DIFFERENT SECTIONS

I had students share that they wanted to know more about the course structure for FSHN 120. Below is information that will introduce you to some basics and allow you to compare the different sections.

We have a virtual tutoring center that is open and available to all FSHN 120 students Monday through Friday during the semester.  Students can stop in for help from Toni (the lead instructor) and our fantastic teaching team members. No scheduling is needed!  🙂  We are there, ready to help.


FSHN 120 will have a “combined space” in Canvas with all sections for Fall 2024.


Students have asked, “What is the difference between the sections?”  It all comes down to the experience you want or need. There are differences in engagement methods, extra credit options, and lecture options.  Any of the sections will allow students to earn three credit hours of a general education life sciences course at UIUC.  Choose the section based on your personal preference.

SECTION A: Students in this in-person section (A) will be expected to attend class synchronously at UIUC on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-1:50pm (note: class often gets out 5-10 minutes early for questions and students to get to their next class). We ensure that students have all concepts comprehensively explained to them with ample time for discussion and interaction, ensuring that any assessment questions are presented in full. There is ample time to walk through essential concepts in detail. Extra credit is earned through in-person class attendance and pillar survey submissions.

  • Section A students are strongly encouraged to attend lectures and participate in the dynamic classroom experience.  Students are expected to take notes in their textbooks as the lecture progresses.  Students can ask the instructor and teaching team questions in real-time by attending lectures.

SECTION ONL:  Students in this fully online section (ONL) are expected to be self-motivated and able to walk through the comprehensive online materials while adhering to course deadlines. Students have all concepts explained with support materials, videos, and online office hours available to clarify complex concepts. Extra credit is earned through online discussions and pillar survey submissions.

  • Section ONL students can access visual and audio materials to walk them through the concepts asynchronously as they take notes in their textbooks.

SECTION SIH: Students in this synchronous in-person hybrid section (SIH) will be expected to attend the class synchronously at UIUC on Tuesdays from 3-3:50 pm CST. Due to the streamlined experience using synchronous in-person interactive activities and discussions reinforcing key concepts, this class will have no asynchronous participation option. Extra credit is earned through in-person class attendance and pillar survey submissions.

  • Section SIH and SOH Hybrid students acquire lecture materials asynchronously through videos shared in Canvas as they take notes in their textbooks—the 50-minute synchronous course time is set aside to discuss complex lecture concepts and work on assessments in a team setting.

SECTION SOH: Students in this synchronous online hybrid section (SOH) will be expected to attend the class synchronously on Zoom on Tuesdays from 3-3:50 pm CST. Due to the streamlined experience using synchronous interactive activities and discussions reinforcing key concepts, this class will have no asynchronous participation option. It is recommended that students ensure their computers and internet connections meet the minimum Zoom system requirements. Extra credit is earned online synchronous discussions and pillar survey submissions.

  • Section SIH and SOH Hybrid students acquire lecture materials asynchronously through videos shared in Canvas as they take notes in their textbooks—the 50-minute synchronous course time is set aside to discuss complex lecture concepts and work on assessments in a team setting.

Feel free to contact me/the instructor via my work e-mail (Burkhalt@Illinois.edu) with any questions you may have…I am here for you!

~Professor Toni Marie Gist