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

Find the Best Biology Course for Your Goals

Imperial College London
Immunology: Innate Immune System
Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Environment, Biology, Research, Oncology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
129 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of Alberta
Dino 101: Dinosaur Paleobiology
Skills you'll gain: Biology, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Taxonomy, Environment, Scientific Methods, Research, Timelines
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
3.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Gut Check: Exploring Your Microbiome
Skills you'll gain: Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Life Sciences, Health Informatics, Big Data, Biostatistics, Data Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Nutrition and Diet, Biology, Nutrition Education, Data Collection
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Peking University
Advanced Neurobiology II
Skills you'll gain: Neurology, Anatomy, Psychology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Psychiatry, Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Electrical Systems, Pathology, Behavior Management, Medical Science and Research
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
157 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Rice University
Medical Terminology II
Skills you'll gain: Medical History Documentation, Medical Terminology, Pulmonology, Cardiology, Medical Records, Health Informatics, Anatomy, Pathology, Pharmacology
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
182 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Integrated Analysis in Systems Biology
Skills you'll gain: Science and Research, Scientific Methods, Analysis, Systems Analysis, Biology, Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, Data Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
87 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Whole genome sequencing of bacterial genomes - tools and applications
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Data Analysis Software, Database Development, Analysis, Data Pipelines, Data Processing, Public Health, Data Quality
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Toronto
Bioinformatic Methods I
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Biology, Data Analysis Software, Data Mining, Life Sciences, Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Databases
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Duke University
Dog Emotion and Cognition
Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Learning Theory, Training Programs, Anthropology, Social Sciences, Experimentation, Research, Scientific Methods, Non-Verbal Communication, Biology
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.6K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
The Pennsylvania State University
Epidemics - the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases
Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Microbiology, Public Health, Social Sciences, Community Health, Emerging Technologies, Mathematical Modeling, Molecular Biology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Universiteit Leiden
Evolution Today
Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Anthropology, Biology, Culture, Molecular Biology, Taxonomy, Infectious Diseases, Environmental Science, Microbiology
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
167 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Experimental Methods in Systems Biology
Skills you'll gain: Quantitative Research, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Data Analysis, Analytical Skills, Biochemistry, Experimentation, Laboratory Experience, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Systems Engineering, Life Sciences, Mathematical Modeling, Biology, Image Analysis, Laboratory Equipment
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
313 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months