Biology A (2026-27)

Course Description:

This is the first segment of a two-semester course sequence. The Biology course is a two-segment study that builds on the foundations of life science, scientific practices, and scientific thinking skills. In this course, students will explore the relationships between living things and their environments. Students will develop an understanding of biological concepts through scientific inquiry, investigations, interactive experiences, higher-order thinking, real-world applications, interpreting and collecting data, and virtual and hands-on experiences. The key big ideas of the Biology course are molecular, cellular, heredity, evolution, classification, organisms, populations, and ecosystems. Students will enhance their mastery of biological concepts, which will enable them to make real-world connections and apply their understanding to everyday life.

Course Details:

Course Title (District): Biology A (2026-27)
Course Title (NCES SCED) : Biology
Course Provider : Michigan Virtual
Content Provided By : Florida Virtual School
Online Instructor Provided By : Michigan Virtual
Standards Addressed : Michigan K-12 Science Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, Michigan Merit Curriculum, National Collegiate Athletic Association
Alignment Document : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Eh3fJa9NWj0Z1T88UaYDwaInkqSNmrDD/view?usp=sharing
Academic Terms : Semester, Trimester, Accelerated
NCES SCED Code : 03051
Subject Area : Life and Physical Sciences
Course Identifier : Biology
Course Level : High School (Secondary)
Available Credit : 0.5
Sequence : 1 of 2

How To Enroll:

Enrollment Website : https://slp.michiganvirtual.org/
Email : [email protected]
Phone : (888) 889-2840

Students and Parents: It is important to work closely with your local school counselor or registrar to follow the school's enrollment procedures. By clicking the "Start Registration Request" button below, you will be able to notify the school of your interest in registering for the online course. However, it is the responsibility of the district or school to review the registration request and approve or deny the request. Please make a note to follow up with your school after submitting a registration request.

Start Registration Request

Additional Course Information:

Additional Cost Description:

Student-supplied Lab Materials: Students need to supply the following materials to complete the coursework for Lesson 02.04 Membrane Transport (The materials required for the hands-on option are listed; use only these specified materials when opting for the hands-on approach).

  • 3 Raw eggs
  • String or thread or yarn (or kitchen scale)
  • Ruler (or kitchen scale)
  • White vinegar
  • Tap water
  • Syrup
  • 3 Cups

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to...

  • Identify the different types of biology
  • Explain scientific processes and investigation
  • Describe each step of the scientific method
  • Differentiate between repetition and replication
  • Analyze data and draw conclusion
  • Describe the structure and function of each macromolecule
  • Explain why macromolecules are essential for living things
  • Explain the origins of life on Earth
  • Describe the properties of water
  • Differentiate between the different types of cells
  • Describe each type of microscope
  • Identify the parts of the microscope
  • Describe the structure and function of cell organelles
  • Explain how materials are transported through the cell membrane
  • Differentiate between passive and active transport
  • Describe the function of ATP
  • Explain what happens to ATP when it is broken down
  • Identify the products of photosynthesis and cellular respiration
  • Explain how photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interrelated
  • Describe each phase of the cell cycle
  • Explain what happens if cell division is not regulated
  • Describe the function of DNA and RNA
  • Explain DNA replication
  • Explain transcription and translation
  • Describe the different types of mutations
  • Create a monohybrid and dihybrid cross
  • Explain how genetics is passed down from parent to offspring
  • Describe the different types of biotechnology
  • Explain the benefits and disadvantages of biotechnology


NSQ National Standards for Quality Online Courses: Fourth Edition (2025)

Rating Comments
A1: A course overview and syllabus are included in the course. Pilot: Review Pending This course is being offered in a pilot phase and has not been through a full review against the online course standards. Any course that has not yet been reviewed is marked as ‘Pilot: Review Pending’ to alert schools, parents, and students to this fact. Because of this, a school may choose to, but is not required to, deny a pupil enrollment request in this course out of concern over rigor or quality.
A2: Minimum computer skills and digital literacy skills expected of the learner are clearly stated. Pilot: Review Pending
A3: The instructor’s biographical information and information on how to communicate with the instructor are provided. Pilot: Review Pending
A4: Learner expectations and policies are clearly stated and readily accessible within the introductory material of the course. Pilot: Review Pending
A5: Minimum technology requirements for the course are clearly stated, and information on how to obtain the technologies is provided. Pilot: Review Pending
A6: Grading policies and practices are clearly defined in accordance with course content learning expectations. Pilot: Review Pending
A7: The course instructions articulate or link to a clear description of the technical support offered and how to obtain it. Pilot: Review Pending
A8: Learners are offered an orientation prior to the start of the course. Pilot: Review Pending
Rating Comments
B1: The course objectives or competencies are measurable and clearly state what the learner will be able to demonstrate as a result of successfully completing the course. Pilot: Review Pending
B2: Where applicable, the course content is aligned with accepted state and/or other accepted content standards. Pilot: Review Pending
B3: Digital literacy and communication skills are incorporated and taught as an integral part of the curriculum. Pilot: Review Pending
B4: Supplemental learning resources and related instructional materials are available to support and enrich learning and are aligned with the content delivered. Pilot: Review Pending
B5: The course content and supporting materials reflect different perspectives and provide non-stereotypical forms of representation. Pilot: Review Pending
B6: The course materials (e.g., textbooks, primary source documents, Open Education Resources “[OER])” that support course content standards are accurate and current. Pilot: Review Pending
B7: The course is free of adult content and avoids unnecessary advertisements. Pilot: Review Pending
B8: Copyright and licensing status for any third-party content is appropriately cited and easily found. Pilot: Review Pending
B9: Documentation and other support materials are available to support effective online course facilitation. Pilot: Review Pending
Rating Comments
C1: The course design includes activities that guide learners toward promoting ownership of their learning and self-monitoring. Pilot: Review Pending
C2: The course’s content and learning activities promote the achievement of the stated learning objectives or competencies. Pilot: Review Pending
C3: The course is organized by units and lessons arranged in a logical sequence. Pilot: Review Pending
C4: The course content is appropriate to the reading level of the intended learners. Pilot: Review Pending
C5: The course design includes introductory assignments or activities to engage learners within the first week of the course. Pilot: Review Pending
C6: The course provides learners with multiple learning paths as appropriate, based on learner needs, that engage learners in a variety of ways. Pilot: Review Pending
C7: The course provides regular opportunities for learner-learner interaction. Pilot: Review Pending
C8: The course design provides opportunities for learner-instructor interaction, including opportunities for regular feedback about learner progress. Pilot: Review Pending
C9: Course instructional materials and resources present content in an effective, engaging, and appropriate manner. Pilot: Review Pending
Rating Comments
D1: Learner assessments align with stated course, unit, or lesson-level objectives or competencies. Pilot: Review Pending
D2: Valid course assessments measure learner progress toward understanding of content. Pilot: Review Pending
D3: Assessment practices provide frequent and varied opportunities for self-monitoring and reflection of learning. Pilot: Review Pending
D4: Assessment materials provide the learner with the flexibility to demonstrate their understanding in a variety of ways. Pilot: Review Pending
D5: Rubrics that clearly define expectations for varied levels of proficiency are created and shared with learners. Pilot: Review Pending
Rating Comments
E1: Course navigation is logical, consistent, and efficient from the learner’s point of view. Pilot: Review Pending
E2: The course design facilitates readability. Pilot: Review Pending
E3: The course provides accessible course materials and activities to meet the variable needs of learners, following Universal Design for Learning principles. Pilot: Review Pending
E4: Multimedia in the course is easy to use. Pilot: Review Pending
E5: Vendor accessibility statements are provided for all technologies required in the course. Pilot: Review Pending
Rating Comments
F1: All technologies and tools included for use as part of the course ensure that learner privacy is protected in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy and applicable law. Pilot: Review Pending
F2: The course tools further the learning objectives and course competencies. Pilot: Review Pending
F3: The course technology allows for customization and personalization. Pilot: Review Pending
F4: The course operates within a platform to score and record assessments and calculate earned course points or grades. Pilot: Review Pending
F5: Courses utilize emerging technologies that can enhance the learning experience, prioritizing learners and outcomes. Pilot: Review Pending
Rating Comments
G1: The course uses multiple methods and sources of input for assessing course effectiveness. Pilot: Review Pending
G2: The course is regularly reviewed to ensure that the course is current and relevant. Pilot: Review Pending
G3: The course is updated on a continuous improvement cycle for effectiveness based on the findings from ongoing reviews. Pilot: Review Pending

Review Conducted By: Michigan Virtual
Date of Review: 12/18/2026

Module 01: Foundations of Biology

Module 02: Life’s Origins

Module 03: Cell Reproduction

Term Type Enrollment Opens Enrollment Ends Random Draw Date Enrollment Drop Date Course Starts Course Ends # of Seats Course Fee Potential Additional Costs
Semester 04/01/2026 09/04/2026 07/01/2026 08/28/2026 08/14/2026 12/18/2026 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 09/04/2026 07/01/2026 09/04/2026 08/21/2026 12/18/2026 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 09/04/2026 07/01/2026 09/11/2026 08/28/2026 12/18/2026 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026 07/01/2026 09/04/2026 08/21/2026 01/08/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026 07/01/2026 09/11/2026 08/28/2026 01/15/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026 07/01/2026 09/18/2026 09/04/2026 01/22/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026 07/01/2026 09/25/2026 09/11/2026 01/29/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026 07/01/2026 10/02/2026 09/18/2026 01/29/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026 07/01/2026 10/09/2026 09/25/2026 01/29/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026 07/01/2026 10/16/2026 10/02/2026 01/29/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026 07/01/2026 10/23/2026 10/09/2026 01/29/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026 07/01/2026 10/30/2026 10/16/2026 01/29/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026 07/01/2026 11/06/2026 10/23/2026 01/29/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027 07/01/2026 01/15/2027 01/01/2027 05/21/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027 07/01/2026 01/22/2027 01/08/2027 05/28/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027 07/01/2026 01/29/2027 01/15/2027 06/04/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027 07/01/2026 02/05/2027 01/22/2027 06/11/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027 07/01/2026 02/12/2027 01/29/2027 06/18/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027 07/01/2026 02/19/2027 02/05/2027 06/18/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027 07/01/2026 03/05/2027 02/19/2027 06/18/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027 07/01/2026 03/12/2027 02/26/2027 06/18/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 12/18/2026 07/01/2026 01/01/2027 12/18/2026 03/19/2027 100 $370
Accelerated 01/01/2027 06/25/2027 04/01/2027 06/04/2027 05/21/2027 07/30/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027 07/01/2026 02/26/2027 02/12/2027 06/18/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027 07/01/2026 03/19/2027 03/05/2027 06/18/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 12/18/2026 07/01/2026 12/04/2026 11/20/2026 02/19/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 12/18/2026 07/01/2026 12/18/2026 12/04/2026 03/05/2027 100 $370
Semester 04/01/2026 12/18/2026 07/01/2026 12/25/2026 12/11/2026 03/12/2027 100 $370
Accelerated 01/01/2027 06/25/2027 04/01/2027 05/28/2027 05/14/2027 07/23/2027 100 $370
Accelerated 01/01/2027 06/25/2027 04/01/2027 06/18/2027 06/04/2027 08/13/2027 100 $370
Drop Policy Completion Policy Term Type Enrollment Opens Enrollment Ends
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 09/04/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 09/04/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 09/04/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 10/23/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 12/18/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Accelerated 01/01/2027 06/25/2027
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 03/05/2027
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 12/18/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 12/18/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Semester 04/01/2026 12/18/2026
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Accelerated 01/01/2027 06/25/2027
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Michigan Virtual has established that enrollments earning 60% or more of the total course points are considered a course completion. Accelerated 01/01/2027 06/25/2027
Students can use email or the private message system within the Student Learning Portal to access highly qualified teachers when they need instructor assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside the learning management system. The Instructor Info area of their course may describe additional communication options.

Students will require a computer device with headphones, a microphone, webcam, up-to-date Chrome Web Browser, and access to YouTube.

Ensure that your school or district network and device administrator establishes network access permissions or exceptions for online resources relevant to the course in which you are choosing to enroll. Ref., Michigan Virtual Course Allow List

Please review the Michigan Virtual Technology Requirements.

Lightweight devices such as Apple iPads, Google Chromebooks, and tablets have limited support for Java or Flash which still appear in a small percentage of our catalog. While FLVS does not offer technical support for these devices, FLVS is working to remove Flash from their remaining course content. Students will need extra work-around steps or alternate browsers to engage with some portions of those courses. FLVS recommends students have a Windows or Mac based computer available to complete coursework in the event that your selected mobile device does not meet the needs of the course. Fully supported Operating Systems for FLVS courses include Windows (10 or higher) and MacOS (11 or higher). Supported Browsers include the most recent versions of Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari on devices that support Java and HTML5. Browsers need to be up to date, and some FLVS courses may require installation or enabling of the following Plug-ins: JavaScript enabled, Cookies enabled, Java installed. https://www.flvs.net/student-parent-resources/more/system-requirements