RNA Biology with Eterna

Instructor: Rhiju Das

7,105 already enrolled

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

154 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

7 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

154 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

7 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 2 modules in this course

Through videos and gameplay, this course provides a unique introduction to RNA biology, including its uses in medicine and bioengineering. Learn how RNA powers cell growth and development by designing your own RNAs using the popular citizen science game Eterna.

DNA gets all the glory, but RNA does the work. RNA consists of bases that form pairs to create 3D shapes. In this module, learn about the different base pairs and the chemical forces which drive them, as well as how scientists work with RNA in the lab.

What's included

3 videos7 readings4 assignments3 plugins

3 videos Total 10 minutes

Course Introduction with Rhiju Das 3 minutes
RNA Biology Overview 3 minutes
Eterna Library Prep with Rui Huang 4 minutes

7 readings Total 64 minutes

What is RNA? 10 minutes
Introduction to Eterna 10 minutes
RNA Structural Motifs in 2D 10 minutes
Creating 2D Structural Motifs 2 minutes
RNA Structural Motifs in 3D 20 minutes
Creating 3D Structural Motifs 2 minutes
Module 1 Summary 10 minutes

4 assignments Total 90 minutes

Knowledge Check 20 minutes
Knowledge Check 20 minutes
Knowledge Check 20 minutes
Module 1 Exam 30 minutes

3 plugins Total 50 minutes

Base Pairing Puzzles 15 minutes
2D Structural Motif Puzzles 15 minutes
3D Structural Motif Puzzles 20 minutes

The ribosome is one of the oldest RNA machines in your cells! It makes all of the proteins necessary for life. In this module, learn about how RNA powers the translation process, and how scientists are rewriting the rules to design advanced polymers.

What's included

2 videos4 readings4 assignments3 plugins

2 videos Total 9 minutes

RNA and the Central Dogma of Biology 5 minutes
RNA 3D Structure using Cryo-EM 4 minutes

4 readings Total 35 minutes

Meet the Ribosome 10 minutes
The PTC and Translation 10 minutes
Applications in Biotechnology 10 minutes
Module 2 Summary 5 minutes

4 assignments Total 90 minutes

Knowledge Check 20 minutes
Knowledge Check 20 minutes
Knowledge Check 20 minutes
Module 2 Exam 30 minutes

3 plugins Total 90 minutes

tRNA and mRNA Puzzles 30 minutes
PTC Puzzles 30 minutes
Synthetic Biology Puzzles 30 minutes

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(49 ratings)

Rhiju Das

Stanford University

1 Course 7,105 learners

Offered by

Stanford University

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Showing 3 of 154

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

its a very interseting Course. It helps you to strong your concepts and gain knowledege

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

This course was very informative and well organized. I especially liked the clear explanation of the course. I learned a lot of great information that I never imagined learning in such detail.

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2025

overall a very good introduction for RNA biology would have preferred more videos and maybe more background info

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Frequently asked questions

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RNA Biology with Eterna

RNA Biology with Eterna

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

There are 2 modules in this course

Introduction to RNA

What's included

3 videos Total 10 minutes

7 readings Total 64 minutes

4 assignments Total 90 minutes

3 plugins Total 50 minutes

The Ribosome and Translation

What's included

2 videos Total 9 minutes

4 readings Total 35 minutes

4 assignments Total 90 minutes

3 plugins Total 90 minutes

Instructor

Offered by

Explore more from Basic Science

mRNAs as Medicines

Researcher's guide to RNA sequencing data

General Biology

The Little Stuff: Energy, Cells, and Genetics

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Jennifer J.

Larry W.

Chaitanya A.

Learner reviews

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Advance your career with an online degree

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Frequently asked questions

More questions

RNA Biology with Eterna

RNA Biology with Eterna

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

There are 2 modules in this course

Introduction to RNA

What's included

The Ribosome and Translation

What's included

Instructor

Offered by

Explore more from Basic Science

mRNAs as Medicines

Researcher's guide to RNA sequencing data

General Biology

The Little Stuff: Energy, Cells, and Genetics

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Jennifer J.

Larry W.

Chaitanya A.

Learner reviews

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Advance your career with an online degree

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Frequently asked questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

Is financial aid available?

More questions