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

Genomic Data Science and Clustering (Bioinformatics V)

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Dimensionality Reduction, Unsupervised Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Molecular Biology, Data Mining, Machine Learning, Data Analysis Software, Life Sciences, Algorithms, Exploratory Data Analysis, Probability & Statistics

Status: Free Trial

Imperial College London

Immunology: Immune Failures and Cancer Immunology

Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Oncology, Epidemiology, Public Health, Pathology, Pharmacotherapy, Biology, Microbiology, Chronic Diseases, Patient Treatment, Precision Medicine, Treatment Planning, Medical Science and Research, Molecular Biology, Laboratory Research

University of Amsterdam

Big History - From the Big Bang until Today

Skills you'll gain: World History, Ancient History, Cultural Diversity, Physical Science, Anthropology, Timelines, Social Sciences, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Environment, Environmental Science, Biology, Physics

Peking University

遗传学实验

Skills you'll gain: Laboratory Research, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biology, Experimentation, Research Design, Scientific Methods, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Life Sciences

American Museum of Natural History

Dinosaurs: Evolution, Extinction, and Paleobiology

Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Biology, Environment, Taxonomy, Laboratory Research, Science and Research, Scientific Methods, Estimation, Research, Research Methodologies, Environmental Science, Chemistry

University of Colorado System

Genetic Epidemiology Foundations

Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Statistical Analysis, Correlation Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Data Quality, Probability & Statistics, Molecular Biology, Statistical Methods, Regression Analysis, Data Validation, Biology

Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

Medical Cannabis for Pain Control

Skills you'll gain: Psychiatry, Patient Safety, Contraindication, Pharmacology, Neurology, Medical Science and Research, Drug Interaction, Ancient History, Oncology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Chronic Diseases, Biology, World History, Biochemistry

Status: Free Trial

National Academy of Sports Medicine

Science of Fat Metabolism

Skills you'll gain: Nutrition and Diet, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Biology

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Big Data Science with the BD2K-LINCS Data Coordination and Integration Center

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Interactive Data Visualization, Supervised Learning, Machine Learning, Big Data, Data Science, Data Integration, Unsupervised Learning, Molecular Biology, Data Processing, Data Analysis, Metadata Management, Application Programming Interface (API), Restful API

Status: Free

Duke University

Space Medicine

Skills you'll gain: Medical Equipment and Technology, Medical Science and Research, Emergency Medicine, Vital Signs, Patient Safety, Preventative Care, Aerospace Basic Quality System Standards, Radiation Protection, Human Factors, Respiration, Environmental Engineering, Physics, Engineering Design Process

University of California, Santa Cruz

Ecosystems of California

Skills you'll gain: Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Environment and Resource Management, Data Collection, Environment, Scientific Methods, Land Management, Biology, Life Sciences, Water Resources

Status: Free Trial

Rice University

Anatomy & Physiology: Filtration and Reproduction

Skills you'll gain: Maternal Health, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Urology, Anatomy, Gynecology, Pathology, Patient Evaluation, Biology, Medical Terminology

Biology Courses

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Find the Best Biology Course for Your Goals

Genomic Data Science and Clustering (Bioinformatics V)

Immunology: Immune Failures and Cancer Immunology