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

Universiteit Leiden

Evolution Today

Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Anthropology, Biology, Culture, Molecular Biology, Taxonomy, Infectious Diseases, Environmental Science, Microbiology

Status: Free Trial

University of Michigan

Anatomy: Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Urinary Systems

Skills you'll gain: Pulmonology, Cardiology, Respiration, Anatomy, Urology, Vital Signs, Medical Terminology, Biology

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Lactation Biology

Skills you'll gain: Anatomy, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Biology, Production Process, Nutrition and Diet, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Infectious Diseases

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Emergence of Life

Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Physical Science, Biology, Taxonomy, World History, Environmental Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Scientific Methods, Chemistry

The University of Edinburgh

Philosophy, Science and Religion: Science and Philosophy

Skills you'll gain: Research, Scientific Methods, Science and Research, General Science and Research, Biology, Systems Thinking, Anthropology, Cultural Responsiveness, Psychology, Sociology

University of Amsterdam

Big History - From the Big Bang until Today

Skills you'll gain: World History, Ancient History, Cultural Diversity, Physical Science, Anthropology, Timelines, Social Sciences, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Environment, Environmental Science, Biology, Physics

Status: Free Trial

University of Toronto

Bioinformatic Methods II

Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Network Analysis, Data Analysis, Big Data, Data Visualization Software, Scientific Visualization, Structural Analysis

Nanjing University

Data Processing Using Python

Skills you'll gain: Data Processing, Data Mining, Data Structures, Data Presentation, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Web Scraping, Data Analysis, Python Programming, Pandas (Python Package), NumPy, Data Visualization, Data Import/Export, Data Manipulation, Matplotlib, User Interface (UI) Design

Duke University

Biology Courses

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