Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Introduction to Biology (Online)

BIOL 1010-SW1

Course: BIOL 1010-SW1
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Biology
CRN: 33029

Course Description

Non-majors course in biology emphasizing mechanisms of living systems and impact of biological problems on human affairs. Course is designed to foster critical thinking, problem solving and the application of scientific thinking in biology. Not intended for science majors. Three (3) hours of lecture per week. A minimum grade of ā€œCā€ (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) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Co-requisite(s): BIOL 1015 recommended Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll General Education Category: Life Sciences

Required Texts

Simon, E. J. (2024). Biology: The Core (3rd ed.). Pearson.

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of core biological concepts.
  • Apply biological principles to practical scenarios.
  • Enhance scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills.
  • Interpret scientific data and communicate biological concepts effectively.

Course Requirements

Accessing Your Pearson Course Materials Through Canvas

  1. Log in to Canvas and open your course.
  2. Select the Inclusive Access Course Materials link.
  3. Sign in to an existing Pearson account or create a new account.
  4. Click Go to My Course.
  5. Select BIOL-1010 Fall 2026 from your Pearson course list.
It is recommended that you always access Pearson through Canvas.

Reading assignments and laboratory exercises are completed through Pearson. Chapter quizzes and discussions are completed through Canvas and are best accessed through Modules

Course Outline

Week 1: Introduction to Biology and Scientific Inquiry

Chapter 1: Exploring Life (Pearson)

  • Overview of biological sciences
  • The scientific method
  • The relevance of biology
Assignments

  • Chapter 1 Quiz (Canvas)
  • Week 1 Discussion: The Scientific Study of Life (Canvas)

Week 2: Chemistry of Life and Cell Structure

Chapter 2: The Chemistry of Life (Pearson)

  • Atoms
  • Molecules
  • Chemical bonds
  • Biological chemistry
Chapter 3: The Cell: The Fundamental Unit of Life (Pearson)

  • Cell theory
  • Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
  • Organelles
  • Cell function
Assignments

  • Chapter 2 Quiz (Canvas)
  • Chapter 3 Quiz (Canvas)
  • Laboratory Exercise: Cells (Pearson)

Week 3: Cellular Metabolism

Chapter 4: Energy and Life (Pearson)

  • Enzymes
  • ATP
  • Cellular respiration
  • Photosynthesis
Chapter 5: Chromosomes and Inheritance (Pearson)

  • Cell division
  • Mitosis
  • Meiosis
  • Genetics
  • Punnett squares
Assignments

  • Chapter 4 Quiz (Canvas)
  • Chapter 5 Quiz (Canvas)
  • Week 3 Discussion: Enzymes (Canvas)

Week 4: Molecular Genetics and Evolution

Chapter 6: DNA: The Molecule of Life (Pearson)

  • DNA structure
  • DNA replication
  • Gene expression
Chapter 7: Darwinian Evolution (Pearson)

  • Natural selection
  • Evolution
  • Adaptation
  • Evidence for evolution
Assignments

  • Chapter 6 Quiz (Canvas)
  • Chapter 7 Quiz (Canvas)
  • Laboratory Exercise: Genetics (Pearson)

Week 5: Classification and Diversity of Life

Chapter 8: Microscopic Organisms (Pearson)

  • Archaea
  • Bacteria
  • Protists
Chapter 9: Fungi and Plants (Pearson)

  • Fungi
  • Plant anatomy
  • Plant diversity
Assignments

  • Chapter 8 Quiz (Canvas)
  • Chapter 9 Quiz (Canvas)
  • Week 5 Discussion: Ecology (Canvas)

Week 6: Animals and Human Biology

Chapter 10: Animals (Pearson)

  • Animal diversity
  • Classification
  • Major animal groups
Chapter 11: Human Biology (Pearson)

  • Human anatomy
  • Human physiology
  • Human health
Assignments

  • Chapter 10 Quiz (Canvas)
  • Chapter 11 Quiz (Canvas)
  • Laboratory Exercise: Macromolecules (Pearson)

Week 7: Ecology

Chapter 12: Ecology (Pearson)

  • Ecosystems
  • Populations
  • Communities
  • Population growth
  • Species interactions
Assignments

  • Chapter 12 Quiz (Canvas)

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

Chapter Quizzes

No late quizzes will be accepted. Because quizzes assess mastery of each chapter's material, they must be completed by the posted deadline.

Laboratory Exercises and Discussions

Extensions for laboratory exercises and discussions may be granted if requested before the assignment due date.Requests submitted after the deadline has passed will generally not be approved except in documented extenuating circumstances at the instructor's discretion.

Final Week

No late work or extensions will be accepted during the final week of the semester.

There is no extra credit offered in this course. Staying current with coursework is the best strategy for success.



Attendance Policy

No campus visits are required.

Students are expected to:

  • Log into Canvas at least every other day (minimum three times per week).
  • Complete assigned readings before attempting quizzes.
  • Participate thoughtfully in discussion activities.
  • Complete laboratory exercises by their assigned deadlines.
  • Stay engaged throughout the accelerated seven-week semester.

Course Fees

Content for this section will be provided by the instructor.

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.