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

University of Arizona

Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds

Skills you'll gain: Biology, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physical Science, General Science and Research, Research, Environment, Experimentation, Environmental Science, Physics, Scientific Methods

University of Zurich

Myocardial Infarction

Skills you'll gain: Cardiology, Electocardiography, Chronic Diseases, Rehabilitation, Patient Evaluation, Anatomy, Preventative Care, Neurology, Internal Medicine, Medical Emergency, Blood Pressure, Vital Signs, Pharmacology, Biology, Behavior Management

Universiteit Leiden

Evolution Today

Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Anthropology, Biology, Culture, Molecular Biology, Taxonomy, Infectious Diseases, Environmental Science, Microbiology

Status: Free Trial

Olay

Introduction to Cosmetic and Skincare Science

Skills you'll gain: Product Testing, Laboratory Testing, Personal Care, Safety Assurance, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Product Development, Regulatory Compliance, Innovation

Nanjing University

Data Processing Using Python

Skills you'll gain: Data Processing, Data Mining, Data Structures, Data Presentation, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Web Scraping, Data Analysis, Python Programming, Pandas (Python Package), NumPy, Data Visualization, Data Import/Export, Data Manipulation, Matplotlib, User Interface (UI) Design

Status: Free Trial

Novartis

Drug Hunting: The Science of Making New Medicines

Skills you'll gain: Drug Interaction, Clinical Trials, Pharmacology, Pharmaceuticals, Patient Safety, Clinical Research, Competitive Intelligence, Pharmacotherapy, Laboratory Research, Laboratory Testing, Biochemistry, Medical Science and Research, Safety Assurance, Chemistry, Medication Administration, Risk Analysis, Biology, Verification And Validation, Regulatory Compliance, Molecular Biology

Status: Free Trial

Imperial College London

Immunology: The Immune System and its Failures

Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Oncology, Microbiology, Epidemiology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Chronic Diseases, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Geriatrics, Public Health, Pulmonology, Environment, Pharmacotherapy, Biology, Patient Treatment, Precision Medicine, Treatment Planning, Medical Science and Research, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology

University of Rochester

Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy

Skills you'll gain: Physics, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Biology, Environment, General Science and Research, Scientific Methods, Systems Of Measurement, Chemistry

Status: Free Trial

University of Colorado Boulder

The Little Stuff: Energy, Cells, and Genetics

Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Biology, Oncology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Medical Science and Research, Precision Medicine, Healthcare Ethics, Emerging Technologies

Status: Free Trial

University of Colorado Boulder

The Big Stuff: Evolution and Ecology

Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Life Sciences, Biology, Environmental Resource Management, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Policy, Social Studies

University of New Mexico

Curanderismo: Traditional Healing Using Plants

Skills you'll gain: Cultural Responsiveness, Cultural Diversity, Biology, Preventative Care, Health Care, Patient Education and Support, Health Assessment, Anatomy, Nutrition and Diet, Mental Health, Environmental Science, Stress Management, Scientific Methods

Status: Free Trial

Imperial College London

How Vaccines Work

Skills you'll gain: Public Health and Disease Prevention, Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Public Health, Medical Science and Research, Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Trials, New Product Development, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Manufacturing Processes

Biology Courses

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