Show me popular schools. Life science is a broad term that refers to the study of living organisms; this encompasses biology, anatomy and physiology, botany, environmental science and oceanography. Many students focus on a specialized area rather than taking general life sciences courses. Schools offer stand-alone classes as well as certificate and degree programs online. Examples include a Master of Chemical and Life Sciences and a bachelor's or master's degree in agriculture and life sciences. Sometimes, students can take a single course online to complete an on-campus degree program.