Designed for non-biology majors seeking a basic introduction to human anatomy and physiology. Outlines the basic structure and function of the body from cellular to system levels. A minimum grade of “C” (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 1025Links to an external site. recommended
Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll
General Education Category: Life Sciences

Course Materials

• Hardware: A working desktop or laptop (Mac/Windows) with a stable internet connection, a functioning webcam, and a microphone. Alternative: Utilize on-campus student computer labs.
• Software (for Testing): The Google Chrome internet browser and the Honor Lock testing plugin (for remote proctoring).

General Education Syllabus Statement

BIOL 1020 satisfies the Life Sciences (LS) breadth designation. This course teaches students to apply the scientific method to human biological systems; to understand the flow of matter and energy within the body; to apply evolutionary concepts to human inheritance and adaptation; to explain how genetic and biological information is stored and expressed; and to reflect on the broader relevance of human biology to personal health, society, and the environment.

  Course Outcomes

This course provides students with a basic “user’s manual” for the care and feeding of the human body. It seeks to provide foundational knowledge about the structure and functions of the human body as well as equip students to critically evaluate health information. Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

• • CLO 1 (GE LS – Apply Scientific Methods): Describe and apply approaches to scientific discovery and interpretation of experimental data within human biology.

  • CLO 2 (GE LS – Understand): Demonstrate an understanding of matter, energy, and their influence on human biological systems.

  • CLO 3 (GE LS – Apply Knowledge): Describe and apply evolutionary concepts in terms of inheritance, adaptation, and the diversity of life as it applies to human evolution and genetics.

  • CLO 4 (GE LS – Explain): Explain the mechanisms of information storage, expression, and exchange at the cellular and systemic levels in human physiology.

  • CLO 5 (GE LS – Reflect): Reflect on the relevance of the life sciences in a broader context, connecting anatomical and physiological concepts to real-world scenarios.

General Education Requirements - Life Sciences Learning OutcomesLinks to an external site.

• 2.3 Life Sciences: Upon successful completion of the General Education Life Sciences requirement, students will be able to:
• 2.3.1 Apply Scientific Methods: Describe and apply approaches to scientific discovery and interpretation of experimental data;
• 2.3.2 Understand: Demonstrate understanding of matter, energy, and their influence on biological systems;
• 2.3.3 Apply Knowledge: Describe and apply evolutionary concepts in terms of inheritance, adaptation, and diversity of life;
• 2.3.4 Explain: Explain the mechanisms of information storage, expression, and exchange in living organisms or eco-systems; and
• 2.3.5 Reflect: Reflect on the relevance of life sciences in a broader context.

 Assignment Outline

• The Safety Net: To account for low scores or missed work, your lowest 5 Discussion Board grades 👇 and your lowest 6 Quiz grades will be automatically dropped.

• Completion Policy: You are required to complete 5 Discussion Boards for full credit. 10 are available, and only your top 5 grades 🥇 will count toward your average, allowing you to choose which ones to complete based on interest or time.

• Permitted Use: AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Bing AI) are only permitted ✅ for generating content in Discussion Board posts.
• Mandatory Citation: Any AI-generated text must be appropriately cited 🔗 to avoid an Academic Misconduct report.
• Citation Examples: Include the tool's name and, if possible, a link. E.g., "This content was created with the help of Microsoft’s Bing AI (link)."
• Student Responsibility: You remain responsible for ensuring the post addresses all prompts, includes your personal thoughts/experiences 🤔, and that all citations are accurate (AI is prone to "hallucinating" sources) 👻.
• Prohibited Use: Using AI for Quizzes, Exams, or other graded work is strictly prohibited ❌ and will result in a zero grade and a report for Academic Misconduct.

• Format: 15 questions, 20-minute time limit, taken on Canvas. ⏱️
• Open Resources: Quizzes are open note/book/study group. 📚
• Completion Rule: All quizzes covering topics for a specific unit must be completed before you can take the corresponding test.
• Troubleshooting: Use Chrome 💻 as your browser and clear your cache to resolve most issues.

• Testing Environment: Tests are computer-based and administered on Canvas using the Honor Lock extension for Chrome, or you may opt to test in the Student Testing Center during a specific testing availability window (see Canvas Homepage for Dates)🏛️.
• Allowed Resources: You may use one 3x5 handwritten notecard (both sides). Hand-drawn images are permitted. ✍️
• Test Review: Test review is highly encouraged during Office Hours (on-campus or Zoom) 🗣️ to discuss improvement strategies. This opportunity expires when the next unit test is taken. 🛑

 Proctoring

• Uninstall any other Proctoring Software: If you have used Proctorio in the past, it must be uninstalled for HonorLock to work. 
• Required Equipment: Computer, working webcam/microphone, photo ID, and stable internet connection.
• Software: You must use Google Chrome and install the Honorlock Chrome Extension.

1. Log into Canvas, navigate to the course, and click on the exam.
2. Click "Launch Proctoring" to start the authentication process.
3. Follow the prompts to:
4. Take a photo of yourself.
5. Show your photo ID.
6. Complete a Room Scan (a 360-degree view of your testing environment).

• Honorlock records your webcam, microphone, and computer screen.
• Academic Integrity: Honorlock’s integrity algorithm detects search-engine use. Do not attempt to search for answers on any device.

• Honorlock support is available 24/7/365. If you encounter any issues, you may contact them through live chat on the support page. or within the exam itself. Some guides you should review are Honorlock MSRs., Honorlock FAQs for Test Takers, Honorlock Knowledge Base, and How to Use Honorlock. 

• Grade Location: All grades will be posted on Canvas.
• Written Work: Correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and legibility are required for all written assignments.
• Reviewing Grades: Feel free to bring any questions about your scores to me. I am happy to review your answers and discuss strategies for improvement (via email or during office hours).
• Grade Error Deadline: Any errors in grading must be brought to my attention within 1 week of the grade being posted. After this one-week period, the posted grade is final.
• Grade Adjustments: No grades will be adjusted or curved. While the total points in the course may change if assignments are added or subtracted, the final grade percentages will remain as indicated in the syllabus.

• A = 92.45% – 100%
• A- = 89.45% – 92.44%
• B+ = 86.45% – 89.44%
• B = 82.45% – 86.44%
• B- = 79.45% – 82.44%
• C+ = 76.45% – 79.44%
• C = 72.45% – 76.44%
• C- = 69.45% – 72.44%
• D+ = 66.45% – 69.44%
• D = 62.45% – 66.44%
• D- = 59.45% – 62.44%
• F = 59.44% & below

• Sensitive topics 🥺 related to health, disease, and current events.
• Graphic materials 🖼️ that may evoke emotional responses in some individuals.

• Start Here- Welcome to Human Biology Lecture! 👋
• Onboarding Module- Syllabus Quiz & Course Resources 💻

• What is Life? Characteristics of living things, homeostasis, positive and negative feedback systems 🔄
• Chemistry- concepts needed to understand the human body 🧪
• Cells- parts of an animal cell and cellular exchange ⚙️
• Tissues- anatomical regions/markings, organ systems, tissues that make up organs

• Integumentary System- structures and functions of the skin
• Skeletomuscular System- structures and functions of bones and muscles 🦴

• Nervous System- structures and functions of brain, spinal cord, and neurons
• Special Senses- structures and functions of seeing 👀, hearing 👂, smelling, and tasting
• Immunity & Lymphatics- structures and functions of the immune and lymphatic systems 🛡️

• Cardiovascular- structures and functions of the heart, blood vessels, and blood
• Respiratory- structures and functions of the respiratory system 💨
• Nutrition- elements of metabolism, nutrition labels, biomolecules 🍎
• Digestive System- structures and functions of the digestive system

• Endocrine System- endocrine glands, endocrine tissues, and hormones 🌡️
• Urinary System- structures and functions of the urinary system
• Reproductive System- structures and functions of the reproductive system

 💬Professor's Response Time & Feedback

• Email Policy: Always include your Course and Section Number (or class day/time) in all emails to ensure a faster response.
• Response Time: My goal is to respond to student messages within 1 business day.
• Zoom Meetings: Are professional interactions with the expectation that everyone will have their webcams ON. 
• Feedback/Grading: Grades and detailed assignment feedback will be provided within 5–7 business days of the assignment's due date.

• Reviewing feedback is an essential part of learning. To find comments on your assignments, please use the following Canvas tutorials:
• How do I view assignment comments from my Instructor? 
• How do I view annotation feedback comments from my instructor?

📅 Late Work/Extra Credit Policy

• All dates and deadlines are considered final.
• All due dates are posted in the Course Schedule from Day 1 to allow for appropriate time management.
• Any changes to deadlines will be communicated to the entire class.
• You are encouraged to work ahead and may arrange to test early for planned absences.
• Extra Credit opportunities, if offered, will be made available to the entire class.

• Late Assignment Penalty: Assignments submitted past the due date are subject to a 10% grade reduction per day, no exceptions.
  • Assignments submitted 10 or more days late will receive zero credit.
•  Tests: All online tests using HonorLock are available to take from Day One. In person Tests have a 3 to 5-day window of availability (e.g., in the Testing Center) to maximize scheduling flexibility. For this reason, Test extensions are extremely rare.

• Planning is essential. Because all materials are available early, "computer problems" are not an acceptable excuse for failing to complete assignments by the due date. Plan to use personal devices or on-campus labs well in advance of deadlines.

• Technical Issues: Not understanding the assignment or how to submit it are not acceptable excuses for late work. 🙅
• Proactive Planning: To account for potential technical issues, you must plan to complete and submit assignments at least 24 hours prior to the deadline. 🗓️
• Emergency Situations: Only documented medical or legal emergencies 🩺⚖️ will be considered for an extension, evaluated at the Professor's discretion. Typical late penalties (10% per day) still apply in most cases.

📜 Documenting Excuses for Extensions

• Medical or Legal Issues: Submit an official medical note 🏥 or legal document ⚖️ detailing the incapacitation.
• Bereavement: Provide evidence of the death, such as a death certificate, obituary, or memorial service program. 🕊️
• Mental Health: Mental health issues are treated the same as physical illness; documentation from a licensed healthcare professional is required 📝 to grant an extension.

🔔 Canvas Notifications & Email

• Submission Comments: Ensure you receive feedback on your assignments! Go to Canvas à Account à Notifications à Submission Comment, and adjust the settings to receive comments. ✅
• Email Setup: Check your email settings to confirm that Canvas Notifications and Announcements are being sent to your email of choice. 📧

3 Credit(s) | $37.50 Fee

Program and Course FeesLinks to an external site.

• Online courses are notoriously challenging for students who do not regularly engage with the material. 🧠
• Make a plan for consistently "attending" to watch lectures and complete assignments well before the due dates. ⏰ Stay active and stay successful! 💪

• Introduce Yourself: Please introduce yourself either before/after class or during office hours. Getting to know you helps me better support your learning!
• Letters of Recommendation: The better I know you personally, the stronger and more impactful the Letter of Recommendation I can write for professional programs or study abroad opportunities.

• Reach out immediately 📧 if you are experiencing issues that may affect your performance.
• Early communication is key! 🔑 The earlier I am aware of your situation, the more options I have to provide you with meaningful support and accommodation. Waiting until the last minute severely limits my ability to help. ⏳

• Allowed: You are encouraged to bring your laptop or tablet for note-taking. Voice recorders are also permitted during lectures.

• Honors Contracts: I welcome the opportunity to work with Honors students on a contract for this course!
• Eligibility: If you are currently enrolled in (or have passed) HONR 1040 (Foundation of Honors), please contact me directly to discuss your interests.
• Interested in Honors? If you are not currently an Honors student but would like to learn more, please check out the SUU Honors Program! 

• Favorable recommendations will be provided for students earning an A or a B in this course. 🌟
• Time Notice: Request the letter with a minimum of 2 weeks' notice (more is strongly preferred!). 🗓️
• Boost Your Letter: To receive a more detailed and thorough recommendation, please also provide me with your cover letter, resume, or a short essay highlighting your experience and fit for the program. ✍️
• Required Release for Letter of Recommendation- please complete & email to me. 
• Cover Letter and Narrative Essay Tips & Examples to help you Apply to Professional Programs. 

 SUU Campus Resources and Services

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 Canvas Information

• 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