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 Colorado Boulder

Animals and Institutions

Skills you'll gain: Healthcare Ethics, Social Sciences, Culture, Laboratory Research, Research, Sociology, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Food and Beverage, Biology, Nutrition and Diet, Environmental Science

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Putting the Personal in Personalized Nutrition

Skills you'll gain: Nutrition and Diet, Precision Medicine, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Public Health

University of Michigan

From Sleep Disorders to Sleep Health

Skills you'll gain: Mental Health, Diversity Awareness, Health Disparities, Cultural Sensitivity, Health Assessment, Behavioral Health, Respiration, Disabilities, Preventative Care, Human Development, Patient Treatment, Clinical Psychology, Neurology, Child Development, Geriatrics, Pulmonology, Chronic Diseases, Environmental Issue, Patient Evaluation, Biology

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Biología bucal

Skills you'll gain: Oral Health, Dentistry, Oral Hygiene, Pathology, Biochemistry, Precision Medicine, Biology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Microbiology, Preventative Care

Status: Free

Coursera Project Network

Building an Ecosystem model with Insight Maker

Skills you'll gain: Simulation and Simulation Software, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Data Modeling, Mathematical Modeling, Biology, Systems Analysis, Environment

Status: Free Trial

Imperial College London

Immunology: Autoimmunity, Allergy, and Transplants

Skills you'll gain: Chronic Diseases, Pulmonology, Medical Science and Research, Pathology, Pharmacology, Clinical Research, Molecular Biology

Emory University

Extinctions: Past, Present, & Future

Skills you'll gain: Environment, Physical Science, Environmental Issue, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Science, Ancient History, World History, Timelines, Biology

Yale University

Journey Conversations: Weaving Knowledge and Action

Skills you'll gain: Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Anthropology, Teaching, Liberal Arts, Storytelling, Community Development, Biology, Systems Thinking, Cultural Diversity, Physics, Music

Status: Free Trial

University of Colorado Boulder

Diseño de Actividades con PhET para la Educación STEM

Skills you'll gain: Simulation and Simulation Software, Mathematics Education, Interactive Design, Experimentation, Chemistry, Graphing, Physics, Biology, Algebra, Geometry

Status: New

Status: Free Trial

Immersify

Foundations of Human Anatomy and Physiology

Skills you'll gain: Anatomy, Medical Terminology, Biology, Vital Signs, Blood Pressure, Respiration

Status: Free Trial

University of California San Diego

Hacking COVID-19 — Course 1: Identifying a Deadly Pathogen

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Infectious Diseases, Molecular Biology, Computational Thinking, Microbiology

University of Arizona

Biosphere 2 Science for the Future of Our Planet

Skills you'll gain: Water Resources, Environment, Environmental Science, Biology, Environment and Resource Management, Life Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Systems Thinking, Physical Science, Research, Innovation, Emerging Technologies

Biology Courses

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