Explore college biology online with ASU’s introduction to the living world

Are you curious about how living organisms function, evolve and interact with their environment? Thinking about a career in healthcare, environmental science or biology education? Whether you’re exploring out of personal interest or preparing for a future in STEM, Arizona State University’s Introduction to Biology: The Living World (BIO 100) offers a low-risk, flexible entry point to dive into college biology — all online, at your own pace.

This course is part of ASU’s Universal Learner Course, a low-risk way to experience college-level learning and earn transferable credit before committing to a full degree program. Universal Learner Courses are designed for anyone who wants to explore college-level material, earn affordable and transferable credit or build confidence before pursuing a full academic path. The Living World invites you to examine human behavior through a broader social lens — no GPA requirements, no transcripts.  

The knowledge and skills you build in this course can sharpen your analytical thinking, deepen your understanding of biological systems and support your success in scientific research, healthcare or other STEM-related careers.

What you’ll learn in ASU’s Introduction to College Biology

The Living World goes beyond memorization to help you understand the core concepts that underpin all life sciences. These big ideas are not just abstract theories — they are the organizing principles that guide modern biology and inform real-world research and scientific discovery. In this course, you’ll explore key themes such as:

• Evolution: Learn how life on Earth has changed and diversified over time through mutation, natural selection, and isolation.
  
• Structure and function: Discover how the physical structure of cells, tissues and systems determines the function of all living things.
  
• Information flow, exchange and storage: Examine how the traits of organisms emerge from the expression of genetic information in varying biological and environmental contexts.
  
• Pathways of energy and matter: Understand how living systems transform energy and matter through chemical pathways governed by the laws of thermodynamics.
  
• Biological systems: Explore how living systems are interconnected, interacting with each other and their environments in complex ways.
  
• Nature of science: Experience how science works in practice — developing and testing explanations based on patterns observed in the natural world.

These concepts will not only deepen your understanding of biology but also provide a strong framework for future study or careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology and environmental science.

What to expect in this college biology class

Unlike many traditional online courses, The Living World offers a highly interactive, hands-on approach to learning. It’s designed around adaptive, question-driven activities that immerse you in the scientific process through exploration and experimentation.

Here’s what makes this course stand out:

• Learn-by-doing format: Instead of passively watching videos or taking basic quizzes, you’ll engage in problem-solving tasks that guide you through key concepts.
  
• Game-like simulations: Many activities resemble serious games or virtual labs, where you manipulate models, explore ecosystems or simulate biological processes.
  
• Virtual field trips: Travel digitally to new environments and examine biological systems in action.
  
• Rich feedback loops: Get adaptive feedback as you work through activities, helping you learn from mistakes and deepen your understanding.
  
• All-in-one learning space: All modules, assignments and assessments take place in the BioBeyond Learnspace, an immersive platform designed to support interactive science learning.

This engaging format mirrors how real scientists work — through observation, experimentation and curiosity — making the learning experience both challenging and exciting.

Who should take this college biology course?

Looking to get ahead? The Living World offers a great way to fulfill a general education science requirement while earning real college biology credit. It’s a smart, affordable head start on your academic journey.

High school students and early college learners

This course gives you the chance to earn college credit while exploring general education topics at your own pace, with no GPA risk.

Future healthcare and STEM professionals

Planning to study nursing, medicine, environmental science, or biotechnology? This course gives you the biology fundamentals you’ll need in more advanced coursework — and in your career.

Career changers and lifelong learners

Whether you’re pivoting into a new field or brushing up on your science knowledge, this online college biology course is approachable, flexible and engaging. It’s also perfect for lifelong learners who want to explore biology without the pressure of a full-time degree program.

Why college biology matters — even if it’s not your major

Biology isn’t just for scientists. Studying biology teaches you to:

• Think critically and analyze data
  
• Understand the scientific method and how to evaluate research
  
• Recognize your role in ecological and environmental systems
  
• Make health and wellness decisions with biological context
  
• Develop communication skills around technical and scientific ideas

ASU Universal Learner Courses: the top five benefits

ASU Universal Learner Courses like Introduction to Biology: The Living World, provide unique advantages that enhance your learning experience and allow coursework to fit around your schedule. Universal Learner Courses give you the freedom to learn without the traditional steps of college enrollment.

ASU Universal Learner Courses are designed to make college more accessible and flexible for learners of all backgrounds. Universal Learner Courses provide:

1. A flexible learning pathway that’s accessible and affordable. Flexible, online courses designed for your busy life. 
2. A head start on college. Universal Learner Courses unlock college access, serving as a bridge to college for aspiring students. This sociology course is widely transferable and meets general education requirements if you decide to pursue a degree in the future. 
3. Low upfront cost. Start for just $25 and pay $400 to add it to your transcript if you pass.
4. Earn college credit without risk to your GPA. You have the option to add it to your transcript or retake the course if you’re not satisfied with your grade. 
5. Accredited courses from a top-ranked university. Earn college credit with courses taught by ASU’s leading faculty. Arizona State University has been ranked the #1 most innovative university by U.S. News & World Report for 10 consecutive years.

Universal Learner Courses are ideal for learners who want to try college before committing, fulfill general education requirements at a low cost, or gain valuable knowledge and skills without pursuing a full degree. With over 60 courses available, including biology, chemistry, math and the humanities, there’s something for everyone. 

Start learning college biology today

Whether you’re preparing for a future in science or healthcare, fulfilling a requirement or just exploring the living world around you, ASU’s Introduction to Biology: The Living World is a smart and accessible way to experience college biology. With flexible scheduling, low cost and the opportunity to earn transferable college credit, this course puts your education and your future within reach.