considered graphic or may evoke emotional responses in some individuals. If you have specific concerns about the course content, please feel free to discuss them with the instructor. I aim to create a respectful learning environment for all students.

Designed for non-biology majors seeking a basic introduction to human anatomy and physiology. Outlines the basic structure and function of the body from cellular to system levels. 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)]

Required Texts

Required Text Visualizing Human Biology, 5th Edition. Kathleen A. Ireland. Access to the online VitalSource Textbook integrated with your Canvas site is available HERE.
Inclusive Access: ALL students have access to the textbook via Canvas. The cost will be reflected on your next tuition/fees statement from the Bursar's Office. If you wish to purchase the textbook differently or have a hard copy you MUST OPT-OUT by clicking the textbook link and then clicking Opt-Out. The textbook is also available from the SUU Bookstore or from Wiley. Click here. for other purchase options. 
Required Testing Plugin: Honor Lock used for taking online tests. 
Recommended: McGuire, S. Y., & McGuire, S. (2018). Teach yourself how to learn: strategies you can use to ace any course at any level. First edition. Sterling, Virginia, Stylus Publishing, LLC.

Required Hardware/Software

  • A working desktop or laptop (Macintosh or Windows) machine with a stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone OR visit an on-campus student computer lab.
  • iClicker Student app for attendance
  • Google Chrome internet browser and Honor Lock testing plugin (for online courses only). 

Learning Outcomes

This course provides students with a basic “user’s manual” for the care and feeding of the human body. It seeks to provide foundational knowledge about the structure and functions of the human body as well as equip students to critically evaluate health information. Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

  1. Apply basic biological concepts.
  2. Explain the relationship between the structures of the body and their function.
  3. Determine the role that each body system plays in maintaining homeostasis.
  4. Critically evaluate current topics in human health.
  5. Apply knowledge of the human body in meaningful ways that support and enhance students’ family, educational, and career goals.

General Education Requirements - Life Sciences Learning OutcomesLinks to an external site.

  • 2.3 Life Sciences: Upon successful completion of the General Education Life Sciences requirement, students will be able to:
    • 2.3.1 Apply Scientific Methods: Describe and apply approaches to scientific discovery and interpretation of experimental data;
    • 2.3.2 Understand: Demonstrate understanding of matter, energy, and their influence on biological systems;
    • 2.3.3 Apply Knowledge: Describe and apply evolutionary concepts in terms of inheritance, adaptation, and diversity of life;
    • 2.3.4 Explain: Explain the mechanisms of information storage, expression, and exchange in living organisms or eco-systems; and
    • 2.3.5 Reflect: Reflect on the relevance of life sciences in a broader context.

Course Requirements

Can I re-do or resubmit an assignment? No, in large college classes it is not feasible to continuously grade resubmissions. Please read the directions carefully and make sure you are submitting your best work the first time- ask questions well in advance of the due date to ensure you are doing it correctly. Because I do not allow do-overs, I do drop the lowest Discussion Board and Quiz Grades. You can not do-over, but you can do better. 

250pts 5 Discussion Boards 50pts each

One of the most rewarding experiences in taking any class is the opportunity to share with and learn from others. Discussion Boards allow you to apply concepts you have learned to current advances in science. Discussion Board content will not be on quizzes or tests. The discussion board grading rubric is available on Canvas. Discussion Boards are worth half a test grade so they require some effort but can significantly help pull up low test grades. 10 Discussion Boards are available but only the top 5 Discussion Board grades are counted toward your average. You can choose to only do 5 or you can do all 10, but only the 5 highest grades will be counted. Dropping the lowest 2 scores allows you to choose which discussion boards you want to complete based on your interest in the topic and/or time management- you can always complete Discussion Boards early! 
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) permitted with citation for Discussion Boards ONLY
Students are permitted to use AI tools to generate content for discussion board posts only. Because discussion boards require you to watch and comment on a video as well as relate your personal thoughts and experiences, be extremely judicious in how you use AI. Make sure you are answering all of the discussion board prompts and including your own personal experiences- not the robot's hallucinations! Current AI is especially vulnerable to fabricating sources- it is your responsibility to ensure your citations are accurate. 
It is important to appropriately cite any AI-generated text used in your posts. To do so, please include a statement or indicate the content was generated by an AI tool, along with the name of the tool and a link to its website (if available).
Examples of appropriate citation:
  • “This post was generated using OpenAI’s GPT-3 language model (https://openai.com/).”
  • “The content of this post was created with the help of Microsoft’s Bing AI (https://www.bing.com/).”
Using AI without appropriate citations is not allowed and will result in a grade of zero and a report for Academic Misconduct.
Please note that using AI tools to generate content for quizzes, exams, or other graded work is strictly prohibited. Additionally, using AI tools to generate content that violates the University’s academic integrity policy, such as plagiarism or cheating, is also not allowed. It is your responsibility to ensure that any AI-generated content you use is in compliance with these guidelines."

150pts 10 Quizzes 15pts each

Quizzes are taken on Canvas, 15 questions, 20min time limit, and open note/book/study group. All quizzes covering topics for a specific test must be completed before taking the test on that unit. Any quiz not completed will receive a grade of zero. 16 chapter quizzes are available but only the top 10 quiz grades are counted, all other grades are drop grades. Taking quizzes prepares you to take the tests. 
Troubleshooting Quizzes- if you are having ANY quiz issues, use Chrome as your browser, and clear your history (cache) and this fixes 99% of problems. If you can't see images it is because your internet is unstable/too slow. Go to an on-campus computer lab or contact the SUU Help DeskLinks to an external site. for solutions. 

500pts 5 Tests 100pts each

Tests will challenge you to apply what you have learned about each body system. Test questions may be multiple-choice, true/false, matching, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, graph/image interpretation, and critical thinking/clinical scenarios.
For Tests- You are allowed to use ONE 3x5 handwritten notecard (back & front). You may include images but they must be hand-drawn.
There are no dropped test grades.
Tests are computer-based and taken on Canvas using the Honor Lock extension for Chrome. Students may also opt to test in the Student Testing Center on campus. 
Test Review is available with me and I would strongly encourage you to either come to visit during on campus Office Hours or via Zoom so we can go over your test and discuss strategies for improvement. Please let me know if you get a weird question on a test- I will throw it out! The opportunity to review a test during office hours expires when the next test is taken.
All grades will be posted on Canvas. Correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and legibility are required for all written work in this course. Please feel free to bring any questions about grading to your Professor. I will be happy to review your answers with you and discuss ways to improve your scores either via email or during office hours.
Any grading errors must be brought to the attention of the Professor within 1 week of the grade being posted. After 1 week, the posted grade is final. 
No grades will be adjusted or curved. If assignments are added/subtracted during the semester, the points available in the course may change, but the percentages for grade calculation will be as indicated.
92.45-100% = A | 86.45-89.44% = B+ | 76.45-79.44% = C+ | 66.45-69.44% = D+ | 59.44% & below = F
82.45-86.44% = B | 72.45-76.44% = C | 62.45-66.44% = D
89.45-92.44%= A- | 79.45-82.44% = B- | 69.45-72.44% = C- | 59.45-62.44% = D-
 
Course Assessments  Course Outcomes
Discussion Boards | 1-5, GE 2.3.1-2.3.5
Quizzes | 1-5, GE 2.3.1-2.3.5
Tests | 1-5, GE 2.3.1-2.3.5

Course Outline

  • Start Here- Welcome to Human Biology Lecture!
    • Onboarding Module- Syllabus Quiz & Course Resources
  • Unit 1- Intro, Chemistry, Cells, & Tissues
    • What is Life? Characteristics of living things, homeostasis, positive and negative feedback systems
    • Chemistry- concepts needed to understand the human body
    • Cells- parts of an animal cell and cellular exchange 
    • Tissues- anatomical regions/markings, organ systems, tissues that make up organs
  • Unit 2- Skin, Bones, & Muscles
    • Integumentary System- structures and functions of the skin
    • Skeletomuscular System- structures and functions of bones and muscles
  • Unit 3- Nervous Systems, Special Senses, Immunity & Lymphatics
    • Nervous System- structures and functions of brain, spinal cord, and neurons
    • Special Senses- structures and functions of seeing, hearing, smelling, and tasting
    • Immunity & Lymphatics- structures and functions of the immune and lymphatic systems
  • Unit 4- Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nutrition, & Digestive Systems
    • Cardiovascular- structures and functions of the heart, blood vessels, and blood
    • Respiratory- structures and functions of the respiratory system
    • Nutrition- elements of metabolism, nutrition labels, biomolecules
    • Digestive System- structures and functions of the digestive system
  • Unit 5- Endocrine, Urinary, & Reproductive Systems
    • Endocrine System- endocrine glands, endocrine tissues, and hormones
    • Urinary System- structures and functions of the urinary system
    • Reproductive System- structures and functions of the reproductive system

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

Any assignment could be improved by having more time to prepare for it; any student who completes an assignment on time could undoubtedly have done a better job if given a few more days. To allow some, but not all, students extra time/credit is unfair. To treat all students as equitably as possible, all dates and deadlines are considered final and any extra credit opportunities will be available to the entire class.

All due dates are posted in the course schedule from the first day so that you are both aware of and have time to make appropriate time-management decisions. Any changes to those dates will be communicated to the entire class. You are free to work ahead and make arrangements to test early for planned absences.

Post due date completions are subject to a 10% per day late penalty- no questions asked. Assignments completed 10+ days late will receive no credit. Tests have a 3 to 5-day window of availability in the on-campus Testing Center which optimizes flexibility with your schedule. For this reason, it is extremely rare that a Test will be extended.

The most common request for late submissions is technical issues. In almost all cases, these issues can easily be resolved if they are addressed in a timely manner and you are proactive in your communication with me. You should plan to complete assignments at least 24hrs prior to the deadline to account for time to correct any technical issues. Not understanding the assignment and/or not understanding how to submit the assignment are not acceptable excuses for turning work in late.

Documented medical/legal emergency situations are evaluated at the discretion of the Professor with typical grade reduction penalties of 10% per day.

Documenting Medical/Legal/Mental Health Excuses

To request an extension, please email an official medical or legal excuse to me as soon as possible. In the unfortunate event of a death in your family, please provide a copy of the death certificate, memorial service, obituary, or other evidence.

Mental health is important and is treated the same way physical illness is- you must provide documentation for mental health issues in the same way you would provide documentation for physical health issues.

Attendance Policy

Because this is a fully online course, attendance is not taken. Student attendance in this course is equivalent to completion of assignments by the due dates posted. 

Course Fees

3 Credit(s) | $37.50 Fee

Program and Course Fees

Additional Course Policies and Resources

Professor's Response Time & Feedback

Online classes provide unique challenges for interaction. For messages sent to me, I will respond in the specified amount of time. Feedback is an important part of learning please look for feedback on your assignments that I provided in the specified amount of time, to find feedback look at this tutorial

How do I view assignment comments from my Instructor? (Links to an external site.)

How do I view annotation feedback comments from my instructor? (Links to an external site.)

Please include your course and section number in ALL emails. If you can't remember the number the day/time of your course is fine but this helps me to help you so much faster! It is my goal to respond to student messages within 1 business day and provide grades and feedback within 5-7 business days from the due date.

Honors Human Biology Credit

Are you in Honors? Would you like to be? No idea, but sounds interesting? Watch this Video!

Honors Contracts- I would love to work with Honors students on a contract for this course! If you are enrolled in HONR 1040 Foundation of Honors) or have successfully passed it, please contact me and let's discuss your interests! If you are not currently an Honor Student but are interested check out the SUU Honors ProgramLinks to an external site.!

Honor Lock Proctoring Software (Online Courses Only)

Honorlock will proctor your exams this semester. Honorlock is an online proctoring service that allows you to take your exam from the comfort of your home. You DO NOT need to create an account or schedule an appointment in advance. Honorlock is available 24/7, and all that is required is a computer, a working webcam/microphone, your ID, and a stable internet connection.

To get started, you will need Google Chrome and download the Honorlock Chrome Extension.

When you are ready to complete your assessment, log into your LMS, go to your course, and click on your exam. Clicking "Launch Proctoring" will begin the Honorlock authentication process, where you will take a picture of yourself and show your ID. During the authentication steps, you may be prompted to complete a room scan. This is a test taker authentication step in which you will be asked to perform a 360-degree scan of your environment with the computer or webcam to confirm the integrity of the testing environment. Honorlock will be recording your exam session through your webcam and microphone and recording your screen. Honorlock also has an integrity algorithm that can detect search-engine use, so please do not attempt to search for answers, even if it's on a secondary device.

Honorlock support is available 24/7/365. If you encounter any issues, you may contact them through live chat on the support page or within the exam itself. Some guides you should review are Honorlock MSRs, Honorlock FAQs for Test Takers, Honorlock Knowledge Base, and How to Use Honorlock. Good luck!

Learner Responsibilities

Active Engagement

Online courses are notoriously difficult for students who do not regularly engage with the course and learning activities. Make a plan for regularly "attending" to watch online lectures and complete assignments prior to due dates.

Communication with your Professor

Communicate early and often! It is a great idea to personally introduce yourself to your Professors- either before/after class or during office hours! It helps me to put names with faces and familiarize myself with your unique personality! I love getting to know my students! This becomes especially important when you need someone to write a Letter of Recommendation for Study Abroad or for Professional Program applications. The better I know you personally, the better the letter I can write!

If you are experiencing issues that are or may affect your class performance, please reach out! There are more options for accommodations if I am aware of your situation early. Waiting until the last minute makes it extremely difficult for me to provide you with meaningful support.

Electronic Devices

You are encouraged to bring your laptop/tablet for purpose of taking notes. Voice recorders are allowed in lectures.

Computer/Internet

This course emphasizes proficiency with computers, word processing, the internet, email, and especially SUU’s Canvas System. Assignments will be submitted, and quizzes/tests taken via Canvas. Students are expected to utilize personal computers or student computer labs on campus to complete assignments. Planning is essential and “computer problems” is not an acceptable excuse for not completing an assignment by the due date.

Canvas Notifications & Email

Make sure that you are getting Assignment Submission Comments by going to Canvas: Account (top left corner): Notifications: Submission Comment: Adjust settings to receive comments.

Check your email- make sure Canvas Notifications and Announcements are going to the email of your choice.

Student Recommendations

I will provide favorable recommendations for students earning an A or a B in this course. Please provide me with a completed envelope and forms and a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice (more is preferred). If you provide me with your cover letter, resume, or short essay about your experience that highlights why you will be successful in the program to which you are applying I will be able to write a more detailed and thorough recommendation.

Required Release for Letter of Recommendation- please complete & email to me.

Cover Letter and Narrative Essay Tips & Examples to help you Apply to Professional Programs.

Canvas Information

Canvas is where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.

SUU Campus Resources and Services

SUU has several resources and services available to support you during your time here at SUU, please review this list of SUU Campus Resources and Services (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and the Student Code of Conduct. For more information on Canvas and other technologies, and their statements on Accessibility and Privacy statements please review our Vendor Resources page.

Financial Security Statement

Finances are an integral part of maintaining your wellbeing. If you are struggling financially or wish to know more about budgeting, please visit the Financial Wellness Center in room 201C in the Sharwan Smith Center, contact Ashleigh Zimmerman at (435) 865-8436, or text the Financial Wellness line at 435-708-1952.

Catalog Notes

Co-requisite(s): BIOL 1025 recommended
Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll
General Education Category: Life Sciences

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.