Course Syllabus

Spring 2026 | BIO-1030-VU03 - 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 is a no cost textbook or resource class. ***

This course uses one or more textbooks/books/simulations, along with free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials.

Spring 2026 textbook/book details will be available on 2025-12-01. 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-VU03 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.

AI Use Policy – Nutrition 101

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot can be helpful learning supports when used responsibly. In this class, you are encouraged to use AI to enhance your understanding—not to replace your own learning or original work.

You may use AI to:

• Clarify or explain concepts you don’t understand from the textbook, lectures, or readings.
• Generate examples or summaries to help you study or review material.
• Help you organize your ideas or create an outline for an assignment.
• Plan your time or manage your workflow (e.g., setting deadlines, breaking tasks into steps).

You may not use AI to:

• Write any part of your assignments, journal responses, or discussion posts.
• Generate research summaries, citations, or analysis in place of doing the work yourself.
• Paraphrase AI-generated content and present it as your own.
• Use AI image generators or data tools to create visuals or figures unless specifically approved.

If you use AI for brainstorming, outlining, or clarifying concepts, you should note that briefly in your assignment (for example: “Used ChatGPT to help me draft an outline.”). This transparency helps maintain academic integrity and demonstrates that you’re using AI thoughtfully.

Remember: AI is a tool to support your learning, not to do the learning for you. Your grade will reflect your own understanding, effort, and critical thinking.

Methods

Teaching Methods

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

• Lectures, including multimedia presentations and resources
• In-person and online 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.

Textbooks

• Nutrition: Science and Everyday Application (Second Edition) by Alice Callahan, Heather Leonard, and Tamberly Powell.
  Open Education Resource available here.
• Ultra-Processed People by Chris Van Tulleken.
  Print, e-book, or audiobook versions are acceptable.

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 administered in class and are designed to be completed within the class period, though completion times may vary. Exams may include fill-in-the-blank, short answer, and essay questions.

Each exam will be worth 100 points and may include up to 10 points of extra credit. You will be allowed to use your own handwritten notes from this class.

Students with approved accommodations will receive appropriate exam timing adjustments.

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.

Participation will be graded based on:

• Consistency
• Engagement
• Collaboration
• Preparedness

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.

Journal Entries - 15%

Throughout the semester, you will complete occasional journal responses that invite more personal reflection than our public discussions. Prompts may ask you to share an “aha” moment, connect course material to your own life or someone you care about, or consider how you might apply what you’ve learned.

Journals are submitted privately and read only by me. This space is also available every week for questions, reflections, or ideas you may not feel comfortable sharing in class, as well as insights or realizations that fall outside the week’s discussion topic. I will personally respond to each entry.

For required journal assignments, specific guidelines will be provided with each prompt. On other weeks, there is no required length or format. Journal responses are typically replied to within one week. Journals are not intended for urgent concerns; time-sensitive issues should be communicated via email.

On weeks when no journal submission is required, additional entries may be considered for extra credit, depending on the depth and relevance of the content.

Weekly Homework Quizzes - 10%

These quizzes will be taken in class each week and will include 10 questions. They 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.

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

Textbook readings, peer-reviewed research papers, 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 in-person and online class discussions
• Asking questions or offering reflections during lectures
• Listening actively and respectfully to others’ perspectives
• Completing in-class activities and group assignments
• Bringing curiosity, attention, and presence to each class meeting

You donot 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 to class participation. 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.

Late & Make-Up Work Policy

Short version:
If you communicate with me at least one hour before class about needing more time, we will make a plan and there will be no penalty. If there is no communication, you may submit the assignment within 7 days for a 10% deduction, in addition to any points lost for the quality of the work itself. After 7 days, the assignment becomes a zero unless we have discussed an alternative plan.

This policy is designed to support responsible communication, reduce anxiety, and help you manage real-life challenges without falling behind.

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1. Communication Expectations

Communication is key to your success in this class. To request an extension or make alternative arrangements, you must contact me:

• At least one hour before class,
• By email or Canvas message (verbal messages or comments on assignments do not count),
• With a brief explanation of your situation.

If you communicate before the deadline, we will make a plan together, and no penalty will be applied as long as you follow the plan we set.

Emergencies: If a true emergency prevents advance communication (hospitalization, urgent medical crisis, car accident, sudden childcare breakdown, etc.), please reach out as soon as you are reasonably able. I will work with you.

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2. Flexibility & Extensions

I do not place a limit on the number of extensions you may request, because I recognize that students may experience illness, disability, family responsibilities, or other life circumstances that require flexibility.

However, if a pattern of chronic late work emerges—even with communication—I may ask to meet with you to discuss strategies or support. I may also connect you with campus resources, including your advisor, and I will submit an AVISO (early alert) notice if I am concerned about your academic progress or wellbeing.

This is not meant to be punitive but supportive.

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3. Late Work With No Communication

If you do not communicate with me before the assignment is due:

• You may submit the assignment within seven (7) days for a 10% deduction (in addition to any points deducted for quality),
• After the 7-day window, the assignment will receive a zero, unless we have discussed an alternative plan in advance.

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4. Missed Quizzes/Exams and Retakes

• All missed quizzes, missed exams, and quiz retakes must be completed before the next week’s class, unless you have contacted me at least one hour before class to make other arrangements.
• Without communication, the quiz or exam becomes a zero after the next class meeting.

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5. Absences & Participation Pathway Assignments

If you miss class for any reason, excused or unexcused, you must complete the Participation Pathway assignment for that week. This assignment ensures you:

1. Review the material we covered in class, and
2. Receive the participation points that contribute to your grade.

Participation Pathway assignments are due by the start of the next class.

Reminder: Missing more than three classes significantly jeopardizes your grade and may affect your financial aid. Please stay in communication with me if attendance becomes an issue.

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6. What Counts as an Emergency?

Examples of emergencies:

• Sudden illness or acute medical care
• Hospitalization
• A significant flare of a chronic health condition
• Car accident or transportation disruption
• Family emergencies
• Childcare collapse

Examples not typically considered emergencies:

• “I forgot.”
• Oversleeping
• Vacations
• Scheduling issues you knew about in advance

I am always open to discussion, but these guidelines help maintain fairness.

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7. Instructor Interventions for Success

If I become concerned about your academic progress, attendance, or wellbeing at any time, I may:

• Reach out directly to you to check in,
• Recommend academic support services,
• And/or submit an AVISO alert so your advisor can offer additional support.

This is meant to help you succeed, not penalize you.

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Adult Learner Responsibility & My Commitment to Support You

Just a reminder: As adult learners, I expect you to take initiative in communicating with me about any challenges you’re facing with deadlines, attendance, or completing coursework. We each need to take responsibility for our own behavior in this area—your responsibility is to reach out, and mine is to respond with clarity, compassion, and support.

Please know that my goal is never to penalize you for life happening. My goal is to keep you learning, progressing, and feeling supported. If you communicate with me, I will work with you. Always.

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.