Pearson

Introduction to Biology Specialization

Pearson

Introduction to Biology Specialization

Biology And Ecosystem Science.

Explore Cells, Genetics, Evolution, Ecology, And Evidence-Based Biological Inquiry

Pearson

Instructor: Pearson

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Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Analyze biological systems, from cellular processes and genetics to evolution and ecology, using the scientific method.

  • Evaluate complex biological problems and ethical issues related to topics like conservation and genetic engineering.

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Taught in English
Recently updated!

July 2026

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Specialization - 8 course series

The Chemistry of Life

The Chemistry of Life

Course 1, 4 hours

What you'll learn

  • Explain the fundamental properties of life, its major themes, and the scientific method used to study it.

  • Analyze how atomic interactions determine the properties of water and the structure and function of biomolecules.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Scientific Methods
Category: Chemistry
Category: Biochemistry
Category: Biology
Category: Physical Science
Category: Life Sciences
Category: Molecular Biology
Category: Cell Biology
Cell Structure and Function

Cell Structure and Function

Course 2, 5 hours

What you'll learn

  • Analyze cell structure and function, including membrane transport, energy conversion, and metabolic pathways.

  • Explain how cells use signaling pathways to regulate metabolism and respond to their environment.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Physiology
Category: Cell Biology
Category: Biology
Category: Biochemistry
Category: Life Sciences
Category: Respiration
Category: Anatomy
Category: Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology
Category: Pharmacology
Category: Molecular Biology
Cellular Reproduction

Cellular Reproduction

Course 3, 3 hours

What you'll learn

  • Compare the processes of mitosis and meiosis and their roles in the cell cycle and reproduction.

  • Explain the consequences for human health when cell cycle controls or division processes fail.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Cell Biology
Category: Physiology
Category: Biology
Category: Control Systems
Category: Molecular Biology
Category: Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology
Category: Life Sciences
DNA: The Molecule of Life

DNA: The Molecule of Life

Course 4, 4 hours

What you'll learn

  • Analyze the molecular processes of DNA replication, transcription, and translation that govern the flow of genetic information.

  • Assess how gene expression is regulated and how mutations in these processes can impact human health.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Biology
Category: Biochemistry
Category: Laboratory Research
Category: Molecular Biology
Category: Cell Biology
Category: Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology
Category: Life Sciences
Category: Clinical Research
Patterns of Inheritance

Patterns of Inheritance

Course 5, 3 hours

What you'll learn

  • Explain the fundamental principles of Mendelian and non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance.

  • Analyze pedigree charts and karyotype data to infer genotypes and predict genetic outcomes.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Patient Education And Counseling
Category: Molecular Biology
Category: Family Planning
Category: Scientific Methods
Category: Biology
Category: Life Sciences
Evolution and Biodiversity

Evolution and Biodiversity

Course 6, 3 hours

What you'll learn

  • Analyze the mechanisms of evolution, including natural selection, and their effect on the genetic makeup of populations.

  • Interpret phylogenetic trees to explain how evolution results in speciation and contributes to biodiversity.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Biology
Category: Taxonomy
Category: Environment
Category: Life Sciences
Population and Community Ecology

Population and Community Ecology

Course 7, 4 hours

What you'll learn

  • Analyze the factors that influence population dynamics and shape the interactions between species within a community.

  • Explain how biotic and abiotic factors define Earth's major biomes and are impacted by global climate change.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Environmental Science
Category: Environmental Issue
Category: Climate Change Adaptation
Category: Environment
Category: Biology
Category: Demography
Category: Life Sciences
Biotechnology

Biotechnology

Course 8, 2 hours

What you'll learn

  • Explain the principles of key biotechnologies, including gene cloning, PCR, and DNA sequencing.

  • Evaluate the applications and ethical implications of biotechnology in fields like medicine and forensics.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Criminal Investigation and Forensics
Category: Life Sciences
Category: Biology
Category: Drug Development
Category: Bioinformatics
Category: Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology
Category: Medical Science and Research
Category: Molecular Biology
Category: Biotechnology
Category: Healthcare Ethics
Category: Investigation
Category: Laboratory Techniques

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Instructor

Pearson
Pearson
80 Courses73 learners

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