Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Endocrinology (Face-to-Face)

BIOL 3360-01

Course: BIOL 3360-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: BIOL
CRN: 13475

Course Description

Using a species-comparative approach, this course explores the molecular, cellular, and physiological aspects of the endocrine system in vertebrates. Students learn the principles of bioregulation in vertebrates, how to study bioregulatory pathways, and the clinical aspects and diseases associated with endocrine system dysfunction. (Spring - Even Years) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 3270 and 3275) or (BIOL 2420 and [BIOL 2425 or BIOL 2423]) - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C

Required Texts

Vertebrate Endocrinology, by Norris and Carr

6th edition ISBN: 9780128200933
OR
5th edition ISBN: 9780123948151

Learning Outcomes

4.0 (Critical Thinking)

- Using knowledge of underlying causation principles, identify the function of bioregulators and pathologies caused by dysregulation

8.0 (Inquiry & Analysis)

- Identify methods and study designs for endocrinology research

11.0 (Knowledge of human cultures & the physical & natural world)

- describe the evolution of bioregulatory systems and how they differ across major vertebrate taxa

10.0 (Integrative Learning)

- explain how to apply knowledge of bioregulatory systems to the medical, veterinary, animal husbandry, and/or research field

Course Requirements

EXAMS

·       There are two exams given over the semester (a midterm and a final) and will cover the material after the previous exam (not comprehensive).

·       Exams cannot be made up except in the case of an excused absence (e.g., sanctioned university activities such as sports or academic field trips). Absences require a letter from a coach/instructor before the absence. Emergency/last-minute medical issues require documentation from a physician stating that you are physically or mentally not capable of attending. Make-ups must be done within 3 days of returning to school.

QUIZZES

·       There will be 7 quizzes, each covering the major systems we will be studying. Quizzes will be available on Canvas. With the exception of 3 quizzes that will take us two weeks to cover the material, quizzes will open on Monday and close at 11:59 PM the following Friday.

·       You can take the quiz as many times as you would like.

·       Quizzes will be timed. 

·       Answers will be available 24 hours before the quiz due date.

·       The intended approach to the quizzes is to study and then take the quiz without the book or notes. This will help you determine where you need to spend more time studying.

·       Quizzes are not intended to be comprehensive of what will be on the exam. They merely give an idea of what type of questions to expect.

·       No make-ups or late quizzes are accepted. 

ASSIGNMENTS

·       There are two types of assignments in this class: in-class activities/projects and homework.

·       In-class activities/projects designed to help you study, apply the material, and collaborate with classmates so you must be present to get the points. However, the resulting material will still be available to you.

·       Homework will primarily be reading assignments for discussions or write-ups following “lab” activities.

·       In-class activities cannot be made up. However, I understand that life happens. Because of that, two in-class activities will be dropped.

·       Writing assignments can be turned in late, but I will only accept one late assignment per person per week.

GROUP PROJECT

·       The class will be divided into groups of about 4 based on common endocrine interests. As a group, you will research a topic, write a proposal, and present your proposal to the class. You will be graded based on my assessment and the assessment of others in your group.

The grading scale is as follows:

 | Percent (%) | Grade |       Work         | % of total grade
 |           ≥92.0 |    A     | Midterm exam |     15
 |     91.9-89.0 |    A-    |      Final          |     15
 |    88.9-86.0  |    B+   |    Quizzes       |     15
 |    85.9-82.0  |    B     | Assignments   |     20
 |    81.9-79.0  |    B-    |        ICA          |     20
 |    78.9-75.0  |    C+   | Group Project |     15
 |    74.9-71.0  |    C     |        Total        |    100
 |    70.9-68.0  |    C-    |    
 |    67.9-65.0  |    D+   |   
 |    64.9-62.0  |    D     |  
 |    61.9-59.0  |    D-    |  
 |         <59.0   |    F     |  

Course Outline

 | Week | Date |            Monday        |      Wednesday    |               Friday
 |    1     |         |              ~~~            |   Syllabus stuff     |              Intro
 |    2     |         |      Bioregulators      | Histology (slides) |             ICA 1
 |    3     |         |              ~~~            | Methods of Study |             ICA 2
 |    4     |         |           HP Axis         | Endo Simulation |              ICA 3
 |    5     |         | Mammalian Thyroid | Non-Mammal Thyroid |       ICA 4
 |    6     |         | Mammalian Adrenal |     Experiment      |             ICA 5
 |    7     |         |              ~~~            | Non-Mammal Adrenal |       ICA 6
 |    8     |         |  Paper Discussion   |    Midterm Exam   |   Endo of Reproduction
 |    9     |         | Endo of Reproduction |  Experiment      |     Paper Discussion
 |   10    |         |   ~~Spring Break~~ |           ~~~            |              ~~~
 |   11    |         | Pancreas and Metabolism | Pancreas and Metabolism | ICA 7
 |   12    |         |   Paper Discussion |        Experiment     | Calcium & Phosphate regulation
 |   13    |         | Cal/Phos Homeostasis | Paper Discussion | Environmental Endo
 |   14    |         | Environmental Endo |     Experiment      |     Paper Discussion
 |   15    |         |    Presentations        |   Presentations    |     Presentations
 |   16    |         | Finals Week  

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

Exams can only be made up in the case of a University sanctioned activity.
Quizzes and Assignments cannot be made up or turned in late. However, two in-class activity scores will be dropped from the final grade
Writing assignments can be turned in late. However, I will only except one late assignment per person, per week.

Attendance Policy

While I do not take attendance, we will have periodic in-class activities/projects. Points for in-class activities will only be awarded by being present.

Show up to class on time and be present. Remove or silence all unnecessary distractions so you can focus on our class. Be courteous. Don’t be the distraction your neighbor needs silenced or removed.

Course Fees

Credit Hours: 3

Course Fee: $37.50 

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.