Course Syllabus

Fall 2025 | BIO-1030-VU01 - 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

Shawndra Meader
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, along with free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials.

Fall 2025 textbook/book 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-VU01 Link to Textbooks for this course in eCampus.

For Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

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

The teaching methods for this course will vary by class but it will be a combination of:

• lectures including multimedia presentations and resources
• small and large group discussions
• interactive projects and/or activities
• readings, writing, and inquiry-based research
• online videos and podcasts
• journalling and self-reflection

Contact Information

You may contact me at anytime by email: slm08070@vsc.edu. I am always happy to discuss questions or concerns you may be having.

Textbook

Nutrition: Concepts and Contoversies, by Sizer and Whitney. 14th, 15th, or 16th Edition.

Evaluation Criteria

Diet Infographic/Poster Assignment - 35%

Create a visually engaging infographic or poster that explores a specific therapeutic or fad diet. Your project should clearly summarize key features, potential benefits, risks or controversies, and relevant nutritional considerations. Include credible primary sources and cite them appropriately. Designed for a general audience, your final product should be educational, accessible, and visually clear. This project will be broken down into stages over the course of the semester, with each stage graded independently.

Examinations - 25%

There will be three examinations over the course of the semester. Exams will be approximately 1 hour 15 minutes long, and will be administered in class. Exams may include questions in the form of multiple choice, fill in the blank, true/false, short answer, essay, compare/contrast, matching. There will be 55 questions and will include 10 points of extra credit. You will be allowed to use handwritten notes like the ones allowed in the weekly homework quizzes.

Weekly Homework Quizzes - 15%

These quizzes will be taken in class each week and will be based on the week's reading and video assignments and review key concepts. You will be allowed to use handwritten notes and will have two chances to complete each quiz.

Participation, Attendance, & Discussion Posts - 15%

Active participation is essential for creating a vibrant, engaging, and supportive learning environment. You are expected to come to class prepared and to participate regularly in both in-person and online class activities. Participation is not just about speaking up in class—it also includes listening attentively, contributing thoughtfully in group work, asking questions, and engaging with your classmates and the course material in meaningful ways.

Ways to Participate Include (but are not limited to):

• Sharing ideas or questions during full-class discussions
• Contributing to small group activities and assignments
• Participating in peer feedback or collaborative projects
• Posting in online discussion forums (when assigned)
• Bringing in relevant news articles, videos, or observations from your life
• Asking thoughtful questions (in class, online, or by email)
• Respectfully engaging with different viewpoints
• Attending class regularly and being present (mentally and physically)

Participation will be graded based on:

• Consistency – Are you showing up and contributing each week?
• Engagement – Are your contributions thoughtful, relevant, and respectful?
• Collaboration – Do you work well with others and contribute your share in group activities?
• Preparedness – Are you coming to class having done the readings and ready to engage?

You don’t need to be the most outspoken person in the room to do well in participation—you just need to show up, be engaged, and contribute in a way that is authentic to you.

A detailed rubric defining how participation will be graded will be posted on Canvas and available in class as needed.

Weekly Journal Entries - 10%

Each week, you’ll submit a short written or recorded journal entry reflecting on your personal learning. Prompts will encourage you to identify an “Ah-ha!” moment from the reading, connect the material to your own experience or someone you care about, and consider practical ways to apply what you’ve learned. This is also a space where you can ask questions you may not feel comfortable voicing in class—your responses will remain private, and I will personally respond to each one.Entries should be approximately 150–300 words or 1.5 to 3 minutes if recorded. This doesn’t have to be polished or formal—just honest and reflective. The goal is to support your growth, deepen your understanding, and foster a safe, ongoing conversation throughout the course.

Reading Assignments, Videos, Podcasts, and Other Resources - 0%

Textbook readings, online videos, podcasts, and other additional learning tools will be assigned in this class; these are not graded, but are essential to learning. "Supplemental Materials" in the weekly schedule refers to additional articles, videos, and other media that will be assigned throughout the semester to deepen your understanding of course topics. These supplemental materials will be posted weekly in the course learning platform and are required unless otherwise noted.

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

Active participation is a vital part of this course and your learning experience. Our classroom is a space for shared exploration, critical thinking, and respectful dialogue. You are expected to engage thoughtfully with the material, your peers, and the broader themes we discuss.

Participation can take many forms, including:

• Contributing to class and small-group discussions
• Asking questions or offering reflections during lectures
• Listening actively and respectfully to others’ perspectives
• Completing in-class activities and group assignments
• Engaging with online discussion boards (when assigned)
• Bringing curiosity, attention, and presence to each class meeting

You don’t need to speak frequently to participate meaningfully—thoughtful comments, questions, and attentive listening are equally valuable. If speaking in a group setting is challenging for you, I encourage you to let me know so we can identify other ways you can engage and contribute.

Consistent attendance and preparation are essential. Please complete assigned readings and materials before class so you’re ready to take part in our discussions and activities.

Our classroom should feel safe and inclusive for everyone. I expect all students to uphold a culture of respect, empathy, and open-mindedness.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Handing in work on time is an important part of learning. It allows us to try something, get timely feedback, and improve based on that input. However, life can be unpredictable, and I want to support you in managing challenges while still helping you build strong academic habits.

“Oops” Extensions

Each student may use one (1) “Oops” extensionduring the semester—no questions asked. These allow you to:

• Submit any portion of the infographic/poster assignment except for the final presentationup to 3 days late without penalty
  OR
• Resubmit an assignment that didn’t meet your expectations for a chance to earn full credit

To use your Oops extension, just email me before or within 24 hours of the deadline. No explanation is necessary.

Standard Late Work Policy

Outside of your Oops extension:

• Late work may be accepted up to 7 days after the due date, but only with prior communication and approval.
• Work submitted more than 7 days late will not be accepted unless there are extenuating circumstances.
• I encourage you to reach out early if you need support or more time.

Missed Quizzes or Exams

If you are late to or absent from class and miss a quiz or exam, you must make arrangements with me to take that quiz or exam at another time, usually within one week of the original quiz/exam.

Missed Participation or Group Work

If you miss an in-class discussion, group activity, or online post, you may complete an alternative assignment to make up the participation credit, usually within one week of the original date.

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.