Iowa State University, through a program called Project BIO, is using an innovative new approach to offer biology courses via the World Wide Web. The approach features online lectures similar to those a student might experience in a traditional classroom. Students listen to the lectures using RealAudio while viewing lecture materials with a Web browser. The program, which began in Fall 1996 with two courses, has grown to eight courses for the 1997/98 academic year. The market for these courses includes on-campus Iowa State University students, high school juniors and seniors, community college students, high school and community college biology teachers, and employees of life science companies. Topics discussed in this paper include: course approach and technology; course descriptions and target audiences; student access; authentic learning experiences; course administration; and course development, including the Project BIO Resource Center (designed to assist faculty in the development of online courses by providing technology resources, technical assistance, and training), Web page authoring, and audio technology. Figures illustrate a typical lecture window, the RealPlayer control panel, plans for the Project BIO Resource Center. Two tables present enrollment for 1996/97 courses and target audiences for 1997/98 courses. (Author/AEF)