What are the best bioinformatics courses on Coursera?

Top courses include the Bioinformatics Specialization from the University of California, San Diego and Genomic Data Science from Johns Hopkins University . These programs cover algorithms , DNA sequencing , data analysis , and tools like Python , R , and Bioconductor.

Can I take free bioinformatics courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning bioinformatics on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many bioinformatics courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in bioinformatics, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a bioinformatics course?

You’ll learn how to analyze genomic and biological data, use bioinformatics tools and databases , and apply algorithms for DNA and RNA sequencing, gene expression, and evolutionary analysis. Some courses also teach programming and statistics for biological data.

Do I need a background in biology or programming to take bioinformatics courses?

Some familiarity with biology or coding (especially in Python or R ) is helpful, but not always required. Many introductory courses are designed to teach the fundamentals step by step, while more advanced courses assume prior experience in biology, computer science , or statistics .

Can bioinformatics courses on Coursera help me in my career?

Yes. Bioinformatics is a rapidly growing field with roles in healthcare , research , biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Coursera courses can help you build technical and analytical skills, prepare for graduate studies, or qualify for roles in data science , genomics , and computational biology.

Top Bioinformatics Courses - Learn Bioinformatics Online

Status: Preview

Peking University

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

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Life Sciences, Computational Thinking, Biology, Data Analysis, Predictive Modeling, Machine Learning Algorithms

Status: Preview

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Fundamental Skills in Bioinformatics

Skills you'll gain: Data Quality, Bioinformatics, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Methods, Pandas (Python Package), R Programming, Rmarkdown, Correlation Analysis, Data Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Programming Principles, NumPy, Scientific Visualization, Data Manipulation, Python Programming, Exploratory Data Analysis

Status: Free

University of Virginia

Bacterial Bioinformatics

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Taxonomy, Analysis

Status: Free Trial

University of Toronto

Plant Bioinformatic Methods

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Scientific Visualization, Data Visualization Software, Statistical Visualization, Molecular Biology, Network Analysis, Biology, Technical Communication, Big Data, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Data Mining, Data Processing, Analysis, Statistical Methods, Databases, Text Mining, Taxonomy, Data Synthesis

Status: Free Trial

Johns Hopkins University

Genomic Data Science

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Unix Commands, Biostatistics, Molecular Biology, Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Unix, Programming Principles, Data Management, Correlation Analysis, Statistical Methods, Command-Line Interface, Science and Research, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Analysis Software, Data Structures, R Programming, Computational Thinking, Jupyter, Python Programming

Status: Free Trial

University of California San Diego

Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I)

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Algorithms, Data Analysis Software, Biology, Python Programming

Bioinformatics Courses

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Find the Best Bioinformatics Course for Your Goals

Bioinformatics

Biology Meets Programming: Bioinformatics for Beginners

Introduction to Bioinformatics

Bioinformatic Methods I

Applied Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics Methods for Transcriptomics

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