Biology

Whether you're completing degree requirements, preparing for a healthcare or science career, or simply curious about the natural world, Rio Salado College offers online Biology courses designed to fit your life.

You don't have to enroll in a degree or certificate program to take classes at Rio Salado College. Register for the course you need and learn on a schedule that works for you.

Biology courses help students understand living organisms, ecosystems, human health, and the scientific principles that shape our world. 

Students take Biology courses to: 

• Fulfill general education science requirements 
• Meet prerequisites for healthcare and nursing programs 
• Earn transferable college credits 
• Explore personal interests in science and nature

Rio Salado College has transfer agreements with Arizona’s three public universities and many institutions nationwide. Many students take classes at Rio Salado to complete requirements for another college or university. In addition, Rio Salado College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Your credits are eligible to transfer to many regionally accredited colleges and universities.

If the course you need is full, unavailable, or difficult to schedule at your college, Rio Salado can help you stay on track. You can start class almost any Monday. No need to wait until the next term or semester begins. 

Always check with your university advisor to confirm how credits will apply to your degree.

While Rio Salado College’s Biology courses are offered online, some include laboratory components or have prerequisite requirements. There are fun interactive programs, including online labs using a virtual microscope and/or 3D human anatomy, to make learning easier. 

Students may be asked to use a camera or phone to take photos of lab set-ups and/or experiments and submit as part of their assignments. 

Review individual course descriptions for specific information.

Rio Salado's online courses are designed to fit around work, family, military service, and other commitments.

Benefits include: 

• Online learning from virtually anywhere
• Convenient start dates
• Affordable tuition
• Courses that may transfer to colleges and universities nationwide

Always check with your university advisor regarding transferability and degree requirements.

You’re not on your own when taking online classes. Rio Salado provides support services designed to help you succeed from enrollment through course completion. Many resources are available remotely, allowing students to connect with support teams without needing to visit campus in person.

Students can access support services such as:

• Disability Resources
• Library Resources
• Registration and Enrollment Assistance
• Technology Helpdesk
• Testing and Exam Services
• Tutoring

See the full list of Student Resources for more support options.

Explore available Biology courses and find the class that helps you achieve your academic or personal goals.

BIO156, BIO201, BIO202, and BIO205 require prerequisite coursework for enrollment. For BIO201 and BIO205, we recommend that General Biology coursework (equivalent to BIO156 or BIO181) be completed within the past five years.

If you successfully completed General Biology more than five years ago, we encourage you to complete the proficiency test below to ensure you are prepared for the rigor of BIO201 and/or BIO205. The proficiency test can help you identify specific topics you may need to review before enrolling. The 30-minute test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions based on the competencies of a General Biology course.

If you have not already registered with Maricopa County Community College, visit the following website to become a student and obtain your MEID. Once you have your MEID, you may take the test. If you need assistance, call (480) 517-8000 or contact the Admissions and Records Department.

Please note that you must be signed in to your Maricopa email to access the test. To avoid technical errors, clear your browser cache, sign in to your Maricopa account, and use Google Chrome.

A score of 21 or higher indicates that you have adequate foundational knowledge of biology concepts. The topics covered on the proficiency test represent expected knowledge for BIO201 and/or BIO205.

If you earn a score of 20 or lower, the Biology Department strongly encourages you to consider taking BIO156 to ensure you have the foundational knowledge needed to be successful in BIO201 and/or BIO205.

Rio Salado College looks forward to welcoming you to our online Biology courses!

Open Proficiency Test