What are the best biology courses online?

Browse the biology courses below—popular starting points on Coursera. Introductory Human Physiology: Duke University Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life: The University of Chicago Introduction to Genetics and Evolution: Duke University Introduction to the Biology of Cancer: Johns Hopkins University Marine Biology: American Museum of Natural History Biology Meets Programming: Bioinformatics for Beginners: University of California San Diego RNA Biology with Eterna: Stanford University

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.

Top Biology Courses - Learn Biology Online

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Biology

Results for "biology"

Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity
Skills you'll gain: Biology, Environment, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Life Sciences, Environmental Issue, Environment and Resource Management, Sustainable Development, Demography, Natural Resource Management, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Taxonomy, Cell Biology, Anatomy, Climate Change Adaptation, Estimation, Mathematical Modeling, Scientific Methods, Climate Change Mitigation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
247 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
Duke University
Introduction to Genetics and Evolution
Skills you'll gain: Molecular Biology, Biology, Biostatistics, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Scientific Methods, Mathematical Modeling
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Cancer Biology
Skills you'll gain: Oncology, Medical Imaging, Patient Education And Counseling, Diagnostic Radiology, Radiation Therapy, Molecular Biology, Diagnostic Tests, Clinical Trials, Pain Management, Preventative Care, Treatment Planning, Urology, Patient Treatment, Immunology, Epidemiology, Surgery, Cell Biology, Care Management, Biology, Pathology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
9.8K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Lecturio
Molecular and Cell Biology
Skills you'll gain: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Biology
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
Duke University
Introductory Human Physiology
Skills you'll gain: Physiology, Pulmonology, Respiration, Anatomy, Endocrinology, Cardiology, Human Musculoskeletal System, Kinesiology, Nephrology, Biology, Vital Signs, Blood Pressure, Neurology, Urinalysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Biology Everywhere
Skills you'll gain: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Human Development, Biology, Environment, Chemistry, Cell Biology, Environmental Issue, Child Development, Environmental Science, Life Sciences, Environmental Resource Management, Music, Biotechnology, General Science and Research, Decision Making, Natural Resource Management, Liberal Arts, Oncology, Sustainable Development
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
379 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Skills you'll gain: Human Musculoskeletal System, Anatomy, Endocrinology, Orthopedics, Kinesiology, Physiology, Neurology, Medical Terminology, Cell Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Clinical Practices, Sports Medicine, Physical Therapy, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Life Sciences, Lifelong Learning
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
159 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
The University of Chicago
Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life
Skills you'll gain: Neurology, Physiology, Anatomy, Behavioral Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Vital Signs, Control Systems, Coordination, Biology, Communication Systems
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
3.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Introduction to the Biology of Cancer
Skills you'll gain: Oncology, Medical Imaging, Diagnostic Radiology, Molecular Biology, Clinical Trials, Radiation Therapy, Cell Biology, Treatment Planning, Pathology, Epidemiology, Biology, Risk Analysis, Surgery
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
7.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Anatomy
Skills you'll gain: Human Musculoskeletal System, Anatomy, Endocrinology, Pulmonology, Cardiology, Respiration, Gynecology, Hematology, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Orthopedics, Neurology, Urology, Nephrology, Kinesiology, Physiology, Medical Imaging, Sports Medicine, Biology, Medical Terminology, Cell Biology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
University of California San Diego
Biology Meets Programming: Bioinformatics for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Computational Thinking, Biology, Data Structures
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
American Museum of Natural History
The Science of Stem Cells
Skills you'll gain: Medical Science and Research, Healthcare Ethics, Biomedical Technology, Clinical Research, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Life Sciences, Biology, Drug Development, Precision Medicine, Molecular Biology
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Searches related to biology

biology meets programming: bioinformatics for beginners

biology everywhere

biology everywhere foundations

marine biology

molecular biology

cell biology

computational biology

chemical biology

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular biology courses

Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity: Rice University
Introduction to Genetics and Evolution: Duke University
Cancer Biology: Johns Hopkins University
Molecular and Cell Biology: Lecturio
Introductory Human Physiology: Duke University
Biology Everywhere: University of Colorado Boulder
Human Anatomy & Physiology I: Rice University
Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life: The University of Chicago
Introduction to the Biology of Cancer: Johns Hopkins University
Anatomy: University of Michigan

Frequently Asked Questions about Biology

Browse the biology courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.

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.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.