Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Back to Syllabus Search | Browse by Department
Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Human Physiology (Face-to-Face)

BIOL 2420-01

Course: BIOL 2420-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: BIOL
CRN: 12464

Course Description

Human Physiology Lecture presents a systematic study of the functions of the human body. Emphasis will be placed on how each system functions to maintain homeostasis in the body as a whole. Clinical scenarios will play a major role in developing students’ understanding and application skills. This course is supported and reinforced by activities in Human Physiology Lab (BIOL2425).

A systematic study of the functions of the human body from the cellular to the systems. Three (3) hours of lectures 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 [As Needed]) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2425

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1610 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C
Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

Required Text- Human Physiology, 3rd Edition with WileyPlus Access. Derrickson. Wiley. Click "Wiley Course Resources" from the left-hand. 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. Other purchase options are not available as graded assignments in this course are completed via WileyPlus.  
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.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Use accurate scientific terminology to describe physiological processes
  2. Describe with detail the functioning of specific body systems at both the cellular, tissue, organ, and organism level and predict a system’s response to changes in homeostasis
  3. Apply your understanding of individual body systems to interactions between multiple body systems to solve clinical scenarios.

Course Requirements

📝 Discussion Boards (5 DBs x 20pts = 100 Points)
Discussion Boards are opportunities to apply class concepts to current science and events. Content will not 🛑 appear on quizzes or tests. These are "grade boosters"! Use them wisely! 
  • 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 (link)."
  • 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 (10 quizzes x 15pts = 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 (5x100pts= 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 proctoring software may be available, with prior approval by the Biology Department Chair, for documented medical/legal reasons. 
  • 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.
  • 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 Outline

Human Physiology Lecture presents a systematic study of the functions of the human body. Emphasis will be placed on how each system functions to maintain homeostasis in the body as a whole. Clinical scenarios will play a major role in developing students’ understanding and application skills. This course is supported and reinforced by activities in Human Physiology Lab (BIOL2425).

A Note on Course Content: This Human Physiology course covers a wide range of topics related to the human body, including all major body systems 🧬, their anatomy (structure), physiology (function), associated diseases 🦠, and medical information ⚕️. 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.

  • Homeostasis ⚖️
  • Nervous Tissue 🧠
  • Central & Peripheral Nervous Systems 🌐
  • Autonomic Nervous System 🤖
  • Special Senses 👀👂👃👅
  • Muscle Physiology 💪
  • Endocrine System 🧪
  • Digestive System 🍎
  • Cardiovascular System ❤️
  • Hemodynamics 🌊
  • Blood Physiology 🩸
  • Immunity/Lymphatics System 🛡️
  • Respiratory System 🌬️
  • Urinary System 🚽
  • Reproductive System 👶

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

🚫 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 📧 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.
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 5–7 business days of the assignment's due date.

Attendance Policy

💡 Course Attendance Policy: iClicker
  • We use theiClicker Student appLinks to an external site. 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

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. Other purchase options are not available as graded assignments in this course are completed via WileyPlus.

💻 Technology & Course Requirements

This course relies heavily on Canvas for submissions, quizzes, and tests, requiring proficiency in basic computing, word processing, and internet use.

  • Allowed: You are encouraged to bring your laptop or tablet for note-taking. Voice recorders are also permitted during lectures.
  • 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 LockLinks to an external site. testing plugin (for remote proctoring if needed/allowed).

Accessing Feedback

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 Handbook (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. For more information on Canvas and other technologies, and their statements on Accessibility and Privacy statements please review our Vendor Resources  (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.page.

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.