Enroll Anytime General Biology II
Explore genetics, evolution, biodiversity, and ecology while developing a deeper understanding of how life evolves, adapts, and interacts across biological systems.
This course is accompanied by the separate, optional BIOL 151L: General Biology II Laboratory course.
| Course Title | BIOL 151: General Biology II |
|---|---|
| Credits | 3 undergraduate credits |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Format | Online - Self-Paced Enroll Anytime |
| Cost |
Undergraduate tuition is $407.97 per credit. On July 18, 2026, the tuition rate will increase to $432.45 per credit as part of a campus-wide change to the in-state tuition rate. Visit the Costs & Aid page for more information. |
Why Take General Biology II Online?
BIOL 151: General Biology II expands upon the foundational principles of biology by exploring genetics, molecular biology, evolution, biodiversity, and ecology. Designed for science majors, this course examines how biological information is inherited, expressed, and shaped by evolutionary processes while investigating the diversity of life on Earth and the ecological relationships that sustain it.
Students begin by studying the mechanisms of heredity, including meiosis, Mendelian genetics, DNA structure and repair, gene expression, transcription, translation, and the regulation of genes in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. The course also introduces modern molecular biology techniques and discoveries that have transformed biological research and medicine.
Building on this molecular foundation, students explore the principles of evolution, including natural selection, speciation, and the processes that drive biological diversity. The course then surveys major groups of organisms, including viruses, bacteria, archaea, protists, plants, and fungi, providing insight into the evolutionary relationships and characteristics that define life across the planet.
The final portion of the course focuses on ecology, examining how organisms interact with one another and their environments. Topics include behavioral ecology, population dynamics, community interactions, and ecosystem processes, helping students understand the complex relationships that shape natural systems.
Throughout the course, students develop critical scientific skills, including data interpretation, evidence-based reasoning, and scientific communication. Whether preparing for advanced biology coursework, healthcare professions, environmental sciences, or research careers, students gain a strong understanding of the biological principles that connect genes, organisms, populations, and ecosystems.
Delivered in a flexible, self-paced format, BIOL 151 allows students to progress through course materials on their own schedule while building essential knowledge for success in biology and related scientific fields.
Do I need to take BIOL 150 before BIOL 151?
No. While BIOL 151 is commonly taken after BIOL 150, students can successfully complete the course without first taking General Biology I.
Does BIOL 151 include genetics and molecular biology?
Yes. Students study meiosis, Mendelian genetics, DNA structure and repair, transcription, translation, gene regulation, and modern molecular biology techniques.
What ecology topics are included in the course?
Students explore behavioral ecology, population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, and the interactions between organisms and their environments.
Is BIOL 151 useful for pre-med and health science students?
Yes, but make sure the topics covered in the course align with the prerequiste requirements of your program. The course provides foundational knowledge in genetics, evolution, and molecular biology that supports further study in biology, medicine, healthcare, and other scientific disciplines. At UND, BIOL 150 and 150L fulfill the prerequisite requirement for BIMD 220: Human Anatomy & Physiology I, but BIOL 151 does not.
What skills will students develop?
Students strengthen scientific reasoning, critical thinking, data analysis, evidence evaluation, and scientific communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of biological systems.
Required Textbook
Biological Science, 8th ed. Freeman, Quillian, Allison, Black, Podgorski, Taylor, Carmichael, Hsu. Pearson, ISBN 9780138276263.
The BIOL 151 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 151L lab course, you will need the Mastering Modified Biology platform along with the Biological Science textbook for the lab.
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.
