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Biology II: Biology of Organisms (BIO 152E/BIO 152LE)

Biology II is an online course with both laboratory and lecture components. It will introduce you to the fundamental principles that unify diversity of organisms. This includes evolutionary theory, ecology, human anatomy and histology, the evolution of organ systems, and the normal functioning of the human organism. These courses will prepare you to pursue degrees in numerous healthcare disciplines, including pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, and optometry.

Prerequisites: Biology I: Cell and Molecular Biology (BIO 151) or an equivalent course

MCPHS also offers Biology I. Please visit our Biology I prerequisite course page for more information.

Why MCPHS?

  • Flexibility: Biology II (BIO 152E/BIO 152LE) is self-paced and online. Set your own schedule to complete the course in 16-weeks.
  • Competitive Pricing: New students are eligible to receive a 50% reduction in the cost of tuition for one course. Please complete the discount code form to receive the discount code.
  • Easy to Get Started: No application process is required. Once registered, you can begin the Biology II course within two business days.

Course Format

Biology II (BIO 152E/BIO 152LE) is an online, asynchronous, self-paced course that includes both a 3-credit lecture session and 1-credit laboratory session. This course does not have specific meeting times or deadlines. You will complete your assignments on your own schedule over the course of 16 weeks using Blackboard, an online learning platform. You will also have the support of an instructor, as well as 24/7 online tutoring as you progress through the coursework. After completing this course, you will receive a final letter grade and be able to request an official transcript from our Registrar’s Office. Please note: Students are able to register for the lecture, the lab, or both. Registration is separate for each of these courses.

Get Started

Once you’ve selected your course of interest and are ready to register, all that’s left is to create your account and pay the tuition fees.

Create your account and begin the registration process here.

You'll be asked to create a username and password, provide some basic personal information, and pay the course's tuition. You’ll receive access to your course within two business days of paying tuition.

We suggest that students purchase their course materials after registering and gaining access to their course. Detailed instructions will then be provided. 

The lecture course requires a webcam and the following textbook:

Urry LA, Cain ML, Wasserman SA, et al. 2017. Campbell Biology Eleventh Edition. Pearson: New York, NY

The lab uses Labster, an online virtual lab software. You will have access to this as part of your course fee and it will be available to you while you are enrolled in the course.

Courses run at a rate of $445 per credit hour. The School of Professional Studies offers reduced tuition options to new MCPHS students.

New students are eligible to receive a 50% reduction in the cost of tuition for one course. Please complete the discount code form to receive the discount code.

Degree applicants who have been admitted to a degree program and paid their enrollment deposit are eligible to receive a 50% reduction in the cost of tuition for any prerequisite course that the Admission Office has indicated must be completed prior to starting the degree program. Please contact the Admission Office at 617.879.5964 (Boston), 508.373.5607 (Worcester) or 603.314.1701 (Manchester) for more information.

Create your account and begin the registration process here.

  • Windows: Latest version of Windows (64-bit)
  • Mac: OS or ChromeOS
  • Lecture Only: Web camera (internal or external) and microphone
  • A broadband internet connection

The Biology II lab requires use of Labster software that can only be used on laptop or desktop computers. This software cannot be used on an iPad, Phone, or Tablet. Chromebooks may only be used if they support the requirements below:

  • Processor: Dual-core 2 GHz or higher
  • Memory: 4 GB or more
  • Graphic card: Intel HD 3000 / GeForce 6800 GT / Radeon X700 or higher

Students can receive a full tuition refund if they drop a course within five business days of registering. Course changes will also be allowed during this five-day window.

After the five-day window closes (and up until the course's completion date), students may choose to withdraw from the course without a refund. This would result in a "W" on their student record.

The Office of Student Access and Accommodations (OSAA) is a part of the Division of Student Affairs and provides accommodations to students across all MCPHS campuses (Manchester, Boston and Worcester) and online.

Due to the format of School of Professional Studies (SPS) courses, students planning to take self-paced courses are encouraged, though not required, to reach out to OSAA prior to registering for any courses. This will give OSAA ample time to work with the student to review their request for reasonable accommodations.

Students can visit the OSAA website for additional information. 


Questions about our self-paced prerequisites? Connect with the School of Professional Studies at professionalstudies@mcphs.edu or 339.236.2605.