FSHN 120 SECTION OPTIONS

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. You can see enrollment options in Course Explorer here.

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 Spring 2025.


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 the University of Illinois (and the credit also transfers to almost all other institutions).  Choose the one section that speaks to you based on your personal preference.

Which Section Is Right for You?

“What’s the difference between the sections?”

It all comes down to the experience you want (or need). Each section offers the same:

  • 3 credit hours of a Life Sciences General Education course

  • ✅ Transferable credit to almost all other institutions

  • ✅ Core FSHN 120 content and learning outcomes

But the way you learn can look very different—more hands-on, more health-care focused, or more flexible and independent.

👉 Choose the one section that best matches your personality, schedule, and goals.


Business LLC (BLC) Section

The “Action Learning” Experience

Meets: Wednesdays, 3:00–4:50 PM
Location: 2050 Student Dining & Residential Programs (SDRP)

Designed primarily for Business Living-Learning Community (LLC) students and related communities, this section is all about learning by doing.

You’ll explore nutrition concepts through:

  • 🛒 Food Desert Grocery Store SNAP Challenge

  • 🍳 Cooking classes focused on meals on a budget

  • 🍽️ Professional dining experiences at the Spice Box

  • 💙 Philanthropic and social justice–oriented projects

Why choose BLC?

  • Engagement: Very high – hands-on activities, group work, community service.

  • Focus: Connecting business, food, and social justice in real-world settings.

  • Extra Credit: Earned through synchronous activities, discussions, and initiatives that give back to the community.

  • Check out what BLC students did in past semesters by visiting the section-specific website here

Section H (Honors & Exploratory Studies)

The “Health & Clinical Skills” Experience

Meets: Tuesdays, 4:00–5:50 PM
Location: 328 Bevier Hall

This section has a strong Health and Wellness focus. It’s a great fit if you are:

  • In Exploratory Studies, ACES, or Applied Health Sciences

  • Considering majors like nutrition, pre-health, or other health professions

  • Curious about how nutrition connects to clinical practice and personal well-being

You’ll learn in a “lab-style” environment with experiences like:

  • 🧪 VR Metabolism Lab

  • 🧬 Digestion & Microbiome Escape Room

  • 💧 Urinalysis & Hydration testing activities

  • 💭 Body Respect Campaign workshop focused on body image and media literacy

Why choose Section H?

  • Engagement: High – interactive labs, experiments, sensory evaluations, and mindfulness activities.

  • Focus: Clinical skills, case-based learning, and whole-person wellness.

  • Extra Credit: Available through regular in-person attendance and Pillar survey submissions.


Section ONL (Online)

The “Flexible & Independent” Experience

Meets: Asynchronous (No set meeting times)
Location: Canvas / Online

This fully online section is designed for self-motivated students who prefer to work independently while still having support when they need it.

You’ll navigate:

  • 🎥 Recorded lectures

  • Self-paced assignments and quizzes

  • 🧩 Canvas-based learning modules

  • 💻 Optional online office hours for help and clarification

Why choose ONL?

  • Engagement: Independent study with strong digital support (videos, resources, messaging, office hours).

  • Focus: Maximum flexibility to fit around work, family, athletics, or other commitments.

  • Extra Credit: Available through online discussions and Pillar survey submissions.


Quick Comparison: Choose Your Experience

Feature Business LLC (BLC) Honors (Section H) Online (Section ONL)
 Vibe Action Learning & Community Health, Wellness & Clinical Skills Flexibility & Autonomy
Best Fit For… Gies Business / LLC students interested in food equity, business, and community impact. Exploratory Studies and health-focused students interested in clinical skills and nutrition science. Self-starters who need to fit coursework around a busy or unpredictable schedule.
Meeting  In-Person

(Wed) 3:00–4:50 PM

In-Person

(Tues)4:00–5:50 PM

Asynchronous Online

No set meeting times

 Activities • SNAP Challenge

• Budget Cooking Class

• Social Justice activities

• VR Metabolism Lab

• Digestion Escape Room

• Urinalysis/Hydration Lab

• Recorded Lectures

• Canvas Assignments

• Self-Paced Learning

Extra Credit Community-Focused:
Synchronous activities & philanthropic initiatives.
Attendance-Focused:
In-person participation & Pillar surveys.
Discussion-Focused:
Online discussions & Pillar surveys.

Still Not Sure?

If you’re unsure which section fits you best, consider:

  • Do I want hands-on, in-person activities and community projects? → BLC

  • Do I want health- and clinical-focused labs and might be headed toward a health career? → Section H

  • Do I need maximum flexibility and feel confident managing my own schedule? → Online (ONL)

You can also talk with your academic advisor or reach out to the instructor with questions about which section might be the best match for your goals.

Feel free to email me (the instructor) (Burkhalt@Illinois.edu) with any questions you may have. I am here for you!

~Professor Toni Marie Gist