Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

Biology Labs Online

sciencecourseware.org

Free plan Web
Visit sciencecourseware.org
Spec score 7.7 #10 of 24 in Biology Learning Software

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. Topics include inheritance, evolution, genetics, population growth, protein structure and function, electron transport, plant physiology, cardiovascular homeostasis, and enzyme biochemistry. The inquiry-based activities are designed to reinforce scientific methodology, including principles that may be dangerous, expensive, or time-consuming to study in wet labs. They are not intended to replace traditional labs, operate as standalone tutorials, or serve as online courses. Older Java applets are converted to JavaScript through CheerpJ, a process the site says can have minor quirks. The listed tested browsers on Windows and Mac include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Brave, plus Safari on Mac. The applets assume mouse input and do not work well on mobile devices. Many can export data and graphs, but pop-ups must be allowed for the output window to appear. Notebook data must be exported locally or copied elsewhere to preserve it. Instructors can request access to instructor resources by email.

Spec sheet

Integrations
The opened official pages describe no third-party integrations; they mention MERLOT as an online resource community for instructors.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org
Support
Users can report unlisted applet issues by emailing [email protected] with the applet name and a detailed description.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org
Browser compatibility
The site says Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari on Mac, Opera, and Brave have been tested on Windows and Mac.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org
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.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org
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.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org
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.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org
Intended use
The labs address biological principles that may be too dangerous, expensive, or time-consuming to study in wet labs.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org
Learning approach
The activities are designed to reinforce scientific methodology and are described as interactive, inquiry-based, vertically scalable, modular, and self-contained.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org
Mobile limitation
The applets assume mouse input and do not work well on mobile devices.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org
Saving notes
Notebook data must be exported to the user's local drive or copied into another document to be saved.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org
Scope limit
The activities are not designed to replace traditional wet labs, serve as stand-alone tutorials, or function as online courses.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org
Security and compliance
The opened official pages do not state security certifications, privacy practices, or compliance standards.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org
Topics
The labs cover inheritance, evolution, genetics, population growth, protein structure and function, electron transport, plant physiology, cardiovascular homeostasis, and enzyme biochemistry.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org
What it offers
Biology Labs Online offers 12 interactive, inquiry-based biology simulations and exercises for college and AP high school biology students.Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org

Plans and prices

Free Free 12 interactive biology simulations and exercises Read 30 Sep 2026 · sciencecourseware.org

Every Biology Labs Online plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Twelve interactive biology simulations and exercises
  • Covers a range of biology topics
  • Many applets export data and graphs
  • Instructor resources can be requested

Limits

  • Applets do not work well on mobile devices
  • Notebook data must be exported or copied to save
  • Pop-ups must be enabled for many exports

Who it suits

It suits college and AP high school biology students working through interactive exercises, and instructors seeking supplementary activities. It is not designed as a replacement for wet labs or as a full online course.

Verdict

Biology Labs Online provides a varied set of inquiry-based activities for biology study. Treat it as a supplement rather than a substitute for wet labs, and plan around its mouse-oriented applets and manual saving.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to Biology Labs OnlineAll alternatives →