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

Drug Development Product Management

Skills you'll gain: Clinical Trials, Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Research, Commercialization, Pharmacotherapy, Pharmacology, Regulatory Affairs, Intellectual Property, Portfolio Management, Bioinformatics, New Product Development, Medical Science and Research, Strategic Partnership, Product Marketing, Go To Market Strategy, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Business Strategy, Marketing Strategies, Market Dynamics, Molecular Biology

Peking University

Bioinformatics: Introduction and Methods 生物信息学: 导论与方法

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Markov Model, Molecular Biology, Computational Thinking, Biology, Database Software, Data Analysis, Algorithms, Machine Learning Algorithms, Probability & Statistics, Data Processing

Status: Free Trial

Rice University

Introduction to Biology: Evolution

Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Biology, Taxonomy, Anatomy, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Scientific Methods, Research

Duke University

Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why

Skills you'll gain: Music, Music Theory, Aesthetics, World Music, Cultural Diversity, Psychology, Anatomy, Biology, Neurology

Johns Hopkins University

Chemicals and Health

Skills you'll gain: Environmental Regulations, Chemistry, Laboratory Testing, Public Health, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Science, Health Assessment, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Epidemiology, Environmental Policy, Biology, Risk Analysis

Status: Free Trial

University of Michigan

Anatomy: Gastrointestinal, Reproductive and Endocrine Systems

Skills you'll gain: Anatomy, Gynecology, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Urology, Medical Imaging, General Medicine

University of Alberta

Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions

Skills you'll gain: Social Studies, Anthropology, Environmental Resource Management, Environmental Science, Cultural Diversity, Biology, Microbiology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Economics, Taxonomy, Criminal Investigation and Forensics

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Genomics: Decoding the Universal Language of Life

Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Environment, Precision Medicine, Biology, Health Systems, Medical Science and Research, Environmental Science, Microbiology, Computational Thinking, Data Processing, Experimentation, Research, Scientific Visualization

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Women in environmental biology

Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Science, Social Justice, Environmental Issue, Biology, Natural Resource Management, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Social Studies, Diversity Awareness, Science and Research

University of Toronto

Data Visualization for Genome Biology

Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization Software, Statistical Visualization, Interactive Data Visualization, Bioinformatics, Ggplot2, Dimensionality Reduction, Scatter Plots, R Programming, Network Analysis, Heat Maps, Molecular Biology, Design Thinking

Status: Free Trial

University of Toronto

Plant Bioinformatic Methods

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Network Analysis, Research Reports, Molecular Biology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Biology, Analysis, Data Analysis, Data Synthesis, Big Data, Statistical Methods, Data Visualization Software, Data Analysis Software, Data Mining, Experimentation, Scientific Visualization, Life Sciences, Interactive Data Visualization, Statistical Analysis, Databases

Status: Free Trial

University of California San Diego

Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I)

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Data Analysis, Computational Thinking, Biochemistry, Biology, Life Sciences, Algorithms, Probability & Statistics

Biology Courses

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