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

Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Skills you'll gain: Anatomy, Orthopedics, Kinesiology, Neurology, Medical Terminology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Physical Therapy, Pathology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Pharmacology, Radiography, Life Sciences
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
119 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Tel Aviv University
Understanding Plants - Part I: What a Plant Knows
Skills you'll gain: Scientific Methods, General Science and Research, Biology, Research, Life Sciences, Psychology, Environmental Science, Molecular Biology, Chemistry
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Anatomy
Skills you'll gain: Anatomy, Pulmonology, Cardiology, Respiration, Gynecology, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Orthopedics, Neurology, Urology, Kinesiology, Medical Imaging, Vital Signs, General Medicine, Biology, Medical Terminology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.9K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Manchester
Industrial Biotechnology
Skills you'll gain: Process Engineering, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biology, Pharmaceuticals, Environmental Engineering, Manufacturing Processes, Process Development, Microbiology
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Duke University
Medical Neuroscience
Skills you'll gain: Neurology, Anatomy, Medical Science and Research, Psychology, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Biology, Pharmacology
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
2.9K reviews
Advanced · Course · 3 - 6 Months
American Museum of Natural History
The Science of Stem Cells
Skills you'll gain: Medical Science and Research, Healthcare Ethics, Clinical Research, Life Sciences, Biology, Precision Medicine, Molecular Biology, Emerging Technologies, Laboratory Research, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.1K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of North Texas
Contemporary Biology
Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Biology, Molecular Biology, Respiration, Microbiology, Environmental Science, General Science and Research, Experimentation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
89 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Peking University
Advanced Neurobiology I
Skills you'll gain: Neurology, Anatomy, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Basic Electrical Systems, Scientific Methods, Research
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
624 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Biology Everywhere Foundations
Skills you'll gain: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, General Science and Research, Life Sciences, Scientific Methods, Water Resources, Nutrition and Diet
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
222 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Tel Aviv University
Understanding Plants - Part II: Fundamentals of Plant Biology
Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Anatomy, Food and Beverage, Laboratory Research, Nutrition and Diet, Environmental Science
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Genomic Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Unix Commands, Biostatistics, Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Unix, Data Science, Data Management, Statistical Methods, Molecular Biology, Command-Line Interface, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Linux Commands, Data Analysis Software, Statistical Modeling, Data Structures, Data Analysis, R Programming, Computational Thinking, Jupyter
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
6.6K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Leeds
Transmitting and Fighting Infectious Diseases
Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, Infection Control, Pharmacology, Epidemiology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Medical Science and Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
47 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks