Ever wondered what makes your heart beat? Or how plants turn sunlight into food? Or why some people are allergic to peanuts? If you’re curious about the living world, then online biology courses are the perfect way to learn more.
With so many different courses to choose from, you can find one that’s perfect for your interests and learning style. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, an online biology course can help you take your knowledge to the next level.
And the best part? You can study from the comfort of your home at your own pace. So what are you waiting for? Read on to find out these best online biology courses.
Is It Worth It to Take an Online Biology Course?
Whether or not taking an online biology course is worth it depends on your circumstances and goals.
If you are a self-motivated learner looking for a convenient and affordable way to learn biology, an online course may be a good option. However, if you are looking for a more structured learning environment or need lab experience, then a traditional course may be a better fit.
If you are still undecided, I recommend talking to an academic advisor or a biology professor to get their advice. They can help you assess your needs and goals and make the best decision.
What are the Requirements for Taking an Online Biology Course With a Certificate?
The requirements for taking an online biology course with a certificate vary depending on the institution. However, some common requirements include:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Some college-level coursework in biology or a related subject
- A strong academic record
- Proficiency in English
- A commitment to completing the course requirements
- Some institutions may also require applicants to submit letters of recommendation or take a placement test.
In addition to the general requirements, some online biology courses may have specific prerequisites. For example, a course on cell biology may require students to have taken a general biology course first.
Check out these 11 best Harvard free online courses- 11 Harvard Free Online Courses for You.
How Long Does It Take to Finish an Online Biology Course?
The amount of time it takes to finish an online biology course depends on several factors, including:
- The specific course and its requirements
- Your prior knowledge of biology
- Your study habits and time commitment
- The pace of the course
- Whether you are taking the course full-time or part-time
A single online biology course can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to complete. However, depending on the abovementioned factors, some courses may be shorter or longer.
What are the Best Platforms That Offer the Best Online Biology Courses in 2024
Udemy, edX, Coursera, and Alison are all popular online learning platforms offering various biology courses. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, so choosing the one that best meets your needs is important.
Udemy is a massive open online course (MOOC) platform that offers courses on various topics, including biology. Experts in their field typically teach Udemy courses, and they offer a variety of formats, including video lectures, interactive exercises, and quizzes.
edX is another MOOC platform that offers courses from top universities worldwide. edX courses are also typically taught by experts in their field, and they offer a variety of features, such as interactive simulations, peer-to-peer collaboration, and graded assignments.
Coursera is a MOOC platform that partners with top universities to offer courses. Coursera courses are similar to edX courses in terms of quality and features. However, Coursera courses are typically more expensive than edX courses.
Alison is a non-profit online learning platform that offers free courses on various topics, including biology. Experts in their field teach Alison courses, and they offer a variety of features, such as video lectures, interactive exercises, and quizzes.
Check out these ten best online courses at Oxford University- Top 10 Best Online Courses at Oxford University.
Which Universities Provide the Best Online Biology Courses With Certification?
Many universities offer online biology courses with certification. Here are some of the best:
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- MIT
- Duke University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, San Diego
- John Hopkins University
- Rice University
15 Best Online Biology Courses with Certification in 2024
These best online biology courses were selected because of their flexibility, affordability, content quality, and expertise of the instructors. They include:
1. Introductory Biology
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: None
- Level: All Levels
- Time: 9.5 hours of on-demand video
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
This course teaches students the fundamentals of an introductory-level biology experience. It includes video lectures, fill-in lecture notes, and end-of-section tests. It is entirely up to you how you want to enjoy this course: fast-paced for future test prep or slower-paced for learners who prefer to take their time. The course covers most of the major aspects of a high school biology education or an introductory college course.
Online Biology Courses to Take
- Biology Basics
- Building Cells
- Cellular Basics
- Cell Reproduction
- DNA and the “Central Dogma of Biology”
Who is This Online Biology Course For?
This course is designed for students in high school, beginning college, and homeschooling. It will also help AP- test candidates.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Biology Course
Learn more about the natural world around you, develop a respect for life’s intricacies, and perform better on exams.
2. Sharks – The Ultimate Guide
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: None
- Level: All Levels
- Time: 5.5 hours of on-demand video
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
Sharks – The Ultimate Guide is an online course on Udemy that teaches you about sharks’ biology, behavior, and conservation. Greg Skomal, a marine biologist and shark expert, teaches the course. The course also includes several bonus materials, such as a glossary of shark terms, a list of shark-related resources, and a certificate of completion.
Online Biology Courses to Take
- Introduction to Sharks
- Shark History & Evolution
- Shark and Ray Classification
- Shark Anatomy & Biology
- Shark Identification
- Shark Behaviour
- Shark Senses
- Shark Reproduction
- Shark Conservation
- Sharks in Pop Culture
Who is This Online Biology Course For?
The Sharks – The Ultimate Guide online course is for anyone interested in learning more about sharks.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Biology Course
- The history and evolution of sharks
- The different types of sharks and rays
- The anatomy and biology of sharks
- How sharks sense their environment
- How sharks behave
- The threats facing sharks and how to conserve them
3. Bioprinting for Beginners
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: None
- Level: All Levels
- Time: 41 mins on-demand video
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
The Bioprinting for Beginners course on Udemy is a great resource for anyone wanting to learn this emerging technology’s basics. The course is well-organized and easy to follow.
Online Biology Courses to Take
- What is bioprinting?
- The different types of bioprinting technologies
- The materials used in bioprinting
- The cells used in bioprinting
- The applications of bioprinting
- The future of bioprinting
Who is This Online Biology Course For?
The Bioprinting for Beginners course on Udemy is for anyone interested in learning about this emerging technology.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Biology Course
- Different types of bioprinting technologies include inkjet printing, extrusion printing, and laser printing.
- The materials used in bioprinting include hydrogels, cell-laden gels, and synthetic polymers.
- The cells used in bioprinting include stem cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells.
- The bioprinting applications include tissue engineering, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine.
- The future of bioprinting, such as the potential to print organs and other complex tissues.
4. Basics on Cell Biology | Cell Tissues & Functions | Biology
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 4.5 hours on-demand video
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
This course is a comprehensive introduction to cell biology, covering the basic concepts of cell structure, function, and organization. The course also includes several quizzes and exercises to help you test your knowledge and understanding of the material.
Online Biology Courses to Take
- The concept of the cell and its discovery
- Detailed definitions of unicellular and multicellular organisms
- Shape, size, and number of cells in a particular organism
- Difference between plant and animal cell
- The three important components of cells- cell membrane, cytoplasm, and cell organelles
- Structure and functions of membrane-bound cell organelles, etc.
Who is This Online Biology Course For?
The course is suitable for anyone who wants to learn more about the basic concepts of cell structure, function, and organization.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Biology Course
- You will learn the fundamental concepts of cell biology, which are essential for understanding the biology of all living organisms.
- You will gain a deeper understanding of the structure and function of cells, which will help you appreciate the complexity and sophistication of life.
- You will be able to identify the different types of tissues and their functions, which will help you understand how the body is organized.
- You will learn about the different life processes in cells, giving you a better understanding of how organisms function.
5. Introduction to Biology – The Secret of Life
- Platform: edX
- Institution: MIT
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 16 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese.
Introduction to Biology – The Secret of Life is an introductory biology course MITx offers on edX. The course is hosted by Professor Eric Lander, one of the leaders of the Human Genome Project. The course content reflects the topics taught in the MIT introductory biology courses and many biology courses worldwide.
Online Biology Courses to Take
- The Molecules of Life
- Cells
- DNA and RNA
- Protein Synthesis
- Heredity
- Evolution
- Population Genetics
- Genomics
- Recombinant DNA Technology
- Rational Medicine
Who is This Online Biology Course For?
The course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the science of life. The course suits high school students, college students, and adults interested in a career in biology or a related field.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Biology Course
- Biological molecules’ basic structure and function, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins.
- How cells work and how they interact with each other.
- How inheritance works and how genes control the development of organisms.
- The process of evolution and how it has shaped the diversity of life on Earth.
- The latest advances in biology include the Human Genome Project and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology.
- How biology is relevant to our everyday lives, such as in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.
6. Cell Biology: Mitochondria
- Platform: edX
- Institution: Harvard University
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 4 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Arabic
The online course Cell Biology: Mitochondria by Harvard University on edX is a four-week course that explores the fundamentals of cell biology, focusing on the mitochondrion, the organelle that powers the cell.
The course is taught by Professor Robert A. Lue, a Professor of Molecular and
Cellular Biology at Harvard University. In addition to the lecture videos, the course also includes a variety of other resources, such as interactive flashcards, practice quizzes, and a discussion forum. Students must also complete a final project to apply the concepts they have learned to a real-world problem.
Online Biology Courses to Take
- The structure and function of mitochondria
- The role of mitochondria in cell metabolism
- The molecular biology of mitochondrial DNA
- The genetics of mitochondrial diseases
- The implications of mitochondrial biology for human health and disease.
Who is This Online Biology Course For?
This online course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about mitochondria and their role in cell biology.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Biology Course
- You will learn that mitochondria are the cell’s ” powerhouses ” responsible for generating most of the cell’s ATP.
- You will learn about the different parts of the mitochondrion, including the outer membrane, inner membrane, and mitochondrial matrix.
- You will learn how mitochondria generate ATP, including oxidative and substrate-level phosphorylation.
- You will learn about the role of mitochondria in cell signaling and apoptosis.
- You will learn about the genetics of mitochondrial diseases caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA, etc.
7. Molecular Biology – Part 1: DNA Replication and Repair
- Platform: edX
- Institution: MIT
- Level: Advanced
- Time: 9 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, Chinese
This online course is a self-paced course that covers the essential concepts of DNA replication and repair. The course is designed to be challenging but accessible to students with a basic understanding of biology. The course materials include video lectures, interactive activities, and problem sets. Students are also encouraged to participate in online discussions with the instructor and other students.
Online Biology Courses to Take
- The structure of DNA
- The mechanisms of DNA replication
- The fidelity of DNA replication
- DNA repair pathways
- The impact of DNA damage on cells
- The role of DNA replication and repair in diseases.
Who is This Online Biology Course For?
This course is for students interested in learning more about this important topic. The course is also a good preparation for students planning to pursue a career in molecular biology or genetics.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Biology Course
- The structure of DNA and how it is replicated
- The different mechanisms of DNA replication
- The fidelity of DNA replication and how errors are corrected
- The different types of DNA damage and how they are repaired
- The impact of DNA damage on cells and organisms
- The role of DNA replication and repair in diseases such as cancer
- The experimental methods used to study DNA replication and repair
- The ethical and social implications of DNA replication and repair research
8. AP® Biology – Part 1: The Cell
- Platform: edX
- Institution: Rice University
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 4 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
AP® Biology – Part 1: The Cell is an online course Rice University offers on edX. It is the first course in a comprehensive series designed to prepare students for the AP Biology exam. The course covers the essential topics of cell biology, including the structure and function of cells, the chemistry of life, and cell communication.
The course is taught by expert AP Biology teachers who use various teaching methods to engage students and facilitate learning. These methods include lecture videos, interactive activities, practice problems, and assessments.
Online Biology Courses to Take
- Introduction to cell biology
- The structure of cells
- The chemistry of life
- Cell communication
- Cell growth and division
- Cell respiration
- Photosynthesis
- DNA replication and transcription
- Gene expression
- Regulation of gene expression
Who is This Online Biology Course For?
This course is designed for students interested in learning about cell biology and preparing for the AP Biology exam. It is a good fit for students with a strong foundation in high school biology, but it is also accessible to students with no prior experience in biology.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Biology Course
- Understand the basic structure and function of cells
- Explain the chemistry of life, including the structure and function of biomolecules
- Describe the different types of cell communication
- Apply their knowledge of cell biology to solve biological problems
9. Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: Rice University
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 4 months
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
The Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization by Rice University on Coursera is a three-course series that provides a broad overview of these three important fields of biology. Dr. Scott Solomon, a professor of biology at Rice University, teaches each course. Dr. Solomon is a passionate educator who uses engaging stories and visuals to make the science of biology come alive.
Online Biology Courses to Take
- Ecosystems: What are they? How do they work?
- Population ecology: How do populations of organisms grow and change?
- Community ecology: How do different species interact with each other?
- Ecosystem services: The benefits that ecosystems provide to humans
- Evolution: How does evolution work?
- Natural selection: The driving force of evolution
- Genetic drift: The random changes in allele frequencies in a population, etc.
Who is This Online Biology Course For?
This course is for anyone interested in learning more about the natural world. It is open to learners of all levels, from high school students to professionals.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Biology Course
- The basic concepts of ecology, evolution, and biodiversity
- The different types of ecosystems and how they work
- The factors that influence the growth and change of populations
- The interactions between different species
- The benefits that ecosystems provide to humans
- The history of life on Earth and the processes that have led to the diversity of life we see today, etc.
10. Introduction to Genetics and Evolution
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: Duke University
- Level: All Levels
- Time: 3 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Arabic, German, Portuguese (European), Vietnamese, Russian, English, Italian, French, Romanian, Spanish
The Introduction to Genetics and Evolution course on Coursera by Duke University is a college-level course that provides a basic overview of the principles of genetics and evolution. Mohamed Noor, a professor of biology at Duke University, teaches the course. The course also includes interactive activities and exercises like quizzes, coding challenges, and peer-reviewed assignments.
Online Biology Courses to Take
- The structure and function of DNA
- Gene expression and regulation
- Mutation and genetic variation
- Mendelian genetics
- Population genetics
- Natural selection
- Speciation and evolution
Who is This Online Biology Course For?
This course is intended for anyone interested in learning about the basics of genetics and evolution. This includes students, professionals, and anyone wanting to learn more about these important topics.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Biology Course
- Explain the basic principles of genetics and evolution
- Understand how DNA is structured and how it functions
- Describe how genes are expressed and regulated
- Explain how mutations cause genetic variation
- Apply Mendelian genetics to understand inheritance patterns
- Use population genetics to study the evolution of populations
- Explain the role of natural selection in evolution
- Describe the process of speciation
11. Biology Meets Programming: Bioinformatics for Beginners
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: University of California, San Diego
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 3 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Arabic, German, Portuguese (European), Vietnamese, Russian, Portuguese (Brazilian), English, Italian, French, Spanish
The course “Biology Meets Programming: Bioinformatics for Beginners” by the University of California, San Diego, on Coursera, is a beginner-level course that teaches you the basics of bioinformatics and programming in Python. The course is self-paced and can be completed in 3 weeks. Enrolling is free, but you can pay for a certificate of completion.
Online Biology Courses to Take
- Introduction to bioinformatics
- Biological sequences
- Data structures and algorithms
- Programming in Python
- Biological problems and their solutions
Who is This Online Biology Course For?
This online course is for anyone interested in learning more about bioinformatics and programming. It is a great course for students, researchers, and professionals in biology, computer science, and other fields.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Biology Course
- The basics of bioinformatics, including data structures, algorithms, and biological problems
- How to program in Python
- How to use Python to solve biological problems
- How to access and analyze biological data
- How to interpret the results of biological analyses
12. Cancer Biology Specialization
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: John Hopkins University
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 1 month
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, Spanish, Persian, Catalan, Portuguese (Brazilian), Dutch, Turkish, Hebrew
The Cancer Biology Specialization by Johns Hopkins University on Coursera is a five-course program that provides an in-depth introduction to cancer biology. The courses cover cancer genetics, tumor cell biology, signaling pathways, metabolism, and immunotherapy.
The specialization is taught by world-renowned cancer biologists from Johns Hopkins University, and it is designed for students with a basic understanding of biology. No prior experience in cancer biology is required.
Online Biology Courses to Take
- Cancer Genetics
- Tumor Cell Biology
- Cancer Signaling Pathways
- Cancer Metabolism
- Cancer Immunotherapy
Who is This Online Biology Course For?
This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about cancer biology. This includes students, researchers, healthcare professionals, and anyone else who wants to gain a deeper understanding of this complex and fascinating field.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Biology Course
- The genetic basis of cancer
- The biology of cancer cells
- The molecular pathways that regulate cancer cell growth and proliferation
- How cancer cells adapt their metabolism to support their growth and survival
- The use of the immune system to fight cancer
- The latest advances in cancer research
13. Wildlife Conservation and Ecosystems
- Platform: Alison
- Institution: None
- Level: All Levels
- Time: 1.5-3 Hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
The Wildlife Conservation and Ecosystems course on Alison is a free online course covering essential conservation concepts. The course is self-paced and can be completed at your convenience. It is divided into six modules, each containing several lessons and quizzes. You can also earn a certificate of completion upon successful completion of the course.
Online Biology Courses to Take
- Introduction to conservation and its history
- Ethics and values of conservation
- Biodiversity and its benefits
- The role of genes in biodiversity
- The relationship between species and their ecosystems
- Methods of maintaining ecosystem and structural biodiversity
- Factors that lead to species rarity
- The instrumental values of species
- Extinction and its causes
- Practical aspects of wildlife conservation
Who is This Online Biology Course For?
It is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about wildlife conservation, including students, professionals, and the general public.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Biology Course
- The importance of biodiversity and why it is essential to conserve it
- The different factors that threaten wildlife populations, such as habitat loss, climate change, and pollution
- The different ways to conserve wildlife, such as protected areas, captive breeding programs, and education and awareness campaigns
- The ethical considerations involved in wildlife conservation
- The challenges and opportunities of wildlife conservation in the 21st century
14. Human Health – Human Development and Health
- Platform: Alison
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 1.5-3 Hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, and Chinese
The Human Health – Health and Human Development course on Alison is a free online course that covers the basics of human development and the factors that affect it. The course also includes many activities and assessments to help you test your knowledge and understanding of the material.
Online Biology Courses to Take
- Introduction to Human Development
- Physical Development
- Emotional Development
- Intellectual Development
Who is This Online Biology Course For?
This online course is for anyone interested in learning more about human development.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Biology Course
- The different stages of human development
- The factors that influence human development
- The physical, emotional, and intellectual changes that occur throughout the lifespan
- The importance of health and well-being
- How to promote healthy development
15. An Introduction to Forest Management
- Platform: Alison
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 1.5-3 Hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: None
This course is a free course that provides an overview of the principles and practices of forest management. This course is a valuable resource for anyone who learns about forest management. It would provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge that you could build upon in future studies or your career.
Online Biology Courses to Take
- The definition of forests and their different types
- The ecological benefits and value of forests
- The history of forest management
- The factors that affect plant growth in forests
- The different silvicultural systems and practices used in forest management
- The latest trends in forest management, such as social forestry and wildlife conservation
- The threats to forests and how to mitigate them
Who is This Online Biology Course For?
It suits anyone interested in forest management, including students, professionals, and the general public.
What You’ll Learn From This Online Biology Course
- The importance of forests to the environment
- The different ways that forests can be managed
- The challenges of forest management in the 21st century
- The importance of sustainable forest management
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of online biology courses with certification varies depending on the course and the institution. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,000 per course.
The time it takes to complete an online biology course with certification varies depending on the course and the institution. However, most courses take between 4 and 12 weeks to complete.
There are a few ways to get financial aid for an online biology course with certification. One option is to apply for scholarships or grants. Another option is to see if your employer offers tuition reimbursement. You can also look into federal student loans.
The career prospects for someone with an online biology certification are good. Biology is a versatile field with many different career options.
Conclusion
The field of biology is vast and ever-changing, making it a challenging but rewarding subject to study. Online biology courses offer a flexible and convenient way to learn about this fascinating field, and many of them also offer certification upon completion.
With so many great online biology courses available, there is no excuse not to learn more about this fascinating field. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring today!
References
- alison.com– Free Online Biology Courses
- coursera.org– Best Biology Courses 2024
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