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

Genome Sequencing (Bioinformatics II)

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Graph Theory, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Infectious Diseases, Computational Thinking, Applied Mathematics, Algorithms

University of California, Irvine

Basics of Extracellular Vesicles

Skills you'll gain: Blood Collection, Laboratory Testing, Laboratory Research, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Laboratory Equipment, Biology, Medical Science and Research, Medical Imaging

Rice University

Natural Attenuation of Groundwater Contaminants: New Paradigms, Technologies, and Applications

Skills you'll gain: Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, Geostatistics, Environmental Science, Mathematical Modeling, Laboratory Research, Microbiology, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Hydraulics

Status: Free Trial

Dartmouth College

Environmental Science

Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Water Resources, Environmental Policy, Biology, Systems Thinking, Energy and Utilities, Physics, Chemistry

The University of Melbourne

How Music Can Change Your Life

Skills you'll gain: Music, World Music, Cultural Diversity, Rehabilitation, Community Development, Behavioral Health, Psychotherapy, Mental Health, Rapport Building, Neurology

Universidad Austral

Conceptos base para el estudio del medio ambiente

Skills you'll gain: Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, Environment, Data Analysis, Environmental Engineering, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Statistical Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Physics

Status: Free Trial

University of Colorado Boulder

Aprendizaje Activo STEM con Simulaciones Interactivas PhET

Skills you'll gain: Education Software and Technology, Mathematics Education, Simulations, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Interactive Design, Experimentation, User Feedback, Human Computer Interaction, Research, Scientific Visualization, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Algebra, Geometry

Universidade de São Paulo

Origens da Vida no Contexto Cósmico

Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Physical Science, Systems Of Measurement, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, General Science and Research, Experimentation, Scientific Methods, Environmental Science

University of Toronto

Understanding and Managing the Stresses of Police Work

Skills you'll gain: Mindfulness, Active Listening, Stress Management, Empowerment, De-escalation Techniques, Emotional Intelligence, Biology, Resilience, Self-Awareness

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

生命科学发展史

Skills you'll gain: Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Life Sciences, Human Development, Taxonomy, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Biology, Infectious Diseases, Pathology, Anthropology, Neurology, European History, Pharmacology, Ancient History, World History, Chemistry, Scientific Methods

Status: Free Trial

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Evolución

Skills you'll gain: Biology, Life Sciences, Human Development, Human Learning, Environment, Anthropology, World History, Social Studies, Deductive Reasoning, Innovation, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, European History, Higher Education, Taxonomy, Mathematical Modeling, Scientific Methods, Probability & Statistics

University of Florida

COVID-19 - A clinical update

Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, Epidemiology, Preventative Care, Critical Care, Public Health, Respiratory Care, Socioeconomics, Patient Treatment, Patient Evaluation, Microbiology, Laboratory Testing, Pathology, Clinical Trials, Molecular Biology

Biology Courses

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