Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Scientific Foundations of Human Nutrition (Online)

NFS 1020-31I

Course: NFS 1020-31I
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: ASNS
CRN: 10060

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. This is a three-credit course. This section is fully online.

PREREQUISITES: None

Required Texts

In this course, the online book by Cengage and the DWP tool for the dietary assessment are required. Both can be accessed in the Inclusive Access Course Materials tab (on the left column in Canvas). You have the textbook and DWP tool automatically unless you opt out. This is through the SUU library.

Textbook

Nutrition: Concepts & Controversies
ISBN: 9798214349701
By: Frances Sizer; Ellie Whitney

Dietary Analysis Tool

NFS.1020 - Diet and Wellness Plus
ISBN: 9781285856216R180
By: McGuire/Beerman/Dunford/D...

If you have trouble accessing the materials, have them reach out to bookstore@suu.edu.

If you want a hard copy of the textbook, contact the bookstore.

Lecture Slides, recordings, articles, and all materials can be found in Canvas under the "Modules" section. Study guides are within each module.

SUU APA resources: https://www.suu.edu/library/citation-help.html

Learning Outcomes

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 nutrition labels & use, along with other nutrition tools, to evaluate diets
  • Identify reputable sources of nutrition information & distinguish between reliable & unreliable information

Course Requirements

Assignment Outline: The specific schedule and due dates are provided in Canvas. Most assignments and exams are due on Fridays at 5 pm.

EXAMS (30%): There are four exams. All questions will be multiple-choice or True/False. Your lowest exam will be dropped (Canvas does this automatically).

FINAL EXAM (15%): This is required and will be a cumulative exam plus module 5 (chapters 13-15).

ASSIGNMENTS (20%): These will reinforce concepts discussed in class and allow you to make real-life connections with the material. There are about 1-2 assignments per module.

DIETARY ANALYSIS (25%): This is a fun project in which you analyze your diet and activity level. This assignment (DA) will be in 3 parts.

  1. Step 1: Recording Your Diet
  2. Step 2: Analysis of Your Diet
  3. Step 3: Creating an Ideal Day

DISCUSSION FORUM (10%): Typically, there is one discussion forum per module.

Grading Policy

You will earn a final letter grade based on the following criteria: see the grading policy below. Please review your graded assignments regularly and let me know if you have any questions.

Incomplete Grades: A grade of Incomplete (I) may be given at the discretion of the instructor to a student who has been unable to complete the course requirements due to a serious interruption not caused by the student’s own negligence. Letter grades of “A” through “F” (course final grade) will be awarded based on the following:

Our assignments are weighted
ItemWeight
Discussion posts (5)10%
Assignments (5)20%
DA (3 parts)25%
Exams (4)30%
Final exam15%
Total100%
Percentages for grades are as follows:
100-94.0 - A76.5-74.0 - C
93.5-90.0 - A-73.5-70.0 - C-
89.5-87.0 - B+69.5-67.0 - D+
86.5-84.0 - B66.5-64.0 - D
83.5-80.0 - B-63.5-60.0 - D-
79.5-77.0 - C+59.5 – 0 - F

Course Outline

Course Schedule (subject to change)
WeekDateTopicReadingsAssignments
Week 1 (1/7 - 1/11)1/7Intro to CourseC1
Week 1 (1/7 - 1/11)1/9Food choices & human healthC1Syllabus quiz due @ 5 PM; Discussion forum (Introductions) is due 1/11 @ 5 PM
Week 2 (1/12 - 1/18)1/12Intro & Nutrition ToolsC1 & 2Do self-check C1 & videos
Week 2 (1/12 - 1/18)1/14Nutrition ToolsC2Do self-check C2 & videos
Week 2 (1/12 - 1/18)1/16Food label assignment due 5 PM; Discussion forum 1 due 5 PM
Week 3 (1/19 - 1/25)1/19 (HOLIDAY)The Remarkable BodyC3Read C3 & videos
Week 3 (1/19 - 1/25)1/21DigestionC3Do self-check C3
Week 3 (1/19 - 1/25)1/23EXAM 1 (C 1-3) due @ 5 PM.
Week 4 (1/26 - 2/1)1/26CarbohydratesC4Read Chapter 4 & videos
Week 4 (1/26 - 2/1)1/27CarbohydratesC4Do self-check C4
Week 4 (1/26 - 2/1)1/30Assignment module 2 due @ 5 PM
Week 5 (2/2 - 2/8)Record food this week (or earlier)
Week 5 (2/2 - 2/8)2/2FatsChapter 5Read Chapter 5 & videos
Week 5 (2/2 - 2/8)2/4FatsChapter 5Do Chapter 5 self-check
Week 5 (2/2 - 2/8)2/6Discussion Forum 2 due @ 5 PM
Week 6 (2/9 - 2/15)2/9ProteinChapter 6Read Chapter 6 & videos
Week 6 (2/9 - 2/15)2/11ProteinChapter 6Self-check Chapter 6
Week 6 (2/9 - 2/15)2/13Study for testDA part 1 due @ 5 PM; EXAM 2 (C4-6) due @ 5 PM
Week 7 (2/16 - 2/22)2/16 (HOLIDAY)Read Chapter 7 & videos
Week 7 (2/16 - 2/22)2/18VitaminsChapter 7Self-check Chapter 7
Week 7 (2/16 - 2/22)2/20Discussion Forum 3 due @ 5 PM
Week 8 (2/23 - 3/1)2/23Minerals & WaterChapter 8Read Chapter 8 & videos
Week 8 (2/23 - 3/1)2/25Minerals & WaterChapter 8Self-check Chapter 8
Week 8 (2/23 - 3/1)2/27Assignment Module 3 due 5 PM
Week 9 (3/2 - 3/8)3/2Energy Balance & Healthy BodyChapter 9Read Chapter 9 & videos
Week 9 (3/2 - 3/8)3/4Energy Balance & Healthy BodyChapter 9Self-check 9
Week 9 (3/2 - 3/8)3/6DA PART 2 due @ 5 PM; EXAM 3 (C7-9) due @ 5 PM
Week 10Spring break 3/9 - 3/15ENJOY!
Week 11 (3/16 - 3/22)3/16Performance NutritionC10Read Chapter 10 & videos
Week 11 (3/16 - 3/22)3/18Performance NutritionC10Do self-check C10
Week 11 (3/16 - 3/22)3/20Discussion Forum due 5 PM; Module 4 Assignment due 5 PM
Week 12 (3/23 - 3/29)3/23Nutrition & Chronic DiseaseC11Read chapter 5 & videos
Week 12 (3/23 - 3/29)3/25Nutrition & Chronic DiseaseC11Do self-check C11
Week 12 (3/23 - 3/29)3/27DA part 3 due at 5 PM
Week 13 (3/30 - 4/5)3/30Food safety & technologyC12Read chapter 12 & videos
Week 13 (3/30 - 4/5)4/1Food safety & technologyC12Do self-check C12
Week 13 (3/30 - 4/5)4/3EXAM 4(C10-12) due 5 PM
Week 14 (4/6 - 4/12)4/6Life cycle nut. mother & infantC13Read C13 & do self-check C13
Week 14 (4/6 - 4/12)4/8Child, Teen, & Older AdultC14Read C14 & do self-check C14
Week 14 (4/6 - 4/12)4/10Discussion forum 5 due 5 PM
Week 15 (4/13 - 4/19)4/13Hunger & the Future of FoodC15Read C15 & do self-check C15
Week 15 (4/13 - 4/19)4/15REVIEW
Week 15 (4/13 - 4/19)4/17Study Day
Week 16Final exam weekFinal ExamFinal Exam 4/21 - 4/22

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

Instructor's Response Time & Feedback

Online classes provide unique challenges for interaction. I will respond to your messages within 24 hours during the week and within 48 hours on the weekend. Feedback is an important part of learning. Please review the feedback on your assignments that I have provided.

Grading: My goal is to complete grades within one week. I understand grades are important to you. If you have a question about your grade, please contact me within one week. There will be no potential changes after one week. I am always happy to review your test or assignment.

Late work is not accepted in this course without legitimate medical or emergency documentation. In addition, best efforts must be made to notify the instructor before the due date. Please note that contacting the instructor before a due date does not guarantee an extension, as that decision will be determined based on the nature of the need for an extension. Please note that work schedules, other course deadlines/schedules, technology issues/errors, submission/upload errors, and lack of access to technology devices and/or software are not considered legitimate excuses.

Student Communication

All student communication (oral and written) must be professional. Professional emails must be written. "Hey professor" is not considered professional. Please address me as Dr. Young. I will not respond to unprofessional emails.

Late/Make-Up Work

Late Work: Work turned in late will receive a zero. Most assignment due dates will be Friday at 5 PM. Work that is not legible will receive a ZERO. You are required to TYPE your assignments on a computer. No handwritten assignments will be accepted.

Makeup Work: No make-ups for exams, labs, and in-class activities without medical or equivalent (e.g., school excused) reasons under extreme circumstances. Athletes, please notify me and provide your schedule.

In an extreme circumstance (e.g., COVID, illness), arrangements for make-up should be made with the instructor within a week of the missed class or exam.

School-excused event: In a school-related activity, arrangements for making up work must be made before the date of absence. According to Policy 6.30, you must inform the instructor of the dates you will miss class due to school-related activities before the anticipated absence. For activities whose schedules are known before the start of the semester, you must provide the instructors with a written schedule during the first week of the semester showing the days you expect to miss class. For other university-excused absences, you must provide the instructor with the earliest advanced written notice of the classes you will miss.

Zoom Etiquette

If we need to use the Zoom online conference system, you need to have a webcam/microphone or a smartphone with the Zoom app. We will adopt the same rules and norms as in a physical classroom (take notes, participate by asking and answering questions, and wear classroom-ready clothing). For everyone’s benefit:

  • Join the course in a quiet, distraction-free location
  • Be aware of your background
  • Turn on your video (you may close it after attendance is taken if your internet connection cannot handle having both audio and video going).
  • Mute your microphone unless you are speaking.
  • Close browser tabs and software not required for participating in class.
  • Remember that our classes are in the Mountain Time zone

The success of this class will depend on the same commitment to learning we all typically bring to the physical classroom.

Attendance Policy

ATTENDANCE ONLINE: Although the course is self-paced, I would stay on top of the material to ensure success. The only way I know if you are attending is if you complete the online work.

Course Fees

There are no additional course fees. 

Additional Course Guidance and Resources

How to do well in this course
  • Check Web Campus (Canvas) DAILY.
  • Come to class prepared! Read the chapters in advance of class to enhance learning.
  • Use the syllabus, textbook, study guides, videos, PowerPoint slides, and support media.
  • Complete work on time or before the due date.
  • Read all emails and announcements.
  • Ask questions when you need assistance.
  • Work on assignments DAILY! All assignments are open starting from Day 1 and upon completion of the commenced attendance.
Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan.

Throughout the semester, in-class activities will provide the opportunity to learn, practice, and master the skills and abilities of teaching movement. Due dates for assignments represent the latest time they may be submitted. You should start working on them before the due date, and you can even turn them in early.

Canvas Information

Canvas is the where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.

For Passwords or any other computer-related technical support:
435-865-8200
support@suu.edu
IT Service Desk

For Canvas help:
435-865-8555
canvas@suu.edu
Canvas Help Center
How to Use Canvas

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.

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.