Biology 28 - Human Nutrition
Fall 2014: Section A: Monday, Wednesday 9:30 - 10:45 AM, E255
Section B: Tuesday, Thursday 9:00 - 10:15 AM, B210
Instructor: Paul Nagami
email: pnagami@peralta.edu
Office Hours: MTWTh 11:00 AM - noon, B200
Website: http://www.bi10etc.com. Go to the Bi 28 section.
Required Materials:
Nutrition: Real People, Real Choices (Hewlings + Medeiros)
A pack of plain 3" x 5" index cards
Description:
How can we tell whether the nutritional claims of the latest fad diet are grounded in
reality? What do people mean when they refer to "good fats" and "bad fats?" How do social
and economic factors affect obesity and malnutrition? To address these questions, we need
to understand some biology. In this class intended for non-Biology majors, we'll apply the
biological fundamentals of nutrition to real-world problems, taking into account societal
and individual circumstances. Along the way, we'll learn how to better track and analyze
what we're eating.
Structure:
I use group discussions, challenge questions, and activities to challenge you, engage
you, and draw you into participating. As we only meet twice a week, I won't have time to
repeat everything the text covers. We'll instead focus on key ideas to help you understand
the reading. It's up to you to read the text before coming to class.
If you want to drop the course, please do so by the drop date. The last day to
drop without a W is August 31st.
What Should You Be Getting from this Class?
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
 Explain clearly what carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and various vitamins and
minerals are, and name foods that contain these nutrients. Explain the roles these
nutrients play in maintaining health.
 State basic nutrition guidelines to prevent and manage common chronic diseases
(high blood pressure, etc.)
 Evaluate food labels, nutritional claims, and the effects of alternative diet therapies
using biological ideas, scientific principles, and critical reading.
 Locate accurate sources of nutrition information.
 Analyze your diet and formulate a diet plan.
 Use graphs, essays, tables, and other methods to communicate what you've learned
about nutrition, both on exams and in oral presentations.
ASSESMENT OF THESE GOALS
Mandatory Reading Quizzes:
To help ensure that you keep up to date with the reading, I will post mandatory
open-book, take-home reading quizzes on the course website. These are not meant to be
too hard to complete if you've done the reading. You may collaborate, but you may not copy
answers. Reading quiz due dates are listed on the attached schedule.
Dietary Analysis: (Thanks to Amy Bohorquez for teaching materials!)
To apply nutrition principles to your daily life, you'll be analyzing your diet and
exercise, comparing your habits at the beginning and end of the course. This is graded on
completeness and care, not on the perceived healthiness of your choices - your dietary
choices are not mine to judge, and you do not need to change your diet if you don't want to.
This is purely for the sake of learning to explore your diet scientifically. Here are the steps:
1) Keep a food and activity journal for three consecutive days near the beginning of
the term (first two/three weeks of the term). This is your baseline data for later comparison.
There is a Nutrition Chart file on the course website to help you with this - the page you
want is the second tab in the file. (Thanks to Amy Bohorquez for composing this chart!)
2) I will show you how to use http://www.choosemyplate.gov/ to do a dietary
analysis of your data. Do this analysis and turn in your results and a paragraph of
discussion. This is worth 30 points and due on Thursday, February 6th.
3) Near the end of the term (about three months in), keep a food and activity activity
journal for four consecutive days. Analyze the data on MyPlate; you may need to add
columns to the sheet. Turn in your results and a paragraph of discussion. This second
round of analysis is worth 40 points and due on
Lecture Exams:
Lecture exams exist to help you discover what you really know and don't know.
Questions about topics covered in class and in the assigned readings/reading quizzes are
fair game - as are questions that ask you to apply what you know to new situations. Expect
a mixture of question types ranging from multiple-choice to diagram drawing to short
answer. The three lecture exams are worth 100 points each. Barring extreme circumstances,
I do not give late make-up exams. If an emergency occurs, contact me.
You may re-earn up to half of the points you missed on any test except the final
by completing test corrections for the exam. For each incorrect question, explain the correct
answer biologically, then explain why you chose the answer you did. If you believe your
answer is correct and you can defend it using biology, do so! Corrections are due 1 week
from the date you took the exam.
Assignments:
To help you become more aware of real-world nutrition issues, you'll be asked to
complete two special assignments, worth 10 points each.
1) Food Analysis - In this assignment, you'll learn to assess the nutritional information on
food packages. We will be doing this one in class!
2) Daily Values Chart - On the course website, you'll find an Excel File labeled Nutrition
Charts. One sheet in that file is called "DV Info." Fill out this spreadsheet and turn it in
before the second exam. If you get it in on time, you can use it on the exam!
Individual Paper and Group Presentation:
Whether you're a caregiver, a parent, or simply an informed citizen, being able to
speak clearly about nutrition is a practical skill. To this end, you'll be writing an essay about
an article discussed in class, using reliable, cited outside sources to support your argument.
This essay is worth 30 points and is to be completed individually. To make sure you're on
the right track, a 10-point outline will be due one week before the essay itself. The grading
rubric for the essay and the outline sheet are both attached.
Working together with other students in a group of 3 - 4, you will present your
information to the class. Time will be given in class to work on this, and an assignment will
be provided to help make sure you stay on track. The in-class group assignments are worth
30 points total, while the presentation is worth 20 points, and is graded based on the
attached rubric. The essay is due on the day you present.
Participation:
You're expected to attend class regularly and punctually, completing any in-lecture
assignments, such as index card activities. Participation is worth 25 points.
Late Work:
Assignments are due at the start of class on their due date. In the event of technical
problems, I will accept e-mail submissions to show that you have finished the work on time,
but you must also turn in a hard copy, and late e-mailed work is still late. For every class
session that an assignment is late, you will lose 10% of the grade.
Extra Credit:
I will offer small extra credit opportunities as the term goes on.
How grades are earned:
Participation
Article Analysis:
Essay Outline
Essay
In-Class Group Work (two sessions)
Group Presentation
Open-Book Reading Quizzes
17 Quizzes, 5 points each
In-Class Food Analysis
Daily Values Analysis
Lecture Exams (3, 100 pts each)
First Dietary Analysis
Second Dietary Analysis
TOTAL:
Letter grades, by percentage:
A
B
C
D
F
25 pts
10 pts
25 pts
30 pts
20 pts
85 pts
10 pts
10 pts
300 pts
30 pts
40 pts
585 pts.
90 – 100% (526-585 pts)
80 – 89% (468-525 pts)
70 – 79% (409-468 pts)
60 – 69% (351-408 pts)
below 59.9% (<351 pts)
Academic Integrity:
Don't copy quizzes, exams, homework, essays, anything. If you get information from
an external source in a circumstance where that makes sense, cite your sources and
rephrase in your own words. Don't talk during tests unless you're calling me over to ask a
question. Briefly: do not do anything that disrespects the work of others or the dignity of
your fellow students. Penalties range from lost points to an F in the course and a referral to
the Dean. For more details, see the College Student Code of Honor.
Asking Questions/Asking for Extra Help:
I'm here to help! If you've a question during lecture, please raise your hand. If you're
having trouble in any way, contact me and we'll meet! Even if you can't make office hours,
I'll be happy to try to work out a better time.
Accessibility/Special Needs:
I want to make this course as accessible as possible for everyone! If you need to make
special arrangements for any reason, such as visual or hearing impairment or other
conditions, please contact me. I may need documentation from Disability Services and
Programs for Students for some accommodations; if so, you can contact them at 464-3428.
SCHEDULE AND IMPORTANT DATES (MON/WEDS SECTION)
Week
of
Monday Lecture
Due Monday
8/18
Nutrition as Biology
(Chapter 1)
N/A
8/25
Carbohydrates, pt. 1
(Chapter 3)
9/1
9/8
9/15
Week 1 Checklist;
Carbohydrates, pt 2.
Ch. 1 + 2 Reading
(Chapter 3)
Quiz
Labor Day
N/A
Lipids, pt. 2 (Chapter 4)
First Dietary
Analysis
Lecture Exam 1
9/22
Proteins, pt. 2
(Chapter 5)
N/A
9/29
Energy Balance and
Obesity, pt. 1 (Ch. 7)
Ch. 7 Reading
Quiz
Water + Electrolytes,
(Ch. 8)
Vitamins, pt. 2
(Ch. 9)
Ch. 8 Reading
Quiz
10/6
10/13
10/20
10/27
11/3
11/10
11/17
11/24
12/1
12/8
Wednesday
Lecture
A Healthy Diet
(Chapter 2)
Lipids, pt. 1
(Chapter 4)
Proteins, pt. 1
(Chapter 5)
Due Wednesday
In-class food analysis
Ch. 3 Reading Quiz
Ch. 4 Reading Quiz
Ch. 5 Reading Quiz; ;
Extra Credit Guide 1
Article Analysis:
Group Activity 1
Nothing
Digestion, (Ch. 6)
Ch. 6 Reading Quiz
Energy Balance and
Obesity, pt. 2 (Ch. 7)
Nothing
Vitamins, pt. 1
(Ch. 9)
Minerals, pt. 1
Nothing
(Ch 10)
Nutritional
Minerals, pt. 2
Ch. 11 Reading
Supplements
(Ch. 10)
Quiz
(Ch. 11)
Article Analysis:
Lecture Exam 2
Group Activity 2
Nutrition for
Nutrition for Pregnancy Ch. 16 Reading
Children/Adolescents
+ Infancy (Ch. 16)
Quiz
(Ch. 17, pt 1)
Nutrition for Older
Eating Disorders, pt.
Adults (Ch. 17, pt 2),
Nothing
1 (Ch. 15), Group
Group Presentations
Presentations
Eating Disorders, pt. 2
Food Safety (Ch. 13),
(Ch. 15), Group
Nothing
Group presentations
Presentations
Exercise Nutrition
The GMO
Ch. 14 Reading
(Ch. 14),
Controversy, Group
Quiz
Group Presentations
Presentations
Alcohol (Ch. 7), Group
Ch. 7 Reading
Case Study
Presentations
Quiz
Ch. 9 Reading Quiz
Ch. 10 Reading Quiz
Daily Values
Chart;
Extra Credit Guide 2
Nothing
Ch. 17 Reading Quiz
Ch. 15 Reading Quiz
Ch. 13 Reading Quiz
Second Dietary
Analysis
Extra Credit Guide 3
12/10 Wednesday Last Lecture Exam (Final)
Presentations begin on 11/10. Your essay is due on the day
you present, and your outline due a week before that.
SCHEDULE AND IMPORTANT DATES (TUES/THURS SECTION)
Week
of
Tuesday Lecture
8/18
Nutrition as Biology
(Chapter 1)
8/25
Carbohydrates, pt. 1
(Chapter 3)
9/1
9/8
9/15
9/22
9/29
10/6
10/13
10/20
10/27
11/3
11/10
11/17
11/24
12/1
12/8
Lipids, pt. 1
(Chapter 4)
Proteins, pt. 1
(Chapter 5)
Due Tuesday Thursday Lecture
N/A
A Healthy Diet
(Chapter 2)
Week 1 Checklist;
Carbohydrates, pt 2.
Ch. 1 + 2 Reading
(Chapter 3)
Quiz
Due Thursday
In-class food analysis
Ch. 3 Reading Quiz
Ch. 4 Reading
Quiz
Lipids, pt. 2
(Chapter 4)
First Dietary
Analysis
Ch. 5 Reading
Quiz
Proteins, pt. 2
(Chapter 5)
Extra Credit Guide 1
Article Analysis:
Nothing
Group Activity 1
Ch. 6 Reading Energy Balance and
Digestion, (Ch. 6)
Ch. 7 Reading Quiz
Quiz
Obesity, pt. 1 (Ch. 7)
Water +
Energy Balance and
Nothing
Electrolytes,
Ch. 8 Reading Quiz
Obesity, pt. 2 (Ch. 7)
(Ch. 8)
Ch. 9 Reading
Vitamins, pt. 2
Vitamins, pt. 1 (Ch. 9)
Nothing
Quiz
(Ch. 9)
Ch. 10 Reading
Minerals, pt. 2
Minerals, pt. 1 (Ch 10)
Ch. 11 Reading Quiz
Quiz
(Ch. 10)
Daily Values
Nutrition for
Nutritional Supplements,
Chart;
Pregnancy + Infancy Ch. 16 Reading Quiz
(Ch. 11)
Extra Credit
(Ch. 16)
Guide 2
Article Analysis:
Lecture Exam 2
Nothing
Group Activity 2
Nutrition for
Nutrition for Older
Ch. 17 Reading
Children/Adolescents
Adults (Ch. 17, pt 2),
Nothing
Quiz
(Ch. 17, pt 1)
Group Presentations
Eating Disorders, pt.
Veteran's Day
Nothing
1 (Ch. 15), Group
Ch. 15 Reading Quiz
Presentations
Eating Disorders, pt. 2
Food Safety (Ch. 13),
(Ch. 15), Group
Nothing
Ch. 13 Reading Quiz
Group presentations
Presentations
Exercise Nutrition
Ch. 14 Reading
(Ch. 14),
Thanksgiving Break
Nothing
Quiz
Group Presentations
Ch. 7 Reading
Alcohol (Ch. 7), Group
Case Study, Group
Quiz; Second
Extra Credit Guide 3
Presentations
Presentations
Dietary Analysis
Lecture Exam 1
12/10 Tuesday Last Lecture Exam (Final)
Presentations begin on 11/5. Your essay is due on the day you
present, and your outline due a week before that.
Current Issue - Writing Assignment Grading Chart
Name _________________________ Date __________________ Topic _____________________
Assignment:
1) Download the article to analyze from the course website.
2) Find two other references to increase your knowledge of the issue. Use these to help explain what
the article is about.
a. These references must be reliable sources, such as journals, science news articles, or
textbooks (the course text doesn't count as a good outside reference here.)
b. Website references must be verified by another source. Therefore, 2 websites will count as 1
reference.
3) Write about 4 -5 double-spaced pages discussing the article using your new knowledge of the topic.
Follow these guidelines to ensure a good grade. Be sure to turn in this page with your paper.
Points
5 – Great!
4 – Good
3 – Okay
2 – Not okay
0
Background
References*
At least 2 references
with supportive data
tied in
Two random
references not
used to explain
One reference
that supports
article
One
reference
only
No other
references
Thesis statement
first, followed
supporting
information
Presented:
Issue discussed,
background info on
topic, relevant,
suggestions
Good thesis
statement, new
data presented
mid-way
Weak thesis
statement, no
concluded
sentence
No thesis
statement, no
concluded
sentence
No thesis
statement,
no flow of
sentences
Missing one of
the previous
items
Missing two of
the previous
items
Missing three
of the
previous
items
Missing all of
the previous
items
Overall
Presentation
Good flow of
sentences and
between paragraphs.
Easy to read
Paragraph
structure good
with no flow
between them
No structure
to paragraph,
but sentence
structure okay
No paragraph
or sentence
structure. No
misspellings
No paragraph
or sentence
structure,
misspellings
Followed
directions
4-5 pages, no more
than 12 pt font,
double spaced,
references cited
Missing one of
the previous
items
Missing two of
the previous
items
Missing three
of the
previous
items
Not a
discussion of
the article
Paragraph
Structure
Summary of
Information
* 2 websites = 1 reference! (Site + source. Example: A Wikipedia article isn't a source in itself, but might link
to a source you can use to check the facts. Together, these two pages would count as one source.)
Overall Point Total
Total Points ______/25
Comments:
Name:
Outline Sheet for Bio 28 Essay
Intro Paragraph:
What will your thesis statement be? This is the "big picture" statement that says what your
essay is about, ideally in a way that expresses an opinion, and either begins or ends the first
paragraph (intro paragraph). For example: "The Fakename's Group claim that Vitamin C
megadoses are healthy for the immune system is unconvincing."
Rough draft of your thesis statement:
What else might you put in the intro paragraph to catch the reader's attention?
Body Paragraphs Outline:
In the remaining paragraphs of your essay, you'll provide information to back up your
thesis. Be sure to cover the following points, at the very least:
* What claims did the article make, and based on what evidence?
* Who did the research involved? Does the article accurately describe the underlying research?
* How can we use what we learned in class to evaluate these claims?
* What information from outside sources can be used to better understand the article? Be sure to
clarify details of the article using these sources, and cite the source without directly quoting from
it extensively. Explain in your own words.
* What evidence, if any, favors the claims made in the article, and why? What evidence, if any,
contradicts the claims, and why?
* How is this information more broadly relevant to everyday life?
Don't address these points in a haphazard way. Instead, devote each paragraph to one
main idea, expressed in a topic sentence, and try to make your essay flow smoothly. In each
paragraph, support that main idea with two or three pieces of evidence. Don't quote word-forword; instead, explain the evidence in your own words.
On the back of this page, or on an attached page, list the main idea for each
body paragraph. This is just an outline, so you don't need to give fine details. Since
the essay is expected to be 4-5 pages long, you should have at least 5 body
paragraphs (along with the intro and conclusion paragraph), and probably more.
Conclusion Paragraph:
Finally, you'll need a conclusion paragraph. In this paragraph, you should wrap up your
discussion without bringing in any new information. You could restate your position, summarize,
link it to everyday life, or ask a possible follow-up question, but try to end on a conclusive note.
Good luck!
Group Presentation Assessment Chart – 20 points
Names _________________________ Date __________________ Topic _____________________
Assignment:
1) Although you are responsible for your own paper, you are to present the material with a group of
students
2) You will be meeting with your group throughout the semester to make sure your talk is well organized.
3) Groups should consist of 3-4 people
4) Each person should plan to speak for about 5-8 minutes

3 people in group in group = 15 – 24 minute talk
5) Your group will also create 1 multiple choice question per person to share with the class
6) You will be graded as a group on the following topics.
Points
Content - 12
4 – Great!
3 – Good
2 – Okay
1– 0
Paper was wellexplained in the
presenters' own
words.
Paper was
explained;
some clarity
issues.
Explanation
was effectively
quoted/re-read
from the paper
or a secondary
source.
No
explanation
At least 2
references, well tied
to topic
Clear, welldescribed examples
of real world
relevance and
applications.
2 references,
not well tied to
topic
One other
reference
No
background
General
explanation of
real worldrelevance
Minimal
discussion of
real-world
relevance.
No
application
Timing/
Preparation
Well-rehearsed, filled
time appropriately
20 minute talk,
well prepared
Eye ContactVoice
Kept good eye
contact with
audience
Some eye
contact,
distracting
mannerisms
Explanation
Supportive
Evidence
Application
Presentation - 8
No segue
between
presenters
Lost eye
contact,
presentation
skills lacking
Obviously not
rehearsed
No eye
contact with
audience
Overall Point Total
Content
__________/12
Presentation
__________/ 8
Comments:
Total _________/20
Week 1 Checklist
Due Monday, August 25 (MW Section)
or Tuesday, August 26 (TTh Section)
Please get the following tasks done by Tuesday, January 28th. If there's a problem,
don't hesitate to contact me! Initial each line to show you've done what's asked for, and sign
the bottom of the page when you're done. Bring this completed checklist to lecture.
NOTE: Wait-listed students should not complete this checklist until they are
enrolled in the course!
______
Download and print the syllabus and calendar from the course site,
http://www.bi10etc.com. (Click on the Bi 28 link.)
______
Read the syllabus and calendar carefully.
______
Based on what you've read/seen, write down one question you have about
this class in the space below:
______
Find a copy of Nutrition: Real People, Real Choices by Hewlings and
Medeiros you can use. Share if you must, but be sure you can do all the
assigned readings in time.
______
Buy a pack of 3x5 index cards.
______
Read Chapters 1 and 2 of the text and complete the reading quiz.
______
Send an e-mail to pnagami@peralta.edu from your preferred e-mail address.
I've finished the above tasks and have read the syllabus carefully.
___________________________
Name (Print legibly)
__________________________
Signature
__________________________
Date