Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Summer Semester 2026

Scientific Foundations of Human Nutrition (Online)

NFS 1020-31I

Course: NFS 1020-31I
Credits: 3
Term: Summer Semester 2026
Department: ASNS
CRN: 20013

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the science of nutrition and the relationship between 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.

Required Texts

Recommended Textbooks

  • Free Online Text: Nutrition: Science and Everyday Application | 2nd Edition 2020 | by Alice Callahan, PhD; Heather Leonard, PhD, RDN; and Tamberly Powell, MS, RDN https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/nutritionscience2e/.
  • Scientific American Nutrition for a Changing World | 2nd Edition ©2022 | ISBN: 9781319148676 ISBN-13: 1319148670 by Jamie Pope and Steven Nizielski

Learning Outcomes

Essential Course 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

By the end of this course, successful students who attend all class sessions, actively engage in class activities, and complete all assignments as instructed will be able to:

  • 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

Class Evaluation and Grade Breakdown

BreakdownSubmission MethodPoints Possible
Syllabus QuizCanvas20
Professional Email AssignmentEmail30
Dietary Analysis Assignments #1-5Canvas and ASA24200
Chapter Assessments - Assignments and QuizzesCanvas500
Final ExamOnline250
Total1000

Grading Scale (based on percentages)

≥ 93 = A83 – 86.99 = B73 – 76.99 = C63 – 66.99 = D
90 – 92.99 = A-80 – 82.99 = B-70 – 72.99 = C-60 – 62.99 = D-
87 – 89.99 = B+77 – 79.99 = C+67 – 69.99 = D+≤ 59.99 = F

A. Canvas

Canvas is where you can see your assignments, grades, lectures, files, discussion boards, calendar of due dates, and more. Canvas is every student's best friend because this is where students submit their assignments, projects, and exams. It is also an easy way to contact professors and peers with questions or concerns.

B. Proctorio

Proctorio, a remote proctoring service, operates discreetly within your web browser. Its primary function is to vigilantly monitor for any suspicious behavior during tests, thereby ensuring the integrity of your academic performance. Proctorio may be attached to your exams and/or quizzes as you take them online. This software acts as a virtual proctor using your computer's camera and microphone. This allows students to take an exam anywhere, at any time, while still being proctored.

“Proctorio uses AI-powered algorithms to detect suspicious activity such as eye wandering, multiple browser tabs being open, or unusual mouse movements. If any suspicious activity is detected, it will be flagged for review by the instructor,” said Chase Krohn, SUU instructional designer. “It can detect if multiple people are on camera if there is copy/pasting, navigation away from the exam, and a number of other questionable activities.” The vast majority of students have no trouble with Proctorio. It is an easy-to-use system that operates within a student's web browser. To use it, you need only download the Chrome extension to your computer.

C. Modules

The class material is divided into lectures based on chapters. These modules will have a variety of tasks for the student to complete weekly, such as reading applicable articles, watching pre-recorded videos, completing quizzes, assignments regarding the material, etc.

All tasks in modules will be completed and submitted via Canvas except when directed by the instructor to use a different platform. Assignments are highlighted on the class calendar (see the last page of this document). The due dates of the assignment are subject to change. Be on the lookout for announcements from the instructor on any date changes. These include assignments, quizzes, and the diet analysis project. Opening your Canvas from time to time to see the class calendar will ensure that you are kept abreast of the changes to the calendar and due dates.

Please do not use .pages, .gif, .jpeg, .jpg, Google Docs, or pictures for any assignments. These cannot be opened and will not be accepted. Use Microsoft Word or PDF files for all submissions. You can use the free platform (www.docupub.com) or any other free platform of your choice to convert assignments to PDF before submitting them.

D. Professional Email Assignment

As future Professionals, you will communicate with colleagues. Hence, it is pertinent to learn the skill of crafting, sending, and professionally responding to emails. As the first task in this course, you will be required to send a professionally formatted email to the Professor.

The professional email task will be graded, and feedback will be provided based on your email.

E. Diet Analysis Assignment

  • a. An aspect of the assignments for this course will be completed via ASA24 and will fall under the Diet Analysis Assignment. This assignment involves keeping a detailed food record and entering all food items and beverages into an electronic system online.
  • b. This assignment is divided into 5 different assignments. Each assignment has its own detailed instructions, so please read them in their entirety and complete them on time.

F. Exams

During the final exam period, a comprehensive final exam will be given. The final exam will include comprehensive information on all that has been discussed or learned in previous chapters throughout the class. If, for any reason, an exam cannot be taken at the scheduled time or before the due date, contact the instructor and make alternate arrangements at least one week before the exam. Prior notice is needed for an exam to be made up.

Course Outline

DateScheduleAssignments Due
Week 1 May 11-17Introduction to the courseSyllabus Quiz Due: WED 05/15/2026 at 11:59 pm
Professional Email Due: FRI 05/15/2026 at 11:59 pm
Week 2 May 18-24Ch 1: Nutrition & YouChapter Assessment #1 Due: MON 05/18/2026 at 11:59 pm
Week 2 May 18-24Ch 2: Healthy DietsChapter Assessment #2 Due: WED 05/20/2026 at 11:59 pm
#1 Dietary Analysis (Food Record) Assignment Due: FRI 05/24/2026 at 11:59 pm
Week 3 May 25-May 31Ch 3: GI Tract and DigestionChapter Assessment #3 Due: MON 05/25/2026 at 11:59 pm
Week 3 May 25-May 31Ch 4: CarbohydratesChapter Assessment #4 Due: WED 05/27/2026 at 11:59 pm
#2 Dietary Analysis (Week Day Input) Assignment Due: FRI 05/29/2026 at 11:59 pm
Week 4 June 1-7Ch 5: LipidsChapter Assessment #5 Due: MON 06/01/2026 at 11:59 pm
#2 Dietary Analysis (Weekend Day Input) Assignment Due: MON 06/01/2026 at 11:59 pm **
Week 4 June 1-7Ch 6: ProteinsChapter Assessment #6 Due: WED 06/03/2026 at 11:59 pm
#3 Dietary Analysis (Nutrient Balance) Assignment Due: FRI 06/05/2026 at 11:59 pm
Week 5 June 8-14Ch 7: VitaminsChapter Assessment #7 Due: MON 06/08/2026 at 11:59 pm
Week 5 June 8-14Ch 8: MineralsChapter Assessment #8 Due: WED 06/10/2026 at 11:59 pm
#4 Dietary Analysis (Energy Nutrients) Assignment Due: FRI 06/12/2026 at 11:59 pm
Week 6 Jun 15-21Ch 9: Water and SupplementsChapter Assessment #9 Due: MON 06/15/2026 at 11:59 pm
Week 6 Jun 15-21Ch 10: Energy Balance and ObesityChapter Assessment #10 Due: WED 06/17/2026 at 11:59 pm
#5 Dietary Analysis (Vit, Min & Water) Assignment Due: FRI 06/19/2026 at 11:59 pm
Week 7 Jun 22-28Ch 11: Nutrition Across the LifespanChapter Assessment #11 Due: MON 06/22/2026 at 11:59 pm
Week 7 Jun 22-28Ch 12: Physical Activity and SleepChapter Assessment #12 Due: WED 06/24/2026 at 11:59 pm
Jun 29Final ExamFINAL Exam – (Chapters 1 – 12) Due: SUN, Jun 28, 2025, by 11:59 am)
Note
  • Chapter Assignments Due on Mondays and Wednesdays
  • Nutrient Analysis Assignments are Due on Fridays
  • The Final Exam is due on Sunday, June 28, 2025, @ 11:59 am. You can complete it any time from Jun 23 to 29, 2026

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

G. Late Work Submission

You are responsible for submitting all assignments and quizzes on time according to the course schedule. Late assignments may be accepted until 7 days after the due date, but 10% will be deducted after the assignment is graded. After 7 days, no credit can be earned. For example, if an assignment is graded on a 0-100 scale and your submitted work is evaluated as 90 based on the grading rubric, you will receive an 80 when a ‘day-late’ submission policy is applied.

H. 24/7 “Be-patient” grade policy

Grades can only be discussed after 24 hours of being issued and within one week (7 days) of being given a grade on any assignment or quiz related to the class. This timeframe will give you time to "cool down" and manage your emotions before discussing your grades with me, and not wait until the last minute before bringing up your questions.

You are responsible for checking your grades immediately after they are posted, and you get an alert. Each grade in question will be ineligible for discussion outside this (24/7) timeframe.

I. Email communications

Replies in 1 to 2 business days—remember I have dedicated family (‘me’) time after 5 PM. All email communications (original and replies) to the Professor should be business-like and professional. Please indicate NFS 1020 32I in the subject line. Communicating by cell phone is not an excuse for an unprofessional email. Also, all responses to an email chain should remain in a professional format. Please note that all email communications are public (not private) information. Please note that the instructor will only return messages/emails that are appropriately communicated.

Attendance Policy

N/A

Course Fees

N/A

General Education Knowledge Area

Campus Resources

SUU offers resources specifically for online students to make their online experience better by alleviating worries and stress.

Here are some of the online resources offered at SUU currently:

  • Online tutoring center
  • Online writing center
  • Online library resources
  • Online speech and presentation center
  • Online Financial Aid
  • How to Pay for College course
  • Combat Brain Training course
  • Canvas Resources & Support Page
  • Online Outreach Team
  • Mental Health Resources (specifically, TimelyCare)
  • SUU App (download from your app store)

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.