- Home
- Biology Learning Software
- Biology Labs Online
Biology Labs Online
What it is
Biology Labs Online is a free web collection of 12 interactive biology simulations and exercises for college and AP high school students. Its subjects include inheritance, evolution, genetics, population growth, protein structure and function, electron transport, plant physiology, cardiovascular homeostasis, and enzyme biochemistry. The activities use an inquiry-based approach intended to reinforce scientific methodology, including biological principles that may be dangerous, expensive, or time-consuming to study in wet labs. They are modular and self-contained, but are not designed to replace traditional wet labs, work as stand-alone tutorials, or function as online courses. Older Java applets are converted to JavaScript through CheerpJ, and the site notes minor quirks from that conversion. The listed tested browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari on Mac, Opera, and Brave on Windows and Mac. Many applets can export data and graphs; pop-ups must be allowed for the output window to appear. Notebook data must be exported to a local drive or copied elsewhere to keep it.
For and against
For
- Free access to 12 biology simulations and exercises.
- Covers a range of biology topics.
- Activities emphasize inquiry and scientific methodology.
- Many applets export data and graphs.
- Instructor resources are available by request.
Against
- Applets do not work well on mobile devices.
- Older Java applets may have conversion quirks.
- Notebook data must be exported or copied to save it.
- The activities do not replace wet labs or online courses.
The verdict
Biology Labs Online offers a free set of interactive activities across varied biology topics. Its mobile limitations and need to export notebook data are worth considering before use.
Who it suits
It suits college and AP high school biology learners using browser-based simulations alongside instruction or traditional lab work. Instructors can request access to instructor resources by email.
Plans and prices
Free
12 interactive biology simulations and exercises
Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org
On the record
- Browser compatibility
- The site says Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari on Mac, Opera, and Brave have been tested on Windows and Mac.sciencecourseware.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Browser technology
- Older Java applets are made available through CheerpJ, which converts them to JavaScript, and the site notes that this conversion has minor quirks.sciencecourseware.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Exporting work
- Many applets can export data and graphs, and users must allow pop-ups for the exported output to appear in a new browser window.sciencecourseware.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Instructor resources
- Instructors can request access to instructor resources by emailing [email protected] with their name and institution; reviewed requests usually receive credentials within 24 hours.sciencecourseware.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- The opened official pages describe no third-party integrations; they mention MERLOT as an online resource community for instructors.sciencecourseware.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Intended use
- The labs address biological principles that may be too dangerous, expensive, or time-consuming to study in wet labs.sciencecourseware.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Learning approach
- The activities are designed to reinforce scientific methodology and are described as interactive, inquiry-based, vertically scalable, modular, and self-contained.sciencecourseware.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Mobile limitation
- The applets assume mouse input and do not work well on mobile devices.sciencecourseware.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Saving notes
- Notebook data must be exported to the user's local drive or copied into another document to be saved.sciencecourseware.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Scope limit
- The activities are not designed to replace traditional wet labs, serve as stand-alone tutorials, or function as online courses.sciencecourseware.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security and compliance
- The opened official pages do not state security certifications, privacy practices, or compliance standards.sciencecourseware.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- Users can report unlisted applet issues by emailing [email protected] with the applet name and a detailed description.sciencecourseware.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Topics
- The labs cover inheritance, evolution, genetics, population growth, protein structure and function, electron transport, plant physiology, cardiovascular homeostasis, and enzyme biochemistry.sciencecourseware.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- What it offers
- Biology Labs Online offers 12 interactive, inquiry-based biology simulations and exercises for college and AP high school biology students.sciencecourseware.org · read 30 Sep 2026
