ASU’s college biology course helps you explore the living world online

Understanding life as a system

Biology is more than the study of organisms; it is the study of the complex, interconnected systems that sustain life on Earth. In Introduction to Biology: The Living World (BIO 100), we examine how life functions, interacts and evolves. This college-level biology course is designed for learners ready to think critically about the fundamental principles that govern the natural world.

At Arizona State University, we believe that fundamental scientific literacy is a cornerstone of a well-rounded education. Through ASU Universal Learner Courses, we have removed the traditional barriers to university-level science. 

BIO 100 is offered through ASU Universal Learner Courses, a catalog of online ASU courses open to anyone. You can take the course for credit or simply to explore the subject — the choice is yours.equitable educational landscape.

How BIO 100 works

BIO 100 follows the ASU Universal Learner Courses model, which gives you flexibility in how and whether college credit fits into your goals.

• Register for $25 to access the full course, including instruction designed by ASU faculty and all learning materials.
  
• Complete the course and receive a final grade. The course is offered on demand and can be completed in either an 8-week or 16-week session, depending on your preferred pace.
  
• Decide whether to add the course to your ASU transcript for $400. Transcripting the course is optional. If you choose not to add credit, nothing appears on your ASU academic record.

Universal Learner Courses are designed to give you options — whether that means earning credit, exploring a subject before committing further or learning for personal or professional interest.

What you’ll study in BIO 100

BIO 100 is organized around the foundational ideas that shape modern biological science. The course emphasizes understanding systems and relationships rather than memorization.

Evolution and natural selection
How genetic variation, mutation and selection drive changes in populations over time.

Structure and function
How biological structures at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels determine function.

Information flow, exchange and storage
How genetic information is stored in DNA, expressed through proteins and regulated within living systems.

Pathways of energy and matter
How living systems acquire, transform and use energy and materials in accordance with physical and chemical laws.

Interconnected biological systems
How organisms interact with one another and with their environments, from cells to ecosystems.

The nature of science
How scientific knowledge is developed, tested and refined through observation and evidence.

Learning through BioBeyond

BIO 100 is delivered through BioBeyond, ASU’s inquiry-based digital learning environment. Instead of passively reviewing content, learners engage with biology by practicing how scientists think and work.

Learning activities include:

• Virtual laboratory experiences that allow you to design experiments and analyze data
  
• Digital field explorations that model biological processes across diverse environments
  
• Adaptive feedback that supports understanding as concepts become more complex

This approach encourages active learning and deeper engagement with scientific ideas.

Biology questions often start before college courses

Many people begin learning biology by asking questions, not enrolling in courses. ASU supports that early-stage curiosity through Ask A Biologist, a long-running, publicly available science resource that answers biology questions using evidence-based explanations written by scientists. 

Introduction to Biology: The Living World (BIO 100) represents the college-level extension of that same inquiry-based approach. Where Ask A Biologist helps learners understand specific questions about living systems, BIO 100 provides the structure, scope and academic methods used in university biology — including models, data analysis and assessment — with the option to earn college credit.

Who this course is for

BIO 100 supports a wide range of learning goals, including:

• High school learners interested in college-level coursework and optional college credit
  
• College-bound learners who want to explore biology before committing to a major or degree path
  
• STEM and health-focused learners preparing for studies in biological sciences, nursing, environmental science or related fields
  
• Adult and lifelong learners interested in understanding the living world through a scientific lens

Learners decide for themselves whether the course is taken for enrichment, preparation or credit.

College credit, transcript and transfer details

If you choose to transcript BIO 100, the course appears on your ASU transcript the same way it does for students who take the course on campus. If you take the on-demand course, the transcript includes course attendance dates and session information. BIO 100 carries 4 credit hours and includes a lab component and fulfills the Scientific Thinking in Natural Sciences (SCIT) general studies requirement.

Transfer policies vary by institution. Learners who plan to use the credit elsewhere should confirm transfer applicability with the receiving school before requesting a transcript.

FAQs

How much does BIO 100 cost to start?
Enrollment costs $25. Adding the course to your ASU transcript is optional and costs $400.

Does BIO 100 include a lab?
Yes. BIO 100 includes a lab component and awards 4 credit hours when transcripted.

Do I have to earn credit?
No. Universal Learner Courses can be taken with or without transcripted credit.

How long does the course take?
The course is offered on demand in either an 8-week or on-demand format.

What are the system requirements for BioBeyond?
BioBeyond uses interactive simulations that require adequate graphics capability and a stable internet connection. Review the technical requirements page before enrolling.

Next steps

Explore the Introduction to Biology: The Living World (BIO 100) course page or browse the full ASU Universal Learner Courses catalog.