Open Learning Academy’s Summer Sessions at Doane University
Open Learning Academy (OLA) offers multiple summer sessions designed to help you stay on track, meet prerequisite deadlines, or accelerate your academic progress all with the flexibility online learners need. Whether you choose a 5-week self-paced course or an 8-week instructor-led course, summer sessions allow you to earn credit in a focused timeframe without the pressure of a traditional semester course load.
Choose the Format that Fits Your Schedule
5-Week Self-Paced Sessions (May & July)
Self-paced courses follow a structured module format while giving you flexibility in when you complete coursework.
The May and July self-paced sessions offer a limited selection of high-demand science and math courses commonly needed for degree completion and professional and graduate school prerequisites.
What to expect:
- Weekly modules with readings, assignments, discussions, and labs (if applicable)
- Recommended weekly pacing to keep you on track
- Flexibility to work ahead
- All coursework must be submitted by the final hard deadline
- Regular Faculty Interaction & Feedback as you progress through the course
- 24/7 Tutoring Access
Deadline Types:
- Guided Due Dates: Recommended weekly deadlines to support learning and time management. There are no late penalties if these are missed.
- Hard Due Date: The final deadline by which all coursework must be submitted. Missing assignments after this date may receive reduced or zero credit.
Hard Due Dates:
- May Session: June 12
- July Session: August 8
8-Week Instructor-Led Session (June)
Instructor-led courses provide a more traditional academic structure with fixed weekly deadlines.
What to expect:
- Weekly modules with instructor-set due dates
- Class pace set by the faculty
- Regular faculty interaction and feedback
- Late work policies outlined in the course syllabus
- 24/7 Tutoring Access
Course Availability
- May & July Sessions:
An introductory biology course online. Students will become familiar with the nature of science and the ways in which scientific tools are used to investigate living systems. Students will understand the basic structure and function of cells as organisms and as part of multicellular organisms. Students will become familiar with the history of genetics, and understand how cells reproduce and how information is transmitted from one generation to the next. Each module will be accompanied with an online laboratory.
Note: Our Biology I course online is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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This Biology course online will introduce students to the concepts and connections between evolution and ecology and includes an online lab component. Students will learn how populations evolve, including what factors are necessary for the process of evolution to occur, and how evolution accounts for both the diversity and similarity among all forms of life on Earth (with a focus on vertebrates). Students will use this information to understand the association between how life on Earth has evolved and how animal form (or structure) relates to function. Finally, by learning about the different types of environments on Earth, students will understand how organisms, populations, and communities, are affected by the dynamics of their surroundings (i.e., the ecosystem), and the importance of conserving the diverse forms of life on Earth.
Note: For successful completion of this Biology course online, it is recommended that students are familiar with Biology I or its equivalent
Our Biology II course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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A study of the structure and function of the human body, beginning with cells and tissues and then continuing with the study of the 11 major systems. Upon successful completion of this human anatomy class, students will have a solid foundation in human structure and function and be prepared for basic clinical course-work.
Note: For successful completion of this human anatomy class, it is recommended that students are familiar with Biology I and II or their equivalents.
Our Human Anatomy and Physiology I course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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A study of the structure and function of the human body, beginning with cells and tissues and then continuing with the study of the 11 major systems. Upon successful completion of this human anatomy class, students will have a solid foundation in human structure and function and be prepared for basic clinical coursework.
Note: For successful completion of this Human Anatomy class, it is recommended that students are familiar with Anatomy and Physiology I or its equivalent.
Our Human Anatomy and Physiology II course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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In this course, students will study pathophysiology online and its effects. This is an introduction to the basic concepts of pathophysiology. Students examine the phenomena that produce alterations in human physiologic function and the resulting human response. Upon completion of this pathophysiology online course, students will understand pathophysiological changes, including how pathological processes are manifested, progress in the body, and primary and secondary effects.
Note: For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students have completed 6 hours of Anatomy and Physiology courses.
Our Pathophysiology course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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The online genetics course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the principles of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics. Emphasis is placed on the molecular basis of heredity, chromosome structure, patterns of Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, and the genetics of human disease. In this course, students will demonstrate an understanding of the patterns of inheritance by analyzing how DNA, RNA, and proteins affect the genotype and phenotype of an organism. Students will apply this knowledge, along with their understanding of classic inheritance patterns, to a range of human genetic disorders.
Note: For successful completion of this online genetics course, it is recommended that students are familiar with Biology I and Biology II or their equivalents.
Our online Genetics course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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Starting August 2026 Human Anatomy's course number will be changed to BIO-355.
In this system-based anatomy course, students will examine the foundations of basic human anatomy for every major organ system and the relationships between systems; categorize the major functions and significance of each system, particularly from the perspective of a future healthcare worker; compare the relevance of organ system features in wellness and pathology, and engage in the study of anatomy from a system-based approach.
By the end of this human anatomy for health course, students will be able to describe the major structures of the human body and their functions as part of the major organ systems.
Note: For successful completion of this human anatomy for health course, it is recommended that students are familiar with BIOL 125: Biology I, BIOL 126: Biology II or their equivalents.
Our Human Anatomy for Health Professionals course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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The Zoology online course offers a survey of the animal kingdom and animal-like protists from an evolutionary perspective. Major lines of evolution will be traced as characteristics of each animal group are compared and contrasted. The taxonomy, diversity, behavior, and ecology of all animal phyla will be studied with an emphasis on the functional anatomy of the major groups. Upon completion of this zoology online course, students will be proficient in classifying animal taxonomy and phylogeny, distinguish between major animal phyla and will be able to provide examples of major theories of evolution within the animal kingdom.
Note: For successful completion of this zoology online course, it is recommended that students are familiar with General Biology (BIOL 125) and Genetics (BIOL 225) or their equivalents.
Our Zoology course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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The field of molecular biology explores the chemical and physical mechanisms that underlie genetic phenomena, from the organization and maintenance of the genome, the transmission and expression of genetic information, gene regulatory networks, molecular interactions of nucleic acids with each other and with proteins and how all of these activities govern cell structure and function. In this course, students will engage in a detailed study of varied aspects of molecular biology and have significant exposure to techniques used in molecular biology research.
Note: For successful completion of this molecular biology online course, it is recommended that students have completed Biology I, Biology II, and Organic Chemistry I.
Our Molecular Biology online course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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Through lecture and lab experience, students will be exposed to and will demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts in chemistry such as nomenclature, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, the periodic table, electronic structure, bonding, and gas laws.
Note: For successful completion of this online chemistry course, it is recommended students have 2 years of high school algebra or any 100-level math course.
Our online Chemistry course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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Through lecture and lab experience, students will be exposed to and will demonstrate an understanding of the factors that determine the speed and extent of chemical reactions - kinetics, equilibria, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry.
Note: For successful completion of this online chemistry course, it is recommended that students are familiar with General Chemistry I or its equivalent.
Our online General Chemistry I course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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Organic Chemistry is the chemistry of carbon and its compounds. Organic molecules are the building blocks of life. Proteins, fats, sugars, and nucleic acids are some examples of important organic molecules. However, organic chemistry also includes synthetic compounds, such as polyesters, plastics, and countless other materials used in everyday life. Through lecture and laboratory, students completing the organic chemistry online course will demonstrate an understanding of organic reactions, syntheses, mechanistic, and structural studies of organic compounds. Students will also learn classical organic laboratory skills and instrumentation, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectroscopy
Note: For successful completion of this organic chemistry online course, it is recommended that students are familiar with General Chemistry I and II or their equivalents.
Our Organic Chemistry online course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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This course will teach students advanced organic reactions, syntheses, mechanistic, and structural studies of organic compounds. Furthermore, students will learn the organic synthesis of proteins and DNA. Through lecture and laboratory, students completing this organic chemistry online course will demonstrate an understanding of organic synthesis, organic laboratory skills, and instrumentation, such characterization of unknowns, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectroscopy.
Note: For successful completion of this Organic Chemistry online course it is recommended that students are familiar with Organic Chemistry I or its equivalent.
Our Organic Chemistry II course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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Pharmacology is the study of how chemical agents, both natural and synthetic drugs, affect physiological systems. This course will focus both on the cellular/molecular mechanisms of drug action and the clinical uses of the drugs. Students who successfully complete this course will demonstrate increased knowledge in autonomic, cardiovascular, neuro, endocrine, reproductive systems and other areas of pharmacology. This course will help to prepare students for admission to Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Physician Assistant (PA) and other Health Science-related graduate programs that require a background in pharmacological sciences.
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Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes at work in the context of living organisms. Students successfully completing this online Biochemistry course will demonstrate an understanding of the molecular structure and function of biomolecules, as well as chemical transformation, energetics, and basic regulation of central metabolic pathways. In the lab, students will gain experience with common methodologies for investigating proteins.
Note: For successful completion of this online Biochemistry course, it is recommended that students are familiar with General Chemistry I, II, and Organic Chemistry I, or their equivalents.
Our Online Biochemistry I course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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Medicine has a very distinct and highly specialized language. It is necessary for any student wishing to pursue a successful career in the medical field needs to acquire a comprehension of this system of communication, including Allied Healthcare professionals. Students of the Medical Terminology online course will receive thorough instruction in developing fluency with medical terms. Medical vocabulary will be taught with specific emphasis on root (or stem words), prefixes, suffixes and abbreviations. By the end of this medical terminology online course students will be expected to have a basic comprehension of medical terms and be able to communicate accurately to their peers in the field.
Note: For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students are familiar with Biology I or its equivalent.
Our Medical Terminology course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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A study of topics in algebra and trigonometry that are used in this precalculus online course. Topics include functions, advanced algebra, logarithmic and exponential functions, and trigonometry. Students who complete this precalculus online course will have the mathematics background needed to study calculus.
Note: For successful completion of this course it is recommended that students have completed two years of high school algebra.
Our Precalculus course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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An examination of the fundamentals of limits and differentiation and an introduction to integration. Students successfully completing this online calculus course will be able to 1) conceptually understand the definitions of limit, derivative and integral, 2) apply the concepts of limits and differentiation to a variety of theoretical and real-life questions, and 3) decisively utilize paper/pencil and technology-based problem-solving techniques.
Note: For successful completion of this online calculus course it is recommended that students have completed Precalculus.
Our Calculus I course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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Recommended: Two years of high school algebra or any mathematics course numbered 100 or above. MTH 125 (or higher) recommended.
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An algebra-based online physics class designed to meet the needs of the pre-professional student and the science major as well as providing an introduction to physics for all students. Topics covered include kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, rotational mechanics, and fluids. Students will gain a conceptual understanding and an ability to use quantitative methods to model physical phenomena of the topics covered. This online physics class includes laboratory work.
Note: Our Introductory Physics I course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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Knowledge of Introductory Physics I and College Algebra is recommended to be successful in this course.
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An algebra-based online physics class designed to meet the needs of the pre-professional student and the science major as well as providing an introduction to physics for all students. Topics covered include electricity and magnetism, circuits, waves and oscillations, light and optics, and selected areas of modern physics. Students will gain conceptual understanding of the topics covered and ability to use quantitative methods to model physical phenomena. This online physics class includes laboratory work.
Note: Our Intro to Physics II course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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Knowledge of Calculus I is recommended to be successful in this course.
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A calculus-based online physics course is an introduction to physics. Topics covered include kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, rotational mechanics, and fluids. Students will gain conceptual understanding of the topics covered and ability to use quantitative methods, including calculus, to model physical phenomena. This online physics course includes laboratory work.
Note: Our General Physics I (Calculus-based) course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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Knowledge of General Physics I and Calculus II is recommended to be successful in this course.
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A calculus-based online physics course is an introduction to physics. Topics covered include electricity and magnetism, circuits, waves and oscillations, light and optics, and selected areas of modern physics. Students will gain conceptual understanding of the topics covered and ability to use quantitative methods, including calculus, to model physical phenomena. This online physics course includes laboratory work.
Note: Our General Physics II (Calculus-based) course is a great addition to degree programs that are already underway. If you are interested in starting a degree program at Doane, please visit our website at www.doane.edu.
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- June Session: Full Open Learning Academy course portfolio
Summer Sessions FAQ
What is the difference between self-paced and instructor-led courses?
Self-paced courses allow you to manage when you complete coursework within the term, following recommended weekly pacing and a final hard deadline. Instructor-led courses follow a traditional structure with fixed weekly due dates set by the instructor.
Are summer courses the same as on-campus courses?
Yes. Open Learning Academy courses are Doane University courses and carry the same academic rigor and credit value as on-campus offerings.
Will these credits transfer to my home institution?
We recommend confirming transfer approval with your advisor or admissions counselor. Syllabi are available upon request for institutional articulation review.
What does “self-paced” really mean?
Self-paced courses include weekly modules and assignments, but you have flexibility when you complete them. You may work ahead, as long as all coursework is submitted by the final hard deadline.
Are there deadlines in self-paced courses?
Yes. Guided Due Dates to help you stay on track (no late penalties). Hard Due Date serves as the final submission deadline for all coursework.
Can I work ahead in self-paced courses?
Yes. Many students choose to work ahead, especially if they have upcoming commitments.
Do instructor-led courses have live class meetings?
Courses are asynchronous so no live meeting times, but include regular faculty interaction, structured deadlines, and instructor feedback. Any course-specific expectations are outlined in the syllabus.
What happens if I submit work late in an instructor-led course?
Late work policies vary by instructor and are outlined in each course syllabus.
Do science courses include labs?
Yes. Lab-based courses include required lab components, which may involve virtual labs or lab kits, depending on the course. Lab kits must be purchased by the student and are not included in the course cost.
How much time should I expect to spend each week?
Because summer courses are condensed, expect a higher weekly time commitment than a traditional semester. Many students plan 15–20 hours per week for a 4-credit science course.
Can I take more than one course during a summer session?
Students may enroll in multiple courses, but due to the accelerated pace, this is not recommended without careful planning. Students are not permitted to take more than two courses in a 5-week session.
Can I enroll in more than one summer session?
Yes. Many students enroll in a May self-paced course and a June instructor-led course, or combine sessions to maximize progress.
What is Week Zero?
Week Zero is an early access period when the course opens. You can review the syllabus, materials, and begin coursework and order your lab kit if one is required for your course. Faculty are not available to answer questions or grade until the first day of class.
What support is available during summer sessions?
All students have access to Faculty support and 24/7 online tutoring. Additionally, our ADA office supports students with disabilities. For more information on how to request accommodations please contact [email protected] or 402-466-4774.
How Your Courses Work
Courses are completely online: lectures, discussion boards, and even group projects.
You'll be able to view course materials one week prior to term start.
Labs are both virtual and hands-on that can be completed at home.
Check the session timelines above for more information on due dates.
Need help or have questions? In addition to instructor access, every student receives support from the Extended Learning Opportunities Team.