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Microbiology (BIO-255E/BIO-255LE)

Microbiology Lecture (BIO-255E) is a self-paced, online biology course that offers you an introduction to key principles in microbiology. You'll gain a functional understanding of microscopic organisms (microorganisms), their role in disease and the environment, and our defenses against infections.

Microbiology Lab (BIO-255LE) is available in two formats (self-paced, online lab course or semester-based, on-campus lab course). In this lab, you will learn proper laboratory techniques, such as how to use a microscope, prevent the spread of bacteria, and collect and manage microbial cultures. The semester-based, on-campus course is currently unavailable.

After completing the courses above, you'll be well-prepared to pursue a degree in fields such as health science, pre-medicine, chemistry and biology, or pharmacy.

Prerequisites: Students must complete Microbiology Lecture (BIO-255E) prior to taking the on-campus Microbiology Lab (BIO-255LE).

Why MCPHS?

  • Accreditation: MCPHS is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
  • Competitive Pricing: New self-paced, online students are eligible to receive a 50% reduction in the cost of tuition for one self-paced, online prerequisite course. The discount is not available for semester-based, on-campus prerequisite courses. Please complete the request discount form to receive the discount code.
  • Easy to Get Started: No application process is required. Simply select your course and register.

Course Format

Self-paced, online course: Microbiology (BIO 255E/BIO 255LE) 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.

Semester-based, on-campus lab course: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the School of Professional Studies has cancelled the Spring 2021 on-campus Microbiology I lab (BIO-255LE). If you are interested in taking this course, please contact an advisor at professionalstudies@mcphs.edu or 339.236.2605 for more information regarding future start dates.

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.

Self-paced, online course: You’ll receive access to your course within two business days of paying tuition.

Semester-based, on-campus lab course: You’ll begin your course at the start of the semester. Please review the academic calendar for exact dates.

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 textbooks:

Microbiology: An Introduction, Tortora, G. J., Funke, B. R., and Case, C. L., 13th Ed., Pearson Education, Inc.; Access Card (code) to publishers website resources, Pearson's Modified Mastering Microbiology Program

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.

Self-paced, online courses run at a rate of $445 per credit hour.

Semester-based, on-campus lab courses cost $725.

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 self-paced, online 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.

*Semester-based, on-campus lab courses are not eligible for the 50% reduction in cost for tuition promotion.

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 Microbiology 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

Self-paced, online course: 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.

Semester-based, on-campus lab course: Tuition refund is based off of the MCPHS academic calendar. Please review the academic calendar for exact dates.

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. 

Kristen

"I chose MCPHS because I heard from friends that the quality of classes was high and that I would walk away actually learning something. I knew the self-paced nature of the course would easily fit in my schedule and I felt so supported when I reached out for more information."

— Kristin, Microbiology Lecture and Lab

Olivia

"I had a great experience with the online, self-paced format. The lectures and labs were easy to access and the professor was always available to answer my questions via email."

— Olivia, Microbiology Lecture and Lab


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