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

Northwestern University

Introduction to Reproduction

Skills you'll gain: Gynecology, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Anatomy, Oncology, Preventative Care, Medical Science and Research, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Biology, Pharmacology, Contraindication

University of Colorado Boulder

Gut Check: Exploring Your Microbiome

Skills you'll gain: Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, Health Informatics, Big Data, Biostatistics, Data Analysis, Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Diet, Biology, Data Collection

The University of Tokyo

Welcome to Game Theory

Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Strategic Thinking, Socioeconomics, Social Sciences, Behavioral Economics, Economics, Strategic Decision-Making, Decision Making, Business Strategy, Probability

Status: Free Trial

University of Colorado Boulder

Specialty Topics: Biology Across Disciplines

Skills you'll gain: Human Development, Biology, Child Development, Music, Decision Making, Liberal Arts, Life Sciences, Education and Training, Psychology, Science and Research, Business Economics, Clinical Trials

Johns Hopkins University

Chemicals and Health

Skills you'll gain: Environmental Regulations, Chemistry, Laboratory Testing, Public Health, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Science, Health Assessment, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Epidemiology, Environmental Policy, Biology, Risk Analysis

Yale University

Introduction to Psychology

Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Child Development, Mental Health, Human Learning, Social Sciences, Behavioral Health, Neurology, Biology, Scientific Methods

University of Alberta

Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions

Skills you'll gain: Social Studies, Anthropology, Environmental Resource Management, Environmental Science, Cultural Diversity, Biology, Microbiology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Economics, Taxonomy, Criminal Investigation and Forensics

Status: Free Trial

Rice University

Introduction to Biology: Evolution

Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Biology, Taxonomy, Anatomy, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Scientific Methods, Research

American Museum of Natural History

Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation

Skills you'll gain: Environment, Systems Thinking, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Resource Management, Environmental Issue, Biology, Mathematical Modeling, Scientific Methods

Duke University

Music as Biology: What We Like to Hear and Why

Skills you'll gain: Music, Music Theory, Aesthetics, World Music, Cultural Diversity, Psychology, Anatomy, Biology, Neurology

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Genomics: Decoding the Universal Language of Life

Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Environment, Precision Medicine, Biology, Health Systems, Medical Science and Research, Environmental Science, Microbiology, Computational Thinking, Data Processing, Experimentation, Research, Scientific Visualization

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)

Circadian clocks: how rhythms structure life

Skills you'll gain: Biology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Medical Science and Research, Health Care, Pharmacology, Chronic Diseases, Psychology, Behavioral Health, Environment, Pathology

Biology Courses

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