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Biology I (BIO 151E/BIO 150LE)

Biology I is an online course with both laboratory and lecture components. The Biology I (BIO 151E) lecture course emphasizes the experimental approaches to understanding the basic and applied aspects of cellular and molecular biology. Topics include cell structure and function, metabolism, the cellular and molecular basis of development and heredity, and healthcare applications of molecular biotechnology. The Biology I (BIO 150LE) laboratory course emphasizes experimental approaches to understanding basic and applied aspects of cellular and molecular biology. Topics include cell structure and function, biochemistry, genetics and heredity, and biotechnology.

After completing the courses above, you'll be well-prepared to pursue a degree in fields such as optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, and physical therapy.

Prerequisites for Biology I Lab (BIO 150LE): Biology I (BIO 151)

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

Why MCPHS?

Flexibility: Biology I (BIO 151E/BIO 150LE) 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 taking the Biology I course within two business days.

Course Format

Biology I (BIO 151E/BIO 150LE) is an online, asynchronous, self-paced course that includes both a 3-credit lecture session and a 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 the following textbook:

  • Campbell Biology, 11th ed, Urry et al., Pearson Education, Inc.
  • Access Card (code) to publishers website resources, Pearson’s Mastering Biology Program
  • Purchases should be made directly on the Pearson site, accessed through the General Biology course Blackboard page.

The following lab kit is required:

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
  • A broadband internet connection

The Biology I 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.