Enroll Anytime General Biology I

Build a strong foundation in biology by exploring the molecular basis of life, cellular processes, genetics, physiology, and the scientific principles that connect living systems.

REGISTER NOW

 

This course is accompanied by the separate, optional BIOL 150L: General Biology I Laboratory course.

Why Take General Biology I Online?

BIOL 150: General Biology I introduces students to the fundamental principles of modern biology and the scientific methods used to understand living systems. Designed for students pursuing biology, health sciences, and other preprofessional pathways, this course provides a comprehensive foundation in the structure, function, and interactions of organisms from the molecular level to complex physiological systems.

Students begin by examining the chemical basis of life, including water, carbon compounds, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and biological membranes. The course then explores how cells acquire and use energy through enzymes, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis, while also investigating essential cellular processes such as the cell cycle and meiosis.

Building on these core concepts, students study plant and animal form and function, cell-to-cell communication, water and electrolyte balance, gas exchange, circulation, nervous system function, sensory systems, and reproduction. Throughout the course, students develop an understanding of how biological structures and processes work together to maintain life.

In addition to mastering foundational biological concepts, students learn the principles of scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and data analysis. Coursework emphasizes evaluating evidence, interpreting biological data, and communicating scientific ideas effectively. These skills are essential for success in biology, healthcare professions, research, and related scientific fields.

With self-paced flexibility and the option to add a lab (BIOL 150L), it’s a great choice to build a strong academic foundation for advanced biology and health science coursework. Students have up to 9 months to complete this course from the time of enrollment. You may work at your own pace and complete lessons on your own schedule. This lecture course contains 18 lessons and 4 proctored unit exams.

What do you learn in General Biology I?

Students learn foundational concepts in biology, including biomolecules, cell structure and function, metabolism, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, genetics, physiology, plant biology, animal biology, and scientific inquiry.

Is BIOL 150 suitable for pre-med and health science students?

Yes. BIOL 150 is designed to support students pursuing biology, healthcare, nursing, pre-med, and other preprofessional programs that require a strong foundation in biological sciences. In fact, BIOL 150 and 150L fulfill one of the prerequisite options for UND's Enroll Anytime BIMD 220: Human Anatomy & Physiology course. 

Does this course include cell biology and physiology?

Yes. Students study cell structure and function, energy production, cell division, communication between cells, and physiological systems including circulation, respiration, nervous system function, and reproduction.

What skills will students develop?

Students will strengthen critical thinking, scientific reasoning, data analysis, evidence evaluation, and scientific communication skills while building knowledge of modern biology.

Required Textbook

Biological Science, 8th ed. Freeman, Quillian, Allison, Black, Podgorski, Taylor, Carmichael, Hsu. Pearson, ISBN 9780138276263.

The BIOL 150 lecture course only requires the textbook in print or eTextbook format--it does not require access to the Pearson+ study prep content, but you can purchase that if you like. Note that if you are also taking the SPEA BIOL 150L lab course, you will need the Mastering Modified Biology platform along with the Biological Science textbook for the lab. BIOL 151: General Biology II also uses the same textbook and the Mastering platform for the BIOL 151L lab course.

 

How will the course appear on my transcript?

You may enroll at any time and have up to 9 months to complete this online course. The credits earned will be recorded on your UND transcript based on the date you registered for the course. It will appear on your transcript in the same way as a course taken during a regular semester. There is no indication that the course was taken online or that you completed it at your own pace. 

Consult the table on our How Enroll Anytime Courses Work page for a current listing of Enroll Anytime Registration Dates and the semester information that will appear on a UND transcript.

Why Take Online Classes at UND?

Here are a few reasons why you should take an online enroll anytime course at UND:

• Great customer service – Our registration team is ready to answer questions quickly so you can focus on your coursework.
• Affordable – UND's enroll anytime courses are priced at North Dakota's affordable, in-state tuition rate.
• Accredited – UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
• Easily transfer credits – Transferring credits is always at the discretion of the institution to which the credits are being transferred. In general, credits from schools/universities that are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission transfer to other regionally accredited institutions. UND's online courses appear on your UND transcript in the same way as other courses.

Flexible 100% Online Course

You'll take this online course at your own pace. Some students thrive in this environment, while other students may struggle with setting their own deadlines. If you have successfully taken an independent study or correspondence course previously, UND’s enroll anytime courses may be right for you. Still not sure? Take our online quiz to help determine if online enroll anytime courses are right for you.

Course information including tuition, technology requirements, textbooks, lessons and exams is subject to change without notice.