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

Hacking COVID-19: Metabolic Pathway Analysis Yields SARS-CoV-2 Drug Targets

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Network Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Molecular Biology, Data Mining, Biochemistry, Scientific Visualization, Data Analysis Software, Pharmacology, Microbiology

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Sex from Molecules to Elephants

Skills you'll gain: Biology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Sociology, Anatomy, Anthropology, Environmental Science, Taxonomy, Microbiology, Human Development

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Introduction to Cannabis

Skills you'll gain: Chemistry, Taxonomy, Production Process, Good Manufacturing Practices, Pharmacology, Biology, Research, Environmental Regulations

Rutgers the State University of New Jersey

Soul Beliefs: Causes and Consequences - Unit 2: Belief Systems

Skills you'll gain: Culture, Cultural Diversity, Social Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Sociology, Psychology, Ancient History, Political Sciences, Scientific Methods, Research

Status: Free Trial

Rice University

Fundamentals of Immunology: Dueling with Pathogens and Cancer

Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Preventative Care, Public Health, Oncology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Biology, Emerging Technologies

The University of Sydney

Easing the burden of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Skills you'll gain: Chronic Diseases, Systems Thinking, Epidemiology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Public Health, Health Care, Preventative Care, Socioeconomics, Health Policy, Nutrition and Diet, Biology, Psychology

Status: Free Trial

Dartmouth College

Population, Food, and Soil

Skills you'll gain: Demography, Environment, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Science, Land Management, Environmental Issue, Nutrition and Diet, Nutrition Education, Natural Resource Management, Social Studies, Water Resources, Human Development, Physical Science, Biology, Cultural Diversity, Trend Analysis, Economic Development, Estimation, Ethical Standards And Conduct

University of Alberta

Science & Religion 101

Skills you'll gain: Research, Science and Research, Ancient History, Biology, Physics, Cultural Responsiveness, Discussion Facilitation, Anthropology

University of Colorado Boulder

Primate Conservation

Skills you'll gain: Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Environment, Risk Analysis, Biology, Community Outreach, Taxonomy, Anthropology

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

La salud vegetal. Plagas y enfermedades en plantas

Skills you'll gain: Pathology, Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, Food Quality Assurance And Control, Biology, Environmental Science, Taxonomy, Molecular Biology

University of California, Irvine

Emergent Phenomena in Science and Everyday Life

Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Analysis, General Science and Research, Computational Thinking, Biology, Scientific Methods, Mathematical Modeling, Physics, Psychology, Emerging Technologies

Status: Free Trial

Novartis

Targets, Assays & Screening

Skills you'll gain: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacology, Laboratory Research, Clinical Research, Medical Science and Research, Biochemistry, Verification And Validation, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Biology

Biology Courses

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