Comparison

Virtual Labs vs Codon One

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Virtual Labs

Features
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Prepare a slide and adjust magnification on an oil immersion microscope to examine a Gram-stained sample and identify microbes hiding within. The Virtual Labs series of interactive science modules help train high school and college students in basic laboratory techniques. Using a microscope is one of the basic skills of laboratory work. Learn how to choose the correct lens, adjust lighting and magnification, and prepare a slide for viewing. Lab technicians use microscopes for many tasks, including checking what kinds of microbes are present in a sample. Using Gram staining and a microscope, you can differentiate beneficial bacteria from dangerous bacteria in food samples. In this module, enter the virtual lab of a dairy processing plant to analyze yoghurt samples and test for Salmonella and E. coli. Virtual Labs – Using the Microscope familiarizes the user with food science lab equipment and teaches standard techniques for this procedure. The interactive guides the user through theory and practice of using the microscope, so that they will have familiarity with the equipment and procedures when encountered in a real lab. This work was supported by USDA CSREES and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture under two Higher Education Challenge Grant projects: 2008-38411-19055 and 2011-38411-30625. © 2008-2016 NMSU Board of Regents. Collaborating universities South Dakota State University, North Dakota State University and New Mexico State University are all equal opportunity/affirmative action employers and educators.

About

Codon One

Master molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and life chemistry through interactive modules and quizzes. Explore essential concepts with clear diagrams and concise explanations. Includes helpful tools for sequence analysis and genetic code reference.

Highlights
  • Interactive learning modules
  • Quick quizzes for comprehension
  • Clear diagrams and plain language
  • Molecule reference guide
  • Sequence analysis tools
  • Genetic code exploration
Features
Read full description

Codon One helps you learn biology step by step, with short lessons, quick quizzes, flashcards, and a searchable glossary. Build a solid foundation in molecular biology, genetics, evolution, cell biology, development, and the history of science. Each section breaks complex ideas into clear explanations, diagrams, and focused checks for understanding. Core course (Modules) Module 1: Chemistry of Life – atoms & elements, bonds, water, pH, biomolecules Module 2: Genetics – chromosomes, replication, transcription, translation, regulation Module 3: Evolution – history of life, phylogeny, selection, drift, speciation, molecular evolution Module 4: History of Science – ideas, methods, and experiments that shaped modern biology Module 5: Cell Biology – membranes & transport, organelles & energy, cytoskeleton, signaling, cell division Module 6: Development – fertilization & body plans, differentiation, pattern formation & morphogenesis, growth & repair, evo-devo Additional topics are planned for future updates, including Animal Physiology, Microbiology & Immunology, Plant Biology, and more. Glossary & Flashcards Look up the essentials in one place - key terms from every module, plus the 20 amino acids and the nucleobases. Turn any topic into a flashcard deck and review with smart, spaced practice that focuses on the cards you find hardest. Quiz & Progress Practice across biochemistry, genetics, evolution, cell biology, development, and science history in a dedicated quiz area. Track improvement with success rates and per-topic stats, and let the app resurface your weak questions for targeted review. Keep a daily streak going to build a steady habit. Got a good question? Submit it directly from the app. Built-in Tools Sequence Operator: paste DNA, reverse or complement it, transcribe to RNA, translate in all six reading frames, and view length, GC content, and melting temperature. Codon Picker: explore the genetic code, see which codons map to each amino acid or stop signal, and tweak bases to see the effect. Triplet Encoder: write a message in amino-acid single-letter code and encode it as a DNA triplet sequence, then decode it by translation. Found a bug or have suggestions? Email info@codon-one.com - we read every message.

Screenshots

Codon One4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Virtual Labs at none against Codon One's 7. Virtual Labs also leads on iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.6). Codon One's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Codon One sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Virtual Labs asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Virtual Labs versus Codon One: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVirtual LabsCodon One
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.5 (24 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—76.5% of reviews
Number of ratings—24 — better
Update frequency—Every 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS9.3 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB277 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNew Mexico State University Board of RegentsDaniel Gebert

In-app purchases

None

Virtual Labs

No in-app purchases

7 purchases

Codon One

One-time7
  • Module 1: Chemistry of LifeFree
  • Module 2: Genetics$2.99
  • Module 3: Evolution$2.99
Show 4 more
  • Module 4: Science History$2.99
  • Module 5: Cell Biology$2.99
  • Module 6: Development$2.99
  • Unlock All$8.99

Questions

Is Virtual Labs free?
Virtual Labs is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Codon One free?
Codon One is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Virtual Labs or Codon One have ads?
Neither Virtual Labs nor Codon One shows ads.

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