• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
  • Online Degrees
  • Careers
  • Log In
  • Join for Free
    Coursera
    • Browse
    • Biology

    Biology Courses

    Biology courses can help you learn how living systems work—from cells and genetics to ecosystems and evolution—through scientific observation and analysis.

    Skip to search results

    Filter by

    Subject
    Required
     *

    Language
    Required
     *

    The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

    Learning Product
    Required
     *

    Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.
    Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.
    Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Find the Best Biology Course for Your Goals

    • U

      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

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      54 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      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

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      37 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      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

      5
      Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      126 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      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

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      8 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • D

      Dartmouth College

      Population, Food, and Soil

      Skills you'll gain: Demography, Environment, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Science, Land Management, Environmental Issue, Nutrition and Diet, Nutrition Education, Natural Resource Management, Social Studies, Water Resources, Human Development, Physical Science, Biology, Cultural Diversity, Trend Analysis, Economic Development, Estimation, Ethical Standards And Conduct

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      50 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of Florida

      Science of Training Young Athletes Part 2

      Skills you'll gain: Kinesiology, Coaching, Injury Prevention, Stress Management, Planning, Biochemistry, Biology, Adaptability, Anatomy

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      114 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • F

      Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

      Researcher's Guide to Omic Data

      Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Data Processing, Data Analysis, Data Literacy, Research Design, Exploratory Data Analysis, Metadata Management, Experimentation, Science and Research, R Programming, Scientific Methods, Spatial Analysis, Data Collection, Data Quality, Data Validation, Quantitative Research, Biology, Qualitative Research, Analysis

      3.8
      Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      22 reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Arizona

      Biosphere 2 Science for the Future of Our Planet

      Skills you'll gain: Water Resources, Environment, Environmental Science, Biology, Environment and Resource Management, Life Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Systems Thinking, Physical Science, Research, Innovation, Emerging Technologies

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      143 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • R

      Rice University

      Fundamentals of Immunology: Dueling with Pathogens and Cancer

      Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Preventative Care, Public Health, Oncology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Biology, Emerging Technologies

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      109 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      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

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      13 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      S

      Shanghai Jiao Tong University

      Improving Immunity Based on Traditional Eastern Exercises

      Skills you'll gain: Kinesiology, Physical Therapy, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Research, Mindfulness, Stress Management, Cultural Diversity, Infectious Diseases, Mental Health, Respiration, Biology

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      101 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      N

      National Taiwan University

      基礎光學一 (Introduction to Optics (1))

      Skills you'll gain: Medical Imaging, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Physics, Physical Science, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Experimentation, Scientific Visualization, Scientific Methods

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      71 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Searches related to biology

    biology meets programming: bioinformatics for beginners
    biology everywhere foundations
    biology everywhere
    marine biology
    cancer biology
    molecular biology
    computational biology
    systems biology and biotechnology
    1…232425…32

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular biology courses

    • Hacking COVID-19 — Course 1: Identifying a Deadly Pathogen: University of California San Diego
    • Knowing the Universe: History and Philosophy of Astronomy: University of Arizona
    • Diseño de Actividades con PhET para la Educación STEM: University of Colorado Boulder
    • From Sleep Disorders to Sleep Health: University of Michigan
    • Population, Food, and Soil: Dartmouth College
    • Science of Training Young Athletes Part 2: University of Florida
    • Researcher's Guide to Omic Data: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
    • Biosphere 2 Science for the Future of Our Planet: University of Arizona
    • Fundamentals of Immunology: Dueling with Pathogens and Cancer: Rice University
    • Putting the Personal in Personalized Nutrition: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Why Learn Biology?

    Biology is the study of living organisms, from cells and genetics to ecosystems and evolution. It forms the foundation for careers in healthcare, research, biotechnology, and environmental science. Learning biology helps you explore how life works and builds a deeper understanding of the natural world and your place within it.

    Frequently Asked Questions 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.‎

    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.‎

    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.‎

    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.‎

    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.‎

    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.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

    Other topics to explore

    Arts and Humanities
    338 courses
    Business
    1095 courses
    Computer Science
    668 courses
    Data Science
    425 courses
    Information Technology
    145 courses
    Health
    471 courses
    Math and Logic
    70 courses
    Personal Development
    137 courses
    Physical Science and Engineering
    413 courses
    Social Sciences
    401 courses
    Language Learning
    150 courses

    Coursera Footer

    Technical Skills

    • ChatGPT
    • Coding
    • Computer Science
    • Cybersecurity
    • DevOps
    • Ethical Hacking
    • Generative AI
    • Java Programming
    • Python
    • Web Development

    Analytical Skills

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Big Data
    • Business Analysis
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Science
    • Financial Modeling
    • Machine Learning
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Power BI
    • SQL

    Business Skills

    • Accounting
    • Digital Marketing
    • E-commerce
    • Finance
    • Google
    • Graphic Design
    • IBM
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Social Media Marketing

    Career Resources

    • Essential IT Certifications
    • High-Income Skills to Learn
    • How to Get a PMP Certification
    • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
    • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
    • Popular Data Analytics Certifications
    • What Does a Data Analyst Do?
    • Career Development Resources
    • Career Aptitude Test
    • Share your Coursera Learning Story

    Coursera

    • About
    • What We Offer
    • Leadership
    • Careers
    • Catalog
    • Coursera Plus
    • Professional Certificates
    • MasterTrack® Certificates
    • Degrees
    • For Enterprise
    • For Government
    • For Campus
    • Become a Partner
    • Social Impact
    • Free Courses
    • ECTS Credit Recommendations

    Community

    • Learners
    • Partners
    • Beta Testers
    • Blog
    • The Coursera Podcast
    • Tech Blog
    • Teaching Center

    More

    • Press
    • Investors
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Help
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Articles
    • Directory
    • Affiliates
    • Modern Slavery Statement
    • Manage Cookie Preferences
    Learn Anywhere
    Download on the App Store
    Get it on Google Play
    Logo of Certified B Corporation
    © 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
    • Coursera Facebook
    • Coursera Linkedin
    • Coursera Twitter
    • Coursera YouTube
    • Coursera Instagram
    • Coursera TikTok