Course Syllabus

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Southern Utah University

Fall Semester 2026

General Biology II (Face-to-Face)

BIOL 1620-02

Course:	BIOL 1620-02
Credits:	3
Term:	Fall Semester 2026
Department:	Biology
CRN:	30580

Course Description

This course introduces science majors to the study of biology and the diversity of life. It provides fundamental knowledge of morphological complexity, physiology, development, environmental adaptation, and the evolutionary history of life on Earth. Three (3) hours of lecture per week. 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 1625

Required Texts

We will be using the free textbook titled Biology 2e on Openstax.
https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e

Learning Outcomes

The goal of this course is to help students fully investigate and understand:

Basic biological principles and the core theme of biology: evolution.
The theory and process of evolution, including:
- The mechanisms of evolution
- Adaptations to different environments
- Genetic diversity and speciation
The diversity, form, and function of plants and animals.
Problem-solving methods in science and how to be critical thinkers.
The relevance of biology in a broader context.

Additional outcomes for the course include:
6. Developing highly-transferable, life-long durable skills such as: Collaboration, Critical thinking, Metacognition.

Course Requirements

How this class works: Blended Traditional-Flipped Approach
To maximize our face-to-face time, this course will utilize a blended traditional-flipped classroom model. Instead of spending class time passively listening to definitions, students will acquire basic terminology and/or background online before coming to class. This will allow us to use our in-person sessions for interactive mini-lectures, real-world biological examples, and collaborative group problem solving.

Every week, our class period will follow the same rhythm (except on Exam days):

Before class

Watch Edpuzzle videos (2-3 max, found on Canvas) and complete the quiz questions embedded in the video (5 points per video).
Supplement with readings from the textbook.

During class

Mini-lectures: I will deliver targeted lecture blocks focusing on learning objectives, examples and the most challenging concepts.
Group-application: We will pause during lectures to complete activities that apply the concepts we are learning. You will work in permanent groups of 3-4 to answer review questions, solve biological problems, or summarize the information from the day.
Participation credit: At the end of class, the completed activities will be due for participation credit. These will be due on Canvas by 11:59 PM (20 points each).

After class

Reflect: complete any quizzes or individual assignments (20-25 points each, posted on Canvas).

Unit Exams
Three unit exams will be given throughout the semester. Unit exams will consist of 50 multiple choice questions (100 points each) that will help you reflect on and apply the concepts covered from each respective unit. Exams will be given in-person during scheduled class time. Missing an exam will result in a zero (but please see my policies on late work/make-up work below).

Final Exam
The final exam will consist of 75 multiple choice questions (150 points total). The final exam will take place during the scheduled time set forth by SUU (see Canvas and the SUU Final Exam Schedule).

Your final grade is determined using a Weighted Category System. Instead of a simple point total, your grade is divided into specific "baskets" of activities. Each basket represents a fixed percentage of your final grade, regardless of how many points are inside it.

This structure is designed to support a blended, flipped classroom: it rewards your daily preparation and active participation, provides room to learn from mistakes, and balances high-stakes exams with consistent effort.

| A: >= 93% | A-: 90-92.9% | B+: 87-89.9% | B: 84-86.9% |
| B-: 80-83.9% | C+: 77-79.9% | C: 74-76.9% | C-: 70-73.9% |
| D+: 67-69.9% | D: 64-66.9% | | D-: 60-63.9%| F: <60%

A note about grading timelines: As a lecturer, I have a full schedule of classes that each have their own assignments. Grading assignments takes time. I will do the best I can to get assignments graded as soon as possible, but please be patient with me. I always aim to have assignments graded within 1-2 weeks of the assignment due date.

Durable Skills & High-Impact Practices

This course intentionally embeds several AAC&U-aligned durable skills and one high-impact practice (HIP):

Collaboration and Communication: students work in teams to solve problems together and complete activities (in-class activities).
Critical thinking: students must solve biological problems based on the information covered in class/videos (in-class activities). Students will actively process, question, and synthesize information rather than passively copying information (Exams, quizzes and in-class activities).
Character: students will have a specific group-based role that alternates every day to practice reliability, accountability, and social skills (group-based daily activities).
Metacognition: students will manage time during group-based work and individual activities to ensure assignments are completed by the due date/time.
High Impact Practice- Collaborative assignments: students work in teams during class to solve problems and complete activities that meet the course objectives.

Course Outline

Information contained in the syllabus may be subject to change with advance notice as deemed appropriate by the instructor. Students will be notified of any changes. Any changes made will not affect the learning outcomes of the course.

Unit 1: Nature of Science/ Evolution and Speciation
In this unit we will start by discussing some of the basic biological principles and the overarching theme of biology, which we will relate to all topics this semester. We will discuss the theory and process of evolution, the mechanisms of evolution, microevolution, speciation, macroevolution, taxonomy, biological classification, and an introduction to systematics.

Chapters covered in Unit 1 (based on Biology 2e from Openstax)
Chapter 1- The study of Life: Evolution, the Themes of Biology*
Chapter 18.1- Evolution and the Origin of Species
Chapter 19- The Evolution of Populations
Chapter 18.2-18.3- The Evolution of species
Chapter 20- Phylogenies and the History of Life

Unit 2: Plant diversity, form, and function
In this unit, we will learn about all the different phyla of plants and the distinguishing features for each phyla. We will discuss plant reproduction (the alternation of generations), plant structures, and the function of those structures. If time permits, we will discuss plant resource acquisition, and soil and plant nutrition.

Chapters covered in Unit 2 (based on Biology 2e from Openstax)
Chapter 25 & Chapter 32- Seedless Plant Diversity & Plant Reproduction
Chapter 26- Seed Plant Diversity
Chapter 30- Plant Form and Physiology
Chapter 31- Soil and Plant Nutrition

Unit 3: Animal diversity, form, and function
In this unit, we will learn about animal classification criteria, animal development, and animal morphology. We will discuss the major phyla of animals and the distinguishing factors for each phylum. We will go over specific morphological and anatomical features and their function within each phylum.

Chapters covered in Unit 3 (based on Biology 2e from Openstax)
Chapter 27- An Introduction to Animal Diversity
Chapter 28- An Introduction to Invertebrates
Chapter 29- Vertebrates

*indicates that only part of the chapter will be covered, as time permits.

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

All assignments and exams are due on the date/time set forth by the instructor. Assignments turned in late are subject to a 10% reduction in points for every day past the due date.

The only exceptions for late assignments or missed exams are listed below:

University sponsored travel
Extreme illness or family emergencies
ADA Accommodations

If you need to turn in an assignment late due to any of the above reasons (excluding emergencies), please contact me at least 3 days prior to the due date, but preferably earlier. If an email is not sent 3 days before the assignment due date, then late assignments will be subject to the 10% reduction every 24 hours that it is late.

Make-up work for in-class activities or exams will only be allowed for the exceptions listed above as long as enough notice has been given to me (3 days before the absence), or at my discretion in the case of emergencies/illness (with sufficient evidence when appropriate).

Please note, the following do not count as emergencies or excuses for late work/make-up work: vacations, early departure for breaks, job scheduling conflicts, sleeping through your alarm!

Attendance Policy

Attendance is important and will ensure that you get the most out of the class. There will be in-class activities throughout the course of the semester. If you are absent and miss an in-class activity, you cannot make it up unless you have a valid, excusable absence (university sponsored travel, extreme illness or emergencies, ADA accommodations).

If you are traveling for a university-sponsored event, please send me an email at least 3 days before class to alert me of your absence. If you are ill, please email me as soon as symptoms have set in to let me know you will be absent. If you have an emergency, please email me as soon as you possibly can. I will work with you to develop a plan to complete coursework.

Use of Artificial Intelligence statement

This is an extension of the Academic Misconduct section of the syllabus. Please note, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is not allowed for this course (unless the student has ADA accommodations that allows use of AI). If AI is used for any assignment, you will get a zero on that assignment and a report will be sent to the Academic Integrity Specialist.

Email communication policy

Think of email in this course as practice for email correspondence in your future career in science, healthcare, or industry. To help me answer your questions efficiently, please follow these guidelines:

Consult Course Resources First: Before sending a question about deadlines, grading criteria, or test dates, check the syllabus and/or Canvas.
Try to use Official Channels: Please send emails from your official university account. Messages from personal accounts (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) may be filtered out as spam.
Clear Subject Lines: Start your subject line with our course and section number and a brief description (e.g., BIOL 1620-01: Question about Speciation quiz).
Salutation: Begin with a formal greeting, such as "Hi Dr. Fischer" or "Hello Professor Fischer"
Response Window: I check email during business hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday). Please allow 24–48 hours for a response. Do not expect an immediate reply the night before an exam.

You can (and should) apply these guidelines to email correspondence with other university faculty & staff.

Phone use & Presence

Our class time is interactive, requiring your full attention and participation. To help maximize your learning and to support your peers, this course observes a "screens away" policy for cell phones. Please silence your phone and store it out of sight when class starts.

In Lecture: Research shows that multitasking on phones significantly lowers retention and exam performance. Let's make our classroom a focused zone.
Exception: We may use phones for specific activities, which I will announce ahead of time. You may also take pictures of slides or activities as needed.

The "Why" Behind This Policy: My goal is never to control your behavior or penalize you. Instead, I want to create the best possible environment for you to succeed. Out of respect for your own tuition dollars and the classmates sitting around you, I ask that we collectively minimize these digital distractions.

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.

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