Course Syllabus

Fall 2025 | BIO-1030-VA01 - Introduction to Nutrition

In Person Class

Standard courses meet in person at CCV centers, typically once each week for the duration of the semester.

Faculty

Raymond Cinti
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Jen Guarino

General Education Requirements

Natural Science

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

This course introduces students to the physiological basis of nutrition and evaluates dietary requirements. Emphasis is placed on metabolism, digestion, and nutrients used in the human body and the nutrition involved in health, disease, and aging.

Essential Objectives

1. Utilize the scientific method to distinguish between well-researched evidence on nutrition and some of the basic fallacies and myths in this field.
2. Discuss how Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are established and how they compare for individuals based on nutrition, disease, and aging.
3. Outline dietary strategies now recommended to minimize the risks of disease and describe the nutritional and caloric needs of individuals throughout the lifecycle.
4. Describe the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids with an emphasis on organs, hormones, and enzymes.
5. Evaluate and discuss the biological role of vitamins and minerals in maintaining homeostasis.
6. Analyze how carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are broken down to harvest energy and describe the conditions by which each of these molecules is metabolized.
7. Examine, record, and evaluate diets for nutritional and caloric adequacy and safety.
8. Demonstrate proficiency in understanding, interpreting, evaluating and applying quantitative data and information.
9. Explain how knowledge created in the natural sciences has contributed to the creation, maintenance and dismantling of social inequalities and discuss the impacts of diversity and inclusion on scientific research and practice.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV computer recommendations Support page.

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

This course uses one or more textbooks/books/simulations.

Fall 2025 textbook details will be available on 2025-05-19. On that date a link will be available below that will take you to eCampus, CCV's bookstore. The information provided there will be specific to this class. Please see this page for more information regarding the purchase of textbooks/books.

BIO-1030-VA01 Link to Textbooks for this course in eCampus.

The last day to use a Financial Aid Advance to purchase textbooks/books is the 3rd Tuesday of the semester. See your financial aid counselor at your academic center if you have any questions.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Allowed: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges technology, including generative AI, plays a supportive role in learning and feedback. During our class, we may use AI writing tools such as ChatGPT in certain specific cases. You will be informed as to when, where, and how these tools are permitted to be used, along with guidance for attribution. Any use outside of these specific cases constitutes a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Methods

Teaching Methods

In person lectures on each chapter from our nutrition textbook will provide content and opportunity for active participation in class discussions via questions. When appropriate lab experiments will be conducted to support learning and engagement. Weekly worksheets will be given during class.

Outside of class students will be assigned reading weekly from the textbook. In addition, students will watch and take handwritten notes on instructional videos that I have created. You will be given a binder that includes photocopied paper notes that are complementary to the instructional videos. These corresponding pages will have space for the student to take notes while watching the videos. These weekly graded notes will be allowed during all weekly tests and so therefore advantageous to be thorough. As mentioned, these notes will also be graded for completion. Students are encouraged to include questions that they have while watching the videos and could therefore ask them at the beginning of every class for clarity. The binder may also contain additional examples and information from the textbook.

Student Participation Expectations

Actively participating in class discussions, lab activities and assignments is expected, as well as attending the class in accordance with the class attendance policy. Engagement and focus will be expected while viewing instructional videos.

Please bring the following materials to class. Textbook, notebook, computer or tablet.

I will provide you with a physical binder on the first day of class that includes printed outlines of the instructional videos. It will be in this binder that you will take notes. You will be allowed the use of this binder on all tests in the course.

As a student in this course, you are expected to take an active role in learning. You are expected to arrive on time and not leave before the end of class. We will have breaks when appropriate.

One of the mutual and considerable challenges in this course is becoming familiar with time expectations. It needs to be perfectly clear what is expected from you and what you can expect from me in terms of availability. Your commitment is commendable. I want to make it completely clear you are needed to be present face-to-face in class every day prepared and having studied, read or watched instructional videos. Our success in the lab and in class discussions depend on you having that content knowledge and having formulated insightful questions.

You are studying to become a professional therefore professional action is expected. It is important for you to know the dates of tests and to be prepared for class. It is expected that you will follow and continuously check in on the class web site via Canvas. The due dates have been clearly set therefore it will be up to you to pace yourself when getting your work done.

Communicating with the Teacher

Avoid using email for subject matter questions. There is a good chance that someone else in the class can benefit from my response. All questions should be asked at the start of every class. I want you to know you can get a hold of me at any time if there is a crisis. Just e-mail.

Tips for taking good notes.

You don’t need to write down words or definitions that are already present in the printed doc for the video, but you should remember that you are expected to be familiar with those new vocabulary terms. Decide what is important in the slide. Be an active listener and include examples mentioned, why the content is important or why you find it interesting. Using symbols and abbreviations might be useful. In addition, it is highly encouraged that you include questions that you have while watching the video in your notes. At the start of the next day, you can ask those questions to have them clarified. You are also asked to bring up questions to me personally during class time or during office hours. Your notes should reflect your ideas, questions and understanding.

Missing and Late Work Policy

There will be a no late work policy in this course. What this means is that you will need to complete all assignments for credit. The notes that you take in your binder will be checked while you are taking a test. No credit will be given for missing notes. Your binder notes will be checked for completeness.

Late submissions of instructional video notes will not be accepted unless you have discussed your situation with the instructor in advance. If absent from the class, the tests will be allowed to be made up and lab activities will be excused.

Professor Expectations

I have set high academic expectations for you and myself. I will be prepared and on time. I will be passionate about the class both in teaching but also in covering content in videos. I believe that good teaching is really disguised as being a good model of learning. What you can expect to see from me is epitomizing being a good learner. I’ll bring the assumption that learning is taking place. I’ll start class on time. I will support, demonstrate, and enforce all adult behavioral expectations. I will provide substantive and timely feedback.

Availability

I can be found in the room for questions before class as well as individually if you e-mail and make an appointment to meet. We could also set up a time to meet via a zoom meeting.

Evaluating Student Work:

I’m committed to providing feedback to you in a timely manner. This will help you throughout the course and can improve your performance. I respect the time and effort you put into your work. I don’t want you waiting to find out that you are not performing at the appropriate level when it’s too late. Feedback is more than just assigning a grade. It will involve offering guidelines for improvement and critique of the submitted work and while in the lab the feedback will help guide you to develop and improve important lab skills. Feedback can take on several forms. One type of feedback is acknowledgement and encouragement. This could show you that you are on the right track. This could also include a private email or chat regarding your work levels. This sort of feedback is like a one-on-one brainstorming session. This is simply receiving feedback from me in the form of guidance. This type of feedback is formative. This feedback generally takes place during the experiment. It can come in the form of a private message, or email. This feedback is designed to help you improve on the work. Summative feedback occurs when you receive test scores or video note scores, or lab report entries. Summative evaluation should express two things: what was done well and what can be improved. I will always try to put improvement needs so you feel supported.

Academic Integrity
CCV has a commitment to honesty and excellence in academic work and expects the same from all students. Academic dishonesty, or cheating, can occur whenever you present -as your own work- something that you did not do. You can also be guilty of cheating if you help someone else cheat. Being unaware of what constitutes academic dishonesty (such as knowing what plagiarism is) does not absolve a student of the responsibility to be honest in his/her academic work. Academic dishonesty is taken very seriously and may lead to dismissal from the College.

It is important to maintain academic honesty, because by cheating, you sacrifice your own integrity and reputation. You are representing yourself with every assignment, so please be respectful and proud of your own work and yourself. Do not copy the transcript from my video or simply copy the words I have included in your binder. This is unacceptable and will receive credit.

Attendance Policy

CCV Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade. In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade. Attending an in-person course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Please be aware that missing more than three classes may result in a non-passing grade. A pattern of late arrival or early departure may constitute an absence at the instructor's discretion. If you need to miss a class, you must e-mail me prior to the class.

Make Up Work

If you are absent from a class, you should be prepared to take the missing test as well as the new test for that week. Remember that this will be in addition to the class work we will be doing when you return.

After an absence, it may be very impractical to make up a laboratory experiment. While the student is always responsible for the content of all assignments, holding one accountable for the points in such cases might be considered unjust. Therefore, each student will be allowed to be excused from a limited number of assignments. This will be decided by the student and instructor after the absence.

Some Closing Thoughts

Get ready to engage with video and in person lectures, some hands-on labs, and discussions that will bring nutrition to life. Together, we'll explore and discover the relevance of each concept. I am here to support you every step of the way. Let's embark on this journey of discovery. I look forward to a semester filled with curiosity, learning, and growth. Have a good semester!

Mr. Ray Cinti

Professor of Nutrition @ CCV

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criteria

Your course grade will be determined by a point system from scores accumulated on weekly tests, lab investigations, and instructional video notes throughout the semester.

• Tests will occur weekly. Students may use open binder Instructional videos notes on these tests.

• Instructional videosannotatednotes will be graded as well as participation in lab activities.

• Lab investigations will be graded.

Grades will be determined on the following percentage of the total possible points. Check your percentage with the scale to determine your grade. Your Semester grade will be determined on the following percentage of the total possible points. All tests as well as all other assignments are assigned points. If you calculate the total number of points, you have accumulated and divide by the total number of points possible, multiply by 100 you will have a percentage. A running total of all points accumulated are added.

98-100 A+	88-89 B +	78-79 C +	68-69 D +	0-59 F
93-97 A	83-87 B	73-77 C	63-67 D	100-60 P
90-92 A -	80-82 B -	70-72 C -	60-62 D -	0-59 NP

Tests

Tests will primarily cover what is discussed in instructional videos and in class. The textbook is a fabulous resource, and it is indented to enrich your understanding; to see additional examples and applications. Use of your annotated videos notes and lab notebook are allowed on tests. Tests will take about approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Testing Calendar

Tuesday September 9

Chapter 1 Food Choices and Human Heath

Tuesday September 16

Chapter 2 Nutrition Tools – Standards and Guidelines

Tuesday September 23

Chapter 3 The Remarkable Body

Tuesday September 30

Chapter 4 Carbohydrates

Tuesday October 7

Chapter 5 Lipids: Fats, Oils, Phospholipids, and Sterols

Tuesday October 14

Chapter 6 Proteins and Amino Acids

Tuesday October 21

Chapter 7 The Vitamins

Tuesday October 28

Chapter 8 Water and Minerals

Tuesday November 4

Chapter 9 Energy and Balance | Body Weight

Tuesday November 11

Chapter 10 Performance Nutrition

Tuesday November 18

Chapter 11 Nutrition and Chronic Diseases

Tuesday November 25

Chapter 12 Food Safety and Food Technology

Tuesday December 2

Chapter 13 Life Cycle Nutrition: Mother and Infant

Tuesday December 9

Chapter 14 Child Teen and Other Adult

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

• Textbook and Notebook:

Textbook

NUTRITION CONCEPTS AND CONTROVERSIES

ISBN13: 9781337906371 Authors: SIZER. FRANCES: WHITNEY, ELLIE Ed. 15^th. Format: Paperback Copyright: 2019

Notebook

Purchase any notebook that you prefer provided that it contains Quad Ruled Paper. That is important for graphing data.

I recommend this notebook. Advanced W7-B Expanded Wire bound Lab Notebook, 9.25 x 11.75 in (23.5 x 30 cm), 144 Pages, Double Wire Looped, 70lb Heavyweight Paper (1-Pack, Grid).The notebook could be purchased through amazon using this link, Notebook.

There are other smaller composition versions quad ruled options that are less expensive. Composition Book Quadrille Ruled

You will need to bring this notebook to class every Thursday. This notebook is where you will take notes regarding subject matter and experimental design and record all your lab data.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Missing and Late Work Policy

There will be a no late work policy in this course. Your binder notes will be checked each for completeness. Late submissions of instructional video notes will not be accepted unless you have discussed your situation with the instructor in advance. If absent from the class, the tests will be allowed to be made up and lab activities will be excused.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity

Apply Now for this semester.