Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Human Biology Lab (Face-to-Face)

BIOL 1025-02

Course: BIOL 1025-02
Credits: 1
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: BIOL
CRN: 12463

Course Description

Optional lab to accompany BIOL 1020. Two (2) hours of lab 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 1020 Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll General Education Category: Life Sciences

Required Texts

Human Biology Lab Manual. Labs must be printed and completed by hand. Must be submitted electronically to Canvas for grading using a scanning app of your choice (Genius Scan, AdobeScan, etc). 
๐Ÿ–จ๏ธ Lab Manual & Organization
  • Print Required: Free PDF files of each lab are provided on Canvas. You are required to print and bring hard copies of the labs to every class. ๐Ÿ“„
  • Stay Organized: Print all labs at the beginning of the semester and organize them in a 3-ring binder for easy reference. ๐Ÿ“š
  • No Phones: Using your phone or computer to access labs in class is NOT recommended and will not be supported. ๐Ÿ“ต
๐Ÿ’ป Technology & Submissions
  • Required Equipment: A working desktop/laptop (Mac/Windows) with a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. Alternatively, use an on-campus computer lab.
  • Required Software: Google Chrome browser.
  • PDF Submissions: You must be able to upload assignments as PDF files. I recommend using free phone apps like Genius Scan or AdobeScan to convert paper labs into a single, clean PDF. ๐Ÿ“„

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.
  • 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

โŒ No Re-Dos Policy: One and Done
  • Can I re-do or resubmit an assignment? No. ๐Ÿ™… In large college classes, continuous regrading is not feasible. Please read directions carefully and submit your best work the first time. Ask questions well in advance of the due date! โ“
๐Ÿ’ป Syllabus Quiz & Canvas Submissions
  • Syllabus Quiz: This quiz is required to participate in the course. No grades are assigned, but you must complete it to unlock all content and participate in lab exercises. ๐Ÿ”“
  • Submission Format: All assignments must be submitted and graded in Canvas only (no email submissions!). Upload files as PDFs or Canvas-readable types. ๐Ÿ“„
  • Tip: If you complete work by hand, use free apps like Adobe Scan or Genius Scan to quickly create a single PDF from your photos. ๐Ÿ“ธ
๐Ÿ”ฌ Lab Reports: Requirements and Integrity
  • Single File Rule: Labs must be submitted as a SINGLE file. Submitting multiple JPEGS or files = zero points. ๐Ÿšซ
  • Your Name is Required: All labs must include YOUR name on the document (even though you submit via Canvas). No name = zero points. ๐Ÿ“›
  • Screenshots are Forbidden: Do not submit screenshots of your computer or phone. Screenshots = zero points.
  • Original Work: Unless otherwise specified, record your own personal data. Free response answers must be in your own words, not a group copy. Identical lab reports = everyone receives a zero. ๐Ÿšจ
  • File Check: After submitting, go back and LOOK at what you uploaded! Canvas cannot read files like .eml, .heic, or .pages. Unreadable file types = zero points.
  • Do not upload the lab instructions. ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ
  • AI Policy: Students are NOT permitted to use AI tools to generate content for Human Biology Lab. ๐Ÿค–โŒ
Lab Grading (11 Labs, 10 Pts Each)
  • Labs are graded based on both accuracy and completion. Grading may be comprehensive or "spot-checked" (only selected questions graded).
  • Complete Everything! Since you won't know the grading method, complete all answers thoroughly for the best grade. It's better to turn in something for partial credit than nothing at all.
  • Deadline: All labs must be submitted before 11:59 PM the evening before our next class. ๐ŸŒ™
๐ŸŽ“ Final Exam (40 Points)
  • Comprehensive: The Final Exam covers questions from each lab exercise completed.
  • Location: Taken on Canvas in the Student Testing Center ๐Ÿ›๏ธ.
  • Allowed Resources: You may use PRINTED copies of your lab manual and completed labs. The Copy Shop in the SUU Library is happy to print and bind the lab manual for a minimal fee. Pro-tip: Opt for Color Prints!
  • Pre-Requisite: All course assignments must be completed PRIOR to taking the Final Exam. No additional work will be graded after the exam.
 Grade Scheme
  • Grade Location: All official grades will be posted on Canvas.
  • Grade Visibility: Grades will not be posted until the Syllabus Quiz & Safety Contract are completed. ๐Ÿ”“
  • Check Regularly: Please check your grades often and alert me to any discrepancies immediately.
  • Grade Review Deadline: Discussion or changes to a posted grade will only be considered within 1 week of the grade being posted. โฐ
  • Written Work: Correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and legibility are required for all written assignments. โœ๏ธ
  • Questions: Feel free to bring any questions about grading to your Professor. I am happy to review your answers and discuss strategies for improvement (via email or during office hours). ๐Ÿค
Grade Scale
  • No Adjustments: No grades will be dropped, adjusted, or curved.
  • Grade Calculation: While total course points may change if assignments are added or subtracted, the final grade percentages will remain as indicated below:
Letter Grade | RangeA | 100% to 92.45%
A- | < 92.45% to 89.45%
B+ | < 89.45% to 86.45%
B | < 86.45% to 82.45%
B- | < 82.45% to 79.45%
C+ | < 79.45% to 76.45%
C | < 76.45% to 72.45%
C- | < 72.45% to 69.45%
D+ | < 69.45% to 66.45%
D | < 66.45% to 62.45%
D- | < 62.45% to 59.45%
F | < 59.45% to 0%

Course Outline

This Human Biology course covers a wide range of topics related to the human body, including all major body systems ๐Ÿงฌ, their anatomy (structure), physiology (function), associated diseases ๐Ÿฆ , and medical information.
  • Sensitive Topics: Content will include discussions and visual materials on potentially sensitive topics related to health, disease, and current events.
  • Graphic Material: Please be advised that some material may be considered graphic ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ or may evoke emotional responses.
I aim to maintain a respectful learning environment ๐Ÿค. If you have specific concerns about the course material, please discuss them with me.
  • Start Here - Welcome & Onboarding Module (Syllabus Quiz & Resources) ๐Ÿ’ป
  • Anatomical Terms - Vocabulary for the human body.
  • Chemistry - Osmosis; Isotonic, Hypotonic, Hypertonic solutions (Solutes + Solvents = Solutions). ๐Ÿงช
  • Tissues - Exploring the fabric of the human body.
  • Integumentary System - Skin, accessory organs, sensory structures, and functions.
  • Skeletal System & Joints - Structures and function of the skeletal system; range of motion. ๐Ÿฆด
  • Muscles - Muscle identification, structure, and function. ๐Ÿ’ช
  • Nervous System - Structure & function of the brain & spinal cord; sheep brain dissection. ๐Ÿง 
  • Special Senses - Exploring eyes, ears, nose, and taste; sheep eye dissection. ๐Ÿ‘€๐Ÿ‘‚
  • Blood - Components of blood and their functions.
  • Hemodynamics - Blood pressure, pulse, heart rate; sheep heart dissection. โค๏ธ
  • Urinary System - Structures and functions of the urinary system; urinalysis (pee test). ๐Ÿ’ง

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

 Professor's Response Time & Feedback
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 5โ€“7 business days of the assignment's due date.
โฐ Late Work Policy & Deadlines
All dates and deadlines are considered final to ensure equitable treatment for all students. Any extra credit opportunities will be available to the entire class.
  • Proactive Planning is Essential: "Computer problems" or "not understanding how to submit" are not acceptable excuses for late work. You should plan to complete and submit assignments at least 24 hours prior to the deadline to account for time to correct any technical issues. โณ
  • Late Penalty: Post-due date completions are subject to a 10% per day late penalty, no questions asked. Assignments 10+ days late will receive no credit. ๐Ÿ“‰
  • Tests: Tests have a 3- to 5-day window in the Testing Center, making extensions extremely rare.
  • Emergency Extensions: Documented medical or legal emergency situations are evaluated at the discretion of the Professor, but typical grade reduction penalties (10% per day) still apply in most cases.
โš•๏ธ Documenting Excuses for Extensions
To request an extension without late penalty, you must provide official documentation as soon as possible via email:
  • Medical or Legal Excuses: Submit an official medical note ๐Ÿฉบ or legal document โš–๏ธ.
  • Bereavement: Provide a copy of the death certificate, obituary, or memorial service evidence. ๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ
  • Mental Health: Mental health issues are treated the same as physical illness; documentation from a licensed healthcare professional is required for an extension.

Attendance Policy

๐Ÿ“… Attendance and Absences
Due to the hands-on nature of the course, attendance and active participation are essential for success.
Planned Absences
If you know you will be absent, you must plan ahead:
  • Arrange a Make-up: Complete the lab activity in another section OR investigate a remote lab option.
  • Submit a Plan: Look over the lab, decide what you ARE able to do, and email me your plan for demonstrating content understanding before the lab date. More options are available prior to the lab! ๐Ÿ’ก
  • SUU-Sponsored Events: If absent due to an official event, email me at least 1 week prior detailing the date, the content you will miss, and your plan for completion. โœˆ๏ธ
Emergency Absences
  • If you have a documented medical or legal excuse ๐Ÿฉบโš–๏ธ, please contact/email me before class (or within 12 hours) to discuss arrangements.

Course Fees

1 Credit(s) | $13.50 Fee

Additional Information & Resources

Accessing Feedback
๐Ÿค Communication with Your Professor
  • Communicate Early and Often! Introduce yourself before/after class or during office hours. Knowing you personally allows me to write stronger Letters of Recommendation โœ๏ธ for study abroad or professional programs.
  • Need Support? Reach out immediately! ๐Ÿ†˜ If you are experiencing issues that may affect your performance, let me know early. Waiting until the last minute severely limits my ability to provide meaningful support or accommodations.
 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.
 Canvas Information
Canvas is the where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.

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.