Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Scientific Foundations of Human Nutrition (Hybrid)

NFS 1020-30Y

Course: NFS 1020-30Y
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: ASNS
CRN: 10111

Course Description

An introduction to the science of nutrition and the relationship of food intake and health. Nutrient requirements and food selection to meet those requirements are discussed. Students evaluate their own food intake and eating behaviors and learn to be informed consumers of food and nutrition information. A minimum grade of “C” (2.0) or above must be earned in this course before it can be counted in a Human Nutrition major or minor or as a prerequisite for any other nutrition course. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll General Education Category: Life Sciences

Required Texts

Free downloadable, OER Textbook from Lane Community College 

       "Nutrition: Science and Everyday Application"   https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/nutritionscience/   

Learning Outcomes

  • Critical Thinking: Students will demonstrate disciplined processes of actively and skillfully
conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating nutrition information gathered
from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to
belief and action.
  • Lifelong Learning: Students will demonstrate that they possess the skills and dispositions that are
necessary for a self-sufficient learner to engage in purposeful, ongoing learning activities with the aim
of improving nutrition knowledge, skills and competence.
 
Course Objectives:  

Students who are successful in this class will

·         increase knowledge of the science of nutrition with a greater understanding of the relationship between food and health

·         become familiar with the nutrient requirements of the human body, factors affecting those requirements, and current advancements being made in this area

·         apply nutrition information by selecting and evaluating a nutritious food intake

·         interpret information on a nutrition label and use this information, along with other nutrition tools, to evaluate diets

·         identify reputable sources of nutrition information and distinguish between reliable and unreliable information



Course Requirements

Hybrid Course Design - Monday & Wednesdays in-person, most Fridays via Canvas
o   This course is designed as a hybrid learning experience incorporating in-person and  asynchronous online learning methods.  
o   In-person classes will be held Mondays and Wednesdays and include learning activities such as lectures, discussion, group work, etc. Canvas Learning Management System will be utilized for in-person classes.
o   In place of in-person class on Fridays, learning will be accomplished via the Canvas Learning Management System. Learning activities may include, recording/reading assignments, quizzes, discussion forum participation, online modules, etc.  
 - These learning activities/assignments are in place of the in-person class and are separate from course readings and assignments. Learning activities will be reviewed/discussed during the next in-person class.  
o   Canvas requires computer access. SUU Computer Labs:https://labuse.suu.edu/ 
o   Canvas & IT Computer Support:
 - For Passwords or any other computer-related technical support: (435)-865-8200 support@suu.edu  
 - For Canvas help: (435) 865-8555, canvas@suu.edu   
How to Use Canvas & Resources: https://suu.instructure.com/courses/166813



Points: 
  • Quizzes: 20 pts 
  • Learning for Retention Assignments (Recorded Hybrid Assignments): 100 pts
    • Food Safety
    • GI Tract
    • Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplementation
    • Protein
    • Water and Electrolytes
    • Fruits/Vegetables and Antioxidants
    • Bone Health
    • Metabolism and Blood Nutrients
  • Topic Assignments: 190 pts
    • Reliable Resources
    • Labels
    • Food Safety
    • Diabetes
    • Supplements
    • Heart Health
    • Beverages
    • Cancer
    • Healthy Relationship with Food and Body 
    • Disordered Eating
    • Intuitive Eating vs. Emotional Eating
    • Improved Quality and Quantity of Life
    • Physical Activity and Sleep
    • Life Cycle Nutrition
  • Nutrition Analysis Assignments: 160 pts
    • Food Record
    • Week day input
    • Weekend input
    • Nutrient Balance
    • Energy Nutrients
    • Vitamins, Minerals and Water
    • Application 
  • Exams: 500 pts 
  • Attendance Assignments: 130 pts 
  • Total: 1,100 pts 


Course Outline

Topics Covered: 
  • Nutrition and You
  • Eating Nutritiously
  • GI tract
  • Carbohydrates and Diabetes
  • Fats and Heart Disease
  • Proteins and Cancer
  • Healthy Relationship with Food and Body
  • Nutrition in the Pursuit for improved Quality and Quantity of Life
  • Disordered Eating, Eating Disorders and Intuitive Eating
  • Pregnancy Nutrition
  • Child/Teen Nutrition 
  • Adult/Elderly Nutrition 

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

Half points will be given when assignments are submitted within 1 week of due date.

Attendance Policy

1.      Your attendance and participation in class is expected and very beneficial in achieving a good grade in this class. Attendance is taken at the start of class; no points will be given if you arrive after attendance is taken. 

2.  Classes will be recorded and posted on Canvas.

3.  If you miss class and want to make up attendance points, listen to the recording and submit 2 pages of notes under the class date.  Must be completed within 1 week of missed class. 

Course Fees

No additional course fee. 

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.