Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Human Biology (Face-to-Face)

BIOL 1020-01

Course: BIOL 1020-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: BIOL
CRN: 12460

Course Description

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 App: iClicker Student App for Attendance; Getting Started with iClicker
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.
This course relies heavily on Canvas for submissions, quizzes, and tests, requiring proficiency in basic computing, word processing, and internet use.
Required Hardware & Software
You must have access to the following to successfully complete the course:
  • Hardware: A working desktop or laptop (Mac/Windows) with a stable internet connection, a functioning webcam, and a microphone. Alternative: Utilize on-campus student computer labs.
  • Software (for Testing): The Google Chrome internet browser and the Honor Lock testing plugin (for remote proctoring if needed/allowed).
Important Note on Planning
  • Planning is essential. Because all materials are available early, "computer problems" are not an acceptable excuse for failing to complete assignments by the due date. Plan to use personal devices or on-campus labs well in advance of deadlines.

Learning Outcomes

This course provides students with a basic users 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

Discussion Boards (250 Points)
Discussion Boards are opportunities to apply class concepts to current science and events. Content will not appear on quizzes or tests.
  • Completion Policy: You are required to complete 5 Discussion Boards for full credit. 10 are available, and only your top 5 grades will count toward your average, allowing you to choose which ones to complete based on interest or time.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy (Discussion Boards ONLY)
  • Permitted Use: AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Bing AI) are only permitted for generating content in Discussion Board posts.
  • Mandatory Citation: Any AI-generated text must be appropriately cited to avoid an Academic Misconduct report.
  • Citation Examples: Include the tool's name and, if possible, a link. E.g., "This content was created with the help of Microsoft's Bing AI."
  • Student Responsibility: You remain responsible for ensuring the post addresses all prompts, includes your personal thoughts/experiences, and that all citations are accurate (AI is prone to "hallucinating" sources).
  • Prohibited Use: Using AI for Quizzes, Exams, or other graded work is strictly prohibited and will result in a zero grade and a report for Academic Misconduct.
Quizzes (150 Points)
  • Format: 15 questions, 20-minute time limit, taken on Canvas. 
  • Open Resources: Quizzes are open note/book/study group. 
  • Completion Rule: All quizzes covering topics for a specific unit must be completed before you can take the corresponding test.
  • Troubleshooting: Use Chrome as your browser and clear your cache to resolve most issues.
Tests (500 Points)
Tests are designed to challenge your application of learned concepts and cover a variety of question types (multiple-choice, short answer, scenarios, etc.).
  • Testing Environment: Tests are computer-based on Canvas and administered on Canvas in the Student Testing Center. Feel free to arrange to take a test EARLY for any reason. Remote testing with Honor Lock may be available, with prior approval by the Biology Department Chair, for documented medical/legal reasons. 
  • Allowed Resources: You may use one 3x5 handwritten notecard (both sides). Hand-drawn images are permitted. 
  • Test Review: Test review is highly encouraged during Office Hours (on-campus or Zoom) to discuss improvement strategies. This opportunity expires when the next unit test is taken. 
Grading Policy
  • Grade Location: All grades will be posted on Canvas.
  • Written Work: Correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and legibility are required for all written assignments.
  • Reviewing Grades: Feel free to bring any questions about your scores to me. I am happy to review your answers and discuss strategies for improvement (via email or during office hours).
  • Grade Error Deadline: Any errors in grading must be brought to my attention within 1 week of the grade being posted. After this one-week period, the posted grade is final.
  • Grade Adjustments: No grades will be adjusted or curved. While the total points in the course may change if assignments are added or subtracted, the final grade percentages will remain as indicated in the syllabus.
Grade Calculation Scale
  • 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 = 59.44% & below

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

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

University classes require timely communication. Please adhere to the following guidelines:
  • Email Policy: Always include your Course and Section Number (or class day/time) in all emails to ensure a faster response.
  • Response Time: My goal is to respond to student messages within 1 business day.
  • Feedback/Grading: Grades and detailed assignment feedback will be provided within 5-7 business days of the assignment's due date.
Accessing Feedback
Resubmissions and Do-Overs: The "One and Done" Policy
No re-dos or resubmissions are permitted for any assignment, including tests. You must submit your best work the first time. Please ask questions well in advance of due dates.
  • The Safety Net: To account for low scores or missed work, your lowest 5 Discussion Board grades and your lowest 6 Quiz grades will be automatically dropped.
Late Work/Extra Credit Policy
This policy is designed to ensure fairness and equity for all students, as extending deadlines for some students penalizes those who submitted on time.
Deadlines and Submissions
  • All dates and deadlines are considered final.
  • All due dates are posted in the Course Schedule from Day 1 to allow for appropriate time management.
  • Any changes to deadlines will be communicated to the entire class.
  • You are encouraged to work ahead and may arrange to test early for planned absences.
  • Extra Credit opportunities, if offered, will be made available to the entire class.
Late Submissions and Penalties 
  • Late Assignment Penalty: Assignments submitted past the due date are subject to a 10% grade reduction per day, no exceptions.
    • Assignments submitted 10 or more days late will receive zero credit.
  • Tests: Tests have a 3 to 5-day window of availability (e.g., in the Testing Center) to maximize scheduling flexibility. For this reason, Test extensions are extremely rare.
Technical and Emergency Issues
  • Technical Issues: Not understanding the assignment or how to submit it are not acceptable excuses for late work. 
  • Proactive Planning: To account for potential technical issues, plan to complete and submit assignments at least 24 hours prior to the deadline. 
  • Emergency Situations: Only documented medical or legal emergencies will be considered for an extension, evaluated at the Professor's discretion. Typical late penalties (10% per day) still apply in most cases.
Documenting Excuses for Extensions
To request an extension due to absence or inability to submit work, you must provide official documentation 4e7 as soon as possible via email.
  • Medical or Legal Issues: Submit an official medical note or legal document detailing the incapacitation.
  • Bereavement: Provide evidence of the death, such as a death certificate, obituary, or memorial service program. 
  • Mental Health: Mental health issues are treated the same as physical illness; documentation from a licensed healthcare professional is required to grant an extension.
Canvas Notifications & Email
  • Submission Comments: Ensure you receive feedback on your assignments! Go to Canvas: Account: Notifications: Submission: Comment, and adjust the settings to receive comments. 
  • Email Setup: Check your email settings to confirm that Canvas Notifications and Announcements are being sent to your email of choice. 

Attendance Policy

  • Course Attendance Policy: iClicker
  • We use the iClicker Student app for simple, quick attendance tracking at the start of every class.
  • Participation is Key: This course fosters a learning community where sharing and discussion are encouraged.
  • No Make-Ups: graded group and in-class activities cannot be made up if you are absent.
  • Evaluation & Support: Attendance is used to evaluate your participation:
    • Academic Alerts: May be submitted for students with multiple absences.
    • Borderline Grades: Students with good attendance may receive a grade bump at the professor's discretion if their final grade is borderline.

Course Fees

3 Credit(s) | $37.50 Fee

Program and Course Fees

Additional Course Information and Resources

Catalog Details
Co-requisite(s): BIOL 1025 recommended
Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll
General Education Category: Life Sciences
Course Content Advisory
This Human Biology course covers a wide range of topics related to the human body, including all major body systems 9ec, their anatomy (structure), physiology (function), associated diseases 9a0, and medical information 695 e0f. Please be advised that this content will include discussions and visual materials on:
  • Sensitive topics related to health, disease, and current events.
  • Graphic materials that may evoke emotional responses in some individuals.
I aim to maintain a respectful learning environment for all students. If you have specific concerns about the course material, please discuss them with me.
Active Engagement in Your Learning
  • College courses are notoriously challenging for students who do not regularly engage with the material. 
  • Make a plan for consistently attending lectures and completing assignments well before the due dates. Stay active and stay successful! 
Connect with Your Professor: Communicate Early and Often!
Building a personal connection is highly encouraged and beneficial.
  • Introduce Yourself: Please introduce yourself either before/after class or during office hours. Getting to know you helps me better support your learning!
  • Letters of Recommendation: The better I know you personally, the stronger and more impactful the Letter of Recommendation I can write for professional programs or study abroad opportunities.
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 . and the Student Handbook. 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.  
Canvas Information
Canvas is the where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.
If You Need Support
  • Reach out immediately if you are experiencing issues that may affect your performance.
  • Early communication is key! The earlier I am aware of your situation, the more options I have to provide you with meaningful support and accommodation. Waiting until the last minute severely limits my ability to help. 
Honors Credit Opportunity
  • Honors Contracts: I welcome the opportunity to work with Honors students on a contract for this course!
  • Eligibility: If you are currently enrolled in (or have passed) HONR 1040 (Foundation of Honors), please contact me directly to discuss your interests.
  • Interested in Honors? If you are not currently an Honors student but would like to learn more, please check out the SUU Honors Program! 
Student Recommendations
  • Favorable recommendations will be provided for students earning an A or a B in this course. 
  • Time Notice: Request the letter with a minimum of 2 weeks' notice (more is strongly preferred!). 
  • Boost Your Letter: To receive a more detailed and thorough recommendation, please also provide me with your cover letter, resume, or a short essay highlighting your experience and fit for the program. 
  • 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. 

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.