Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

The Evolution of Human Sexuality (Online)

BIOL 2230-30I

Course: BIOL 2230-30I
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: BIOL
CRN: 30852

Course Description

Study of the scientific basis of human sexuality, encompassing evolutionary adaptations, anatomy, physiology, genetics, and biological diversity. 

The purpose of this course is to provide an educational opportunity for students to learn about and understand the scientific study of the evolution of human sexuality. This course will examine the development and diversity of sexual behaviors, traits, and adaptations throughout the natural biological world. Emphasis will be on the scientific basis of human sexuality with a historical overview of past and current accumulation of scientific knowledge.


Required Texts


This is an online course that will you will work through independently on Canvas. We will not be hosting live sessions nor have face-to-face meetings (aside from office hours if you choose to use them). This course is divided into 14 Modules corresponding to 14 weeks in a semester. We will provide some flexibility for you to work at your own pace by posting up to 2 modules (2 weeks) ahead of the "weekly" schedule. You must proceed through the course modules in order. 

Required Text: Carroll, Janell L. 2019. Sexuality Now, 6th edition. Cengage Learning. This textbook is required.

Computer/Internet: This course emphasizes proficiency with computers, word processing, the internet, email, working with .pdf files, and especially SUU’s Canvas System. Without exception, all assignments, discussions, quizzes, and exams must be submitted via Canvas. You are expected to utilize personal computers or student computer labs on campus to complete these course requirements. Planning is essential and with the exception of a regional/national Canvas outage, “computer problems” is not an acceptable excuse for not completing an assignment by the due date.

Required Hardware/Software:
  • A working device with a large screen and stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone or use of an on campus computer lab. 
  • Google Chrome internet browser is highly recommended. Other browsers do not work well with Canvas.
  • Zoom for Lectures and/or Office Hours, as needed.
  • To access the Adobe suite for pdf files: Navigate to the SUU Adobe link and select the option most applicable to you (opt-in every semester). The license will grant you access on two computers; on-lab sign-ins will not count against your licensing. Contact the IT Help Desk at 435-865-8200 or via email for assistance.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of science as a way of knowing about the natural world and how human sexuality has evolved to become part of our natural biological world through scientific research. They will be able to explain and apply scientific methods, from scientific interpretation of experimental data, evidence, the patterns of inheritance and how genetics and evolution influence human development, sexuality, reproductive anatomy and physiology, adaptations as they pertain to human sexuality, and biological differences of human sexual identities, orientation, and genders. 
 
Specific outcomes: Students will:
  • Gain scientific knowledge (terminology, classifications, methods, etc..) about the evolution and biological foundation of human sexuality.
  • Understand the influence of genetics and evolution on human development and human sexuality.
  • Identify anatomical parts of reproductive systems (anatomy), and understand/describe the functioning (physiology) of these anatomical parts through the lifespan of a human.
  • Be aware of signs of sexual health and disease and how to minimize risk of diseases.
  • Use comparative approaches among different species to learn about sexuality in the natural biological world.
 
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of human sexuality as it relates to different human cultures and the physical and natural world through study in life science and the physical sciences, and how this influences biological systems.

Specific outcomes: Students will:
  • Learn fundamental principles of the historical scientific research and development of human sexuality.
  • Gain knowledge about evidence accumulated from the scientific study of human sexuality.
  • Increase awareness of different scientific views concerning sexuality in relation to biological sex, chronological age and maturity, biological sexual orientation, and cultural backgrounds that influence these biological conditions in humans.

3. Describe and apply evolutionary concepts in terms of inheritance, adaptation, and diversity of life. Students will systematically explore issues, objects, or works through the collection and analysis of evidence that results in informed conclusions or judgments using both inquiry and analysis.

Specific outcomes: Students will:

  • Learn to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, misconceptions, and points of view relating to information relevant to the biological evolution of human sexuality. 
  • Learn to apply course materials (to improve thinking, problem solving, and decision making), using information relevant to the biological evolution of human sexuality.
  • Increase awareness of misconceptions surrounding biological human sexuality and why certain ideas should be considered scientific misconceptions. 

4. Students will demonstrate disciplined processes of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. Students will explain the mechanisms of information storage, expression, and exchange in biological organisms, and reflect on the relevance of the evolution of human sexuality in life sciences in a broader context.

Specific skills: Students will:

  • Develop a clearer scientific understanding of the biological evolution of human sexuality.
  • Facilitate open and healthy communication and understanding of the scientific and biological basis of human sexuality. 

Course Requirements

TYPES OF ASSESSMENT:

Quizzes
There will be one syllabus quiz (worth 10 pts.) and 4 content-based quizzes (each worth 30 pts.) in this course. Each quiz will consist of a mixture of multiple-choice and short answer questions. You will have 45 minutes and one attempt to complete each quiz. You may use your textbook and/or notes to complete the quiz. Quizzes will become available once its Module (week) has been published and must be submitted no later than the assigned due dates.

Discussions
You will be required to participate in 4 discussions during this course. Each discussion will require you to post a minimum of a 200-word response to a specific question or set of questions. In addition, you will be required to post a minimum of a 75-word reply to a different student’s initial post. Each discussion is worth 25 pts, with 15 pts earned for your post and 10 pts earned fr your reply. Discussions will become available once its Module (week) has been published and must be submitted no later than the assigned due dates.

Creative Assignments
There will be 4 creative assignments. Each assignment will be based on a specific question/prompt and require a response and format that is pre-approved by your instructor, plus a minimum of two academic sources as references. Assignments are worth 30 pts. each and must be submitted no later than the assigned due dates. 

Exams
There will be 4 exams, each worth 100 pts. Each exam will consist of a mixture of multiple-choice, short answer, and short essay questions. You will have 60 minutes and one attempt to complete each exam. You may use your textbook and/or notes to complete each exam. You must complete the quiz for the unit before taking the corresponding exam. Exams will become available once its Module (week) has been published and must be submitted no later than the assigned due dates. There is no cumulative final exam for this course.


Plagiarism/AI usage: While the use of your textbook and your notes for graded activities is permitted, do not copy answers directly from the textbook or from a webpage/search engine. The use of Generative AI of any sort is also prohibited. We want to make sure that you understand and can explain, describe, relate, and make connections with these concepts, and an AI-generated or plagiarized answer does not do this. We will be running all written answers through AI and plagiarism checkers. Any answer, phrase, or submitted work that gets flagged will receive 0 points.

Grading Scale: Do not ask for personal extra credit. If you can’t master the essential topics of this course, you don’t need to do anything extra and irrelevant for a better grade. Caring about your grade at the end of the semester is not a substitute for the engagement, attentiveness , and understanding of concepts that you need to have throughout the semester from day #1.

A straightforward average of the total points earned out of total points possible will be used to assign a grade, and then the following letter grades will be assigned to the percentage that you earn:

A= 92.45 -100%
A-= 89.45-92.44%
B+= 86.45-89.44%
B= 82.45-86.44%
B-= 79.45-82.44%
C+= 76.45-79.44%
C= 72.45-76.44%
C-= 69.45-72.44%
D+= 66.45-69.44%
D= 62.45-66.44%
D-= 59.45-62.44%
F= less than 59.45%

THERE IS NO STATISTICAL CURVING OF GRADES.

Attendance Policy

Attendance: As this is an online asynchronous course, your attendance is not required. You are however required to progress through each Module and complete quizzes, assignments, discussions, and exams for each Module before the assigned due dates. This will require you to keep a schedule to stay on track with presentations and content. 

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


Late Policy:
All assignments, quizzes, and exams will be administered through Canvas. Flexibility is provided for you to work at your own pace and in order up to 2 modules ahead of the "weekly" schedule. There are no make-ups for missed exams and quizzes or missed due dates for other course requirements. It is expected that you will complete your exams and quizzes and submit all other course requirements by assigned due dates. Any student who does not submit a course requirement by the due date will earn a zero for this requirement. 

Exceptions to this course policy will be granted if you have requested accommodations as authorized by the Disability Resource Center (see University ADA statement) or for the following activities that are sanctioned by the university: athletic competitions, academic competitions, fine arts performances, course-related field trips, and professional/academic conferences (as per SUU Policy). University-approved absences require a letter from a coach/instructor prior to the absence. Make-ups must occur within 3 school days of return to campus. If a medical (personal or family) emergency arises and you miss a due date, a certificate signed by a certified medical professional with diagnostic AND prescriptive powers (M.D., D.O., N.P., P.A.) must be provided within one day of return to campus; if prior arrangements are made (e.g., surgery), then this certified documentation must be given as soon as you know the date of this absence. A note from an employer, friend, or family member is not valid unless that person saw you in a professional, diagnostic capacity. You must contact both of us immediately if you fall into this last category. 

Other exceptions due to emergencies that arise this semester will be treated on a case-by-case basis. If you have any issue at all, please contact us so that we can discuss how to best proceed and succeed in this course. We will do everything in our power for your experience in this class to be a fair, equitable, and rewarding one. Please note, however, we will never allow you to do anything that would give you a distinct advantage for a better grade over the other students enrolled in my courses. Our goal here is to keep this as simple, fair, and honest as possible.

Make Up Work/Extra Credit: No special extra credit or make-up work assignments will be given to individual students. Any extra credit opportunities will be given to the entire class throughout the semester, but personalized extra credit to raise individual student grades will not be given, as this special treatment is unfair to the rest of the class. If any student asks for specific extra credit or to redo an assignment, the answer is “no.”

Course Outline

Tentative Course Content and Schedule:

The following is our list of specific topics that we will be exploring this semester:

Module Topic
  • Module 1: Exploring the Biological Origins of Human Sexuality: An Introduction and History
  • Module 2: The Biological Concept of Human Sexuality & Scientific Research Methodology
  • Module 3: Scientific Sexuality Research and Education: Past and Future
  • Module 4: Humans as a Social Species: The Biological Foundation for Communication and Sexuality
  • Module 5:  Introduction to Genetics and Biological Basis of Human Sexual Development
  • Module 6: Variation in the Development of Biological Sex and Gender in Humans
  • Module 7: Female Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology
  • Module 8: Medical Overview of Female Reproductive and Sexual Health
  • Module 9: Male Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Overview of Male Reproductive and Sexual Health
  • Module 10: A Scientific and Biological Overview of Love, Intimacy, and Sexuality Throughout the Human Lifespan
  • Module 11: A Scientific Overview of the Different Sexual Orientations in Humans
  • Module 12: Scientific Sexual Response Models and Defined Assortments of Sexual Expression
  • Module 13: The Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy and Childbirth
  • Module 14: Medical Contraception & The Future of Human Sexuality Scientific Research and Discovery

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.