Can online science courses be used to satisfy the ...

I have only dealt with patent attorneys twice: both times working for Volt Technical.  They were quite well versed in chemistry, physics, and mechanical engineering.  I severely doubt that one could gain such clarity on the subject with online courses.

There was one structural engineer who applied to Volt immediately on "graduation" from an online "university."  Despite our policy to regard "online" graduates as undergrads (if not completely uneducated) we administered a standard battery of tests to gauge his knowledge of engineering.

Despite six years of "online study" he knew less math, drafting, structure, chemistry, and strength of materials than would a normal high school student.

Worse, he was so lacking in social skill that no one could get along with him. 

Between a near total lack of technical expertise, a COMPLETE lack of social skill, and such poor personal discipline that we did not want to trust him, I would have to say that he is actually fairly representative of all the rest of these people.

I never implied that an Ivy League degree was the equivalent of divinity.  But a community college would have been less expensive and more beneficial than any "online university" could ever be.

I have taught a number of online courses in physics, math, chemistry, and engineering, but I have yet to meet a less resourceful or enthusiastic group of students than they. 

There is an intellectual dynamic that occurs nowhere but the classroom, with stimulating minds and curiosity that one may feel in the air. 

That is not the only thing lacking from online "education."  Teamwork, laboratories, discipline, and so much more, are utterly absent from online courses.

One could teach Creative Writing, and English Composition online, but even these will lack teamwork and that creative energy that only the classroom can bestow.

Yes, I believe they do. Most institutions view courses online the same as traditional ones.