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

Duke University

The Brain and Space

Skills you'll gain: Spatial Analysis, Neurology, Human Learning, Experimentation, Laboratory Research, Physics, Biology, General Science and Research, Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Status: Free

University of Arizona

Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds

Skills you'll gain: Biology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physical Science, Research, Environment, Experimentation, Environmental Science, Physics, Scientific Methods, Science and Research, Microbiology

Coursera Project Network

Access Bioinformatics Databases with Biopython

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Scientific Visualization, Data Access, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Data Visualization Software, Data Manipulation

Status: Free

Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

Nanotechnology and Nanosensors, Part1

Skills you'll gain: Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Semiconductors, Innovation, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Emerging Technologies, Chemistry, Electronics, Medical Equipment and Technology, Laboratory Research, Chemical Engineering, Creative Design, Biochemistry

MedCerts

Medical Terminology and the Human Body Fundamentals

Skills you'll gain: Medical Terminology, Anatomy, Pathology, Medical Records, Health Information Management and Medical Records, Health Care, Biology, Nutrition and Diet, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Life Sciences

University of Michigan

Anatomy: Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Urinary Systems

Skills you'll gain: Pulmonology, Cardiology, Respiration, Anatomy, Urology, Vital Signs, Medical Terminology, Biology

University of Michigan

Anatomy: Human Neuroanatomy

Skills you'll gain: Anatomy, Neurology, Medical Terminology, Biology

Imperial College London

How Vaccines Work

Skills you'll gain: Public Health and Disease Prevention, Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Public Health, Medical Science and Research, Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Trials, New Product Development, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Manufacturing Processes

Johns Hopkins University

Algorithms for DNA Sequencing

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Computational Thinking, Data Structures, Python Programming, Data Analysis, Algorithms, Life Sciences

Status: Free

University of Alberta

Paleontology: Early Vertebrate Evolution

Skills you'll gain: Biology, Environmental Science, Environment, Life Sciences, Taxonomy

Status: Free

Nanjing University

Data Processing Using Python

Skills you'll gain: Data Processing, Data Mining, Data Structures, Data Presentation, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Web Scraping, Data Analysis, Python Programming, Pandas (Python Package), NumPy, Data Visualization, Data Import/Export, Data Manipulation, Matplotlib, User Interface (UI) Design

MedCerts

The Heart, Blood, and Lungs

Skills you'll gain: Pulmonology, Medical Terminology, Cardiology, Respiration, Medical Records, Pathology, Anatomy, Electocardiography, Laboratory Testing, Vital Signs, Biology, Infectious Diseases

Biology Courses

Filter by

Subject
Required

Language
Required

Learning Product
Required

Level
Required

Duration
Required

Skills
Required

Subtitles
Required

Educator
Required