How to learn about Biology?

Knowing why you want to study biology, whether for academic purposes, career advancement, or personal interest, can focus your learning. Daily study and practice help retain complex concepts and details. Join biology communities like online forums or local study groups for exchange of knowledge and motivation. Work on real projects such as participating in biology experiments or research. Introduction to Genetics and Evolution by Duke University is an excellent course to start with.

What are the best biology courses on Coursera?

Popular biology courses include Introduction to Genetics and Evolution from Duke University , Biology Everywhere from University of Colorado Boulder , and Cancer Biology from Johns Hopkins University . You’ll also find general and specialized topics, including molecular biology , human physiology , and ecology .

Can I learn biology for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many biology courses offer a free audit option, which allows you to access video lectures and reading materials without cost. To earn a certificate or complete assignments, you’ll need to pay or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a biology course?

Depending on the course, you can learn about cells, DNA , genetics , evolution , the human body, ecosystems, or diseases. Some courses focus on fundamentals, while others explore applied biology in fields like medicine , biotechnology , or environmental science .

Do I need a science background to take a biology course?

Not necessarily. Many biology courses on Coursera are beginner-friendly and start with foundational concepts. If you’re looking for more advanced content, there are also options for students and professionals in healthcare or research.

Can biology courses on Coursera help with school or career goals?

Yes. Biology is foundational in many academic and career paths, including healthcare , medicine , research , and environmental science . Coursera courses can help you prepare for exams, deepen your understanding, or build knowledge for a future degree or job in the life sciences.

Top Biology Courses - Learn Biology Online

Status: Free Trial

University of California San Diego

Molecular Evolution (Bioinformatics IV)

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Statistical Analysis, Molecular Biology, Graph Theory, Taxonomy, Tree Maps, Algorithms

University of Alberta

Paleontology: Early Vertebrate Evolution

Skills you'll gain: Biology, Environmental Science, Environment, Life Sciences, Taxonomy

Duke University

The Brain and Space

Skills you'll gain: Spatial Analysis, Neurology, Human Learning, Experimentation, Laboratory Research, Physics, Biology, General Science and Research, Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Status: Free Trial

Rice University

Human Anatomy & Physiology II

Skills you'll gain: Maternal Health, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Respiration, Anatomy, Urology, Cardiology, Patient Evaluation, Respiratory Care, Gynecology, Pathology, Biology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Internal Medicine, Medical Terminology, Infectious Diseases, Nutrition and Diet

Status: Free Trial

University of Michigan

Anatomy: Human Neuroanatomy

Skills you'll gain: Anatomy, Neurology, Medical Terminology, Biology

Caltech

The Science of the Solar System

Skills you'll gain: Science and Research, Research, Physical Science, Scientific Methods, Life Sciences, Physics, Water Resources, Advanced Mathematics, Chemistry, Environment, Biology

University of Geneva

Precision Medicine

Skills you'll gain: Precision Medicine, Medical Science and Research, Healthcare Ethics, Pharmacology, Health Informatics, Bioinformatics, Clinical Research, Primary Care, Health Care, Oncology, Molecular Biology, Patient Education And Counseling, Data Analysis, Environmental Science, Risk Analysis

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Fundamental Human Physiology in Sports Medicine

Skills you'll gain: Pulmonology, Respiration, Cardiology, Anatomy, Kinesiology, Orthopedics, Neurology, Biology

Status: Free Trial

Johns Hopkins University

Algorithms for DNA Sequencing

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Computational Thinking, Data Structures, Python Programming, Data Analysis, Algorithms, Life Sciences

Status: Free Trial

MedCerts

Medical Terminology and the Human Body Fundamentals

Skills you'll gain: Medical Terminology, Anatomy, Pathology, Medical Records, Health Information Management and Medical Records, Health Care, Biology, Nutrition and Diet, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Life Sciences

Status: Free Trial

University of Michigan

Anatomy: Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Urinary Systems

Skills you'll gain: Pulmonology, Cardiology, Respiration, Anatomy, Urology, Vital Signs, Medical Terminology, Biology

The University of Chicago

Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change

Skills you'll gain: Mitigation, Environment, Physics, Mathematical Modeling, Environmental Monitoring, Systems Thinking, Environmental Science, Simulations, Biology, Economics, Energy and Utilities, Chemistry, Data Collection

Biology Courses

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