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

Imperial College London

Immunology: Adaptive Immune System

Skills you'll gain: Geriatrics, Infectious Diseases, Biology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Pathology, Chronic Diseases, Molecular Biology, Oncology

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

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

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

Universidade de São Paulo

Off the Clock: The Many Faces of Time

Skills you'll gain: Timelines, Cultural Diversity, Anthropology, Liberal Arts, Psychology, Environmental Science, Physics, 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

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

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

University of Arizona

Knowing the Universe: History and Philosophy of Astronomy

Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Physics, General Science and Research, Mechanics, Physical Science, European History, Science and Research, World History, Scientific Methods, Biology, Mathematical Modeling

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

Biology Courses

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