
Biology is a basic subject for all college majors. This means that even if you don’t want to be a biologist, you still have to take biology classes. This is true if you want to be a teacher. It’s also true if you want to be a writer or lawyer or something in between.
When it comes to learning biology online free, there are many options.
This makes it easy for you to meet the requirements for your degree. It also means you can finish an online certification with more ease.
There are many kinds of biology courses, too. For example, free biology classes online include much more than intro to biology online courses. You can also take courses like:
- Genetics
- Evolution
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Botany
And that’s just a few!
Featured Programs
Disclaimer: Some courses may include an affiliate link. Courses were chosen first based on the methodology with affiliate links only added after the ranking was complete.
Biology is a very broad field. Because of this, there are plenty of ways to learn biology online.
But not all free online biology courses are made equal. Paid online biology courses aren’t made equal, either.
Some courses are very detailed and provide great learning opportunities. Others are just so-so. For this reason, it’s necessary to explore your options before choosing a free online biology course.
The rankings below list some of the best biology lessons online. The courses on this list were selected using very specific criteria. Let’s explore how we ranked these biology classes.
Methodology to Determine the Best Online Courses for Biology
Choosing the best way to learn biology online free means looking at the courses from different points.
In other words, you can’t just look at price as the only factor. You also can’t just look at the ratings from past students.
Instead, we’ve created a method that looks at five factors that tell you the quality of the class:
- Affordability
- Learning Level
- Accreditation
- Course Ratings
- Flexibility
By using five factors, we can create a course profile. This gives you the details needed to select the right course.
For example, while a class might be affordable, it might not be the right learning level. As another example, a course that has high ratings from students might not have the flexibility you need.
In other words, this ranking system takes key criteria and summarizes it. This way, you can quickly evaluate the courses and select the best one.
Below are more details about each of these criteria.
Affordability
The price of an online biology course is probably the most important factor for most people.
As stated above, there are many free biology courses online. However, some of the top biology courses require a fee.
Fees might be a one-time payment to access a class. They might also be ongoing fees charged to you each month. Other classes charge a fee to get a certificate once the course is finished.
Furthermore, some biology courses online are very inexpensive while others might be out of your budget.
Because expense is so important, we give it more weight than the other criteria.
This criterion is scored as follows:
- Free: 6 points
- Under $10: 5 points
- $11-20: 4 points
- $21-30: 3 points
- $31-40: 2 points
- $41 and above: 1 point
Learning Level
As you’ll see below, most of the courses on this list are for beginners. Most biology tutorials online are.
If you’re a new college student, beginner courses are likely the best. However, if you’re more advanced, intermediate or advanced courses are usually more appropriate.
Learning level is scored based on the difficulty of the class. So, beginner courses get fewer points than advanced ones.
This criterion is scored as follows:
- Advanced: 3 points
- Intermediate: 2 points
- Beginner: 1 point
Accreditation
To be accredited, a school has to meet standards. These standards are set by experts in education. Accreditation is a way to protect the interests of students. This is done by showing that a school has met or exceeded those standards.
Additionally, accreditation is important for transferring credits.
For example, if you take an online biology course that’s accredited, it is more likely to be accepted for credit by another school. This is very important. If your goal is to get a degree, the more accredited classes you take, the more graduation requirements you can meet.
In some cases, employers prefer that you take accredited courses as well. This goes back to the fact that to be accredited, schools have to meet certain educational standards.
This is scored as follows:
- The school is accredited: 1 point
- No accreditation: 0 points
Course Ratings
One of the first things many people look at about an online course is its rating.
Ratings from past students can provide insights into a class that other criteria can’t. For example, a class might be affordable, but if its ratings aren’t very good, that’s a warning sign to think twice.
So, while ratings from past students shouldn’t be the only thing you look at, they’re still a main factor to think about.
They give you insight into what a class is really like. You can get an idea of the student experience too. Ratings also indicate if the course lives up to expectations.
This criterion is scored as follows:
- 5 stars: 4 points
- 4.5+ stars: 3 points
- 4+ stars: 2 points
- 3.5+ stars: 1 point
- No ratings: 0 points
Flexibility
One of the best things about online learning is that you can learn from anywhere, at anytime.
But not all free biology courses online (or paid ones) are equally flexible.
Some classes allow you to learn at your own pace. Others have strict deadlines.
Furthermore, some biology classes allow you to download course materials so you can learn offline. Others don’t provide that benefit.
The more flexible a class is, the more likely it is to suit your needs. Therefore, the more flexible a class is, the more points it earns in our rankings.
This criterion is scored as follows:
- Highly flexible: 2 points
- Moderate flexibility: 1 point
- Low flexibility: 0 points
With that, you have a clearer idea of our ranking methodology.
Using these five factors, we’re able to assign an overall score to each course. The higher the overall score, the higher the course ranking.
Now let’s have a look at ten of the best online courses in biology according to our rankings.
Ranking the Best Online Courses for Biology
#10: Modern Biology
Carnegie Mellon University offers this class. It is intermediate level. It includes a discussion of many different fields of biology. This includes genetics, cellular biology, and biochemistry.
More specifically, there are lessons about:
- Atoms
- Equilibrium
- Lipids and membranes
- DNA
- Metabolism
The course is divided into five units. Each unit has multiple modules within it.
The course is designed to follow a semester-length schedule. That makes this one of the longest courses on this list.
Points: 8
Affordability: $25
Learning Level: Beginner to intermediate (scored as intermediate).
Accreditation: Carnegie Mellon University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Course Ratings: None
Flexibility: High. This course is self-paced. However, it is recommended that you complete the class over the course of a semester.
#9: Tales From the Genome
This 10-part class from Udacity is an introduction to genetics. You’ll begin the free online biology course by learning about heredity. You’ll also learn about inherited traits.
From there, you’ll explore DNA structures and genome organization. There is also a unit on how genomes operate.
Additionally, you’ll cover the following topics in-depth:
- Gene regulation
- Mutations
- Genetic traits
- Drugs and genes
This is a free course that you can complete on your own time. It is recommended you finish the class within three months, however.
Industry professionals teach the course and provide rich learning content. This includes interactive quizzes to test your knowledge.
Points: 9
Affordability: Free
Learning Level: Beginner
Accreditation: None
Course Ratings: None
Flexibility: High. Course materials are 100 percent online. The class is self-paced too.
#8: Anatomy Specialization
Anatomy is one of the basics you need to take in biology. This course is provided by the University of Michigan and Coursera.
This is not just a single class. Instead, it is four anatomy classes. Over the course of the specialization, you learn about different body systems.
For example, you’ll explore the nervous system and the respiratory system. You’ll also learn about:
- The urinary system
- The reproductive system
- The cardiovascular system
By examining the human body from a systems approach, you learn how organs and their systems function. You’ll also learn how different systems work together.
These top online biology courses come with a large multimedia library. You can view models and other materials to help you understand the concepts better.
These courses take about two months to complete. They are completely online and you can set your own deadlines.
Points: 9
Affordability: Enrollment is free, but a small fee (usually around $50) may be required. There are other costs for the specialization, which requires a subscription. Subscriptions are typically $39-$89 per month. As such, this is scored as a paid course. Learn more about Coursera pricing.
Learning Level: Beginner
Accreditation: The University of Michigan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Course Ratings: Each course has at least a 4.8 out of 5 star rating.
Flexibility: High. You can learn at your own pace. You can also set deadlines according to your needs.
#7: Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 1: The Electrical Properties of the Neuron
This is a free course from Harvard University and edX. It is an introductory course in neuroscience. The class explores the nervous system of the human body.
Specifically, you’ll learn how neurons operate and function. This includes examining how neurons work together in the nervous system. You’ll also explore the complexity of brain structures.
You’ll also gain an understanding of:
- How neurons use electricity to transmit information
- How neurons are structured
- What action potential is, and why it is important
A unique aspect of this class is that you get to learn how to conduct neuroscience experiments in your own home. This is done after getting an online tour of Harvard’s own neuroscience labs.
This is the first of three classes in a larger neuroscience course. This class (and the other two in the series) are free and self-paced. This free online biology class requires around 3-5 hours of work per week for five weeks.
Points: 9
Affordability: Free, though a $99 fee applies if you want a certificate.
Learning Level: Beginner
Accreditation: Harvard University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Course Ratings: None
Flexibility: Moderate. This course is instructor-paced. However, you are given plenty of time to complete each lesson and assignment.
#6: Quantitative Biology Workshop
If you’re interested in learning how to use computational methods to solve biology questions, this course is for you. It is an intermediate class. Some biology background is required. No prior programming experience needed, though.
This is a free course from MIT and edX. It covers the main tools used in biology research.
You will be introduced to a variety of concepts, including different programming languages, such as:
- MATLAB
- PyMOL
- Python
- R
The purpose of studying different programs is to allow you to discover which one fits your needs best. You will apply your learning with these programs to various fields of biology. This includes neuroscience, genomics, and population biology.
The free online biology course 4-8 hours of work per week. It should be completed in nine weeks.
Points: 10
Affordability: Free, though a $99 fee applies if you want a certificate.
Learning Level: Intermediate
Accreditation: MIT is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Course Ratings: None
Flexibility: Moderate. There is a nine-week timeline to complete the class. However, since all activities are online, you can complete each week’s tasks on your own time.
#5: Biology 101: Reproduction
This Udemy course gives you a broad overview of the process of reproduction. You’ll explore human reproduction. Plant reproduction is a topic of study as well.
You will learn about both male and female reproductive systems. This includes a discussion of fertilization. You’ll also explore the development of embryos.
Other topics in this top biology online class include:
- The parts of a flower
- The menstrual cycle
- Human pregnancy
The majority of the learning material in this class is video-based. There are other resources too. This includes multiple articles and downloadables.
This is a paid course, but you get full lifetime access, so you can work at your own pace. It’s also offered on mobile and TV for your convenience.
Points: 10
Affordability: $10.99 (at the time of this writing).
Learning Level: Beginner
Accreditation: None
Course Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Flexibility: High. With lifetime access, you can learn biology online at your leisure.
#4: Fundamentals of Biology
This free course from Alison is a very basic introduction to biology. You learn the essential characteristics of living things. This includes how they are built and how they grow.
You’ll also explore a unit on evolution. There are studies on plants, too. You can also expect to learn about:
- The digestive system
- Types of foods and nutrients
- Growth and reproduction
In all, you’ll explore nine topics in this class. It’s one of the shortest classes on this list. You should be able to complete it in no more than 2-3 hours.
The free online biology class concludes with an assessment to test the knowledge you’ve gained. Though this class isn’t for credit, taking it could be a nice introduction to biology. It could also be a quick refresher before you take another more advanced course.
Points: 11
Affordability: Free
Learning Level: Beginner
Accreditation: None
Course Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars
Flexibility: High. This class is completely self-paced. You can access the course on mobile devices so you can learn on the go too.
#3: Foundations of Computational and Systems Biology
Offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), this class explores computational biology.
As a graduate course, this class provides a challenge to students that are advancing their knowledge of biology.
Course topics include biological systems, structural modeling, and protein sequences.
You’ll also learn about:
- Network modeling
- Current biological research
- Sequence alignment
- Motif finding
This is a free, open-source class from one of the top universities in the world. It comes with many resources. There are video lectures and lecture notes. There is also a collection of assignments.
Since this is a free class, it is not offered for credit. However, because it is graduate level, you should have some skills before taking it. In particular, a good understanding of introductory biology and biochemistry is needed.
Points: 12
Affordability: Free
Learning Level: Advanced
Accreditation: MIT is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Course Ratings: None
Flexibility: High. This course is open-source and can be completed at your own pace.
#2: Genes and the Human Condition
From the University of Maryland and Coursera, this free course explores human genetics. You’ll also learn about the technologies used to study genes. You can expect to study evolution, too.
There are eight lessons in this online biology course. The lessons cover topics related to:
- Genes and behavior
- Epidemiology
- Genetic Engineering
The study of these topics is done to help you understand the connection between genes, evolution, and biology.
The course also asks important questions. This includes, “How does biotechnology impact medical treatment?”. Another important question is, “What is the relationship between social policy and biology?”
You can access the materials for this course online immediately upon class registration. There are flexible deadlines. This means you can learn at your own pace.
Points: 13
Affordability: Enrollment is free, but fees might be associated with some features of the class. Fees are generally around $50, but vary. Other costs might be involved as well. Learn more about Coursera pricing.
Learning Level: Beginner
Accreditation: The University of Maryland is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Course Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Flexibility: High. You can set deadlines to fit your schedule. You can also complete the course at your own pace.
#1: Introduction to Genetics and Evolution
Duke University and Coursera offer this mixed-level course. It includes very basic concepts in biology. There are more advanced studies as well.
One of the focuses of this best online biology class is to correct misunderstandings about biology. For example, you’ll learn about the limits of commercial DNA kits and what they can and cannot tell you about your ancestry.
Other topics in this class include:
- Population growth
- Population genetics
- Sexual Selection
- Speciation
There are a total of 11 lessons in this course. You can access each lesson online as soon as you register for the class. It is recommended that you spend about five hours per week working on the course lessons. The course would be finished in about eight weeks at this pace.
Points: 14
Affordability: Enrollment is free, but fees might be associated with some features of the class. Fees are generally around $50, but vary. Other costs might be involved as well. Learn more about Coursera pricing.
Learning Level: Beginner to intermediate (scored as intermediate).
Accreditation: Duke University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Course Ratings: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Flexibility: High. You can begin the course immediately. You can set your own deadlines as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a biologist?
The first step in becoming a biologist is to explore the different areas of biology. Free biology courses online are a great way to do this. These courses help you figure out what areas you’re interested in pursuing for your studies and your career.
In most cases, you need at least a bachelor’s degree to become a biologist.
To get a bachelor’s degree typically takes four years of full-time studies. In many cases, about 120 college credit hours are needed to finish a biology degree. Of those 120 credits, about half are general education courses. General education classes include math, humanities, and language arts, to name a few.
The other 60 credits are biology classes. These classes are very broad. You might take anthropology and botany. You might also take microbiology and biochemistry.
Upon graduating, you’ll be qualified for many entry-level positions. If you want to get a higher-paying job, a master’s degree or doctorate is needed.
A master’s degree gives you a chance to take advanced classes in biology. Classes are usually more focused on a specific area as well.
For example, if you’re interested in molecular biology, most of your classes would probably center around that topic.
In other words, there are fewer elective courses and more courses in your chosen area. Still, regardless of your area of specialty, you can expect to take some electives. These might include anatomy, physiology, genetics, and ecology.
Master’s degrees also usually require research. For example, as part of a biology master’s program, you might research the effect that pollution has on fish habitats. As another example, you might study the relationship between global warming and melting polar ice caps.
A master’s degree in biology usually that you complete 30 or more credit hours. If you attend school full-time, these requirements can be finished in about two years.
For the most advanced jobs in biology, a doctorate is usually required. This is especially true of jobs in biology research.
These programs require students to already have a master’s degree. This is because studies at this level are very advanced. Having a comprehensive background in biology is a must.
Usually, classes at this level are more research-focused and independent. You can also expect to participate in workshops and seminars. These are more interactive courses than typical lecture classes.
Internships can be expected, too. These experiences help you get more knowledge of biology. They also help you expand what you learn about your chosen field of study.
Much of the research you complete at this level is for your dissertation. A dissertation is a summary of original research. You design the research. Then you carry it out in a laboratory and analyze the results. You then have to defend your research to a panel of experts.
Doctoral programs in biology can take 3-5 years or more to complete. But, as noted earlier, having a doctorate will open up many more doors for employment than a master’s or bachelor’s degree.
What types of biology can I study online?
You can study a lot of types of biology online. Our rankings above are a good example of this!
Below are just a few examples of biology lessons online you can explore:
Genetics – Genetics is the study of heredity. You learn about how traits are inherited from parents. You also learn about the structure and function of genes.
Ecology – This class is a study of plants and animals. You learn about the diversity of life and food chains. You also examine different ecosystems. Many of these courses include a discussion of current environmental issues too.
Physiology – This class involves the study of biological functions. You’ll do so at the cell and tissue levels. Students also study biology at the organism level. You will learn about the structure and function of cells too. Most often, these classes examine the human body.
Neuroscience – This is the study of how the brain and behavior are related. You learn about the nervous system. You also learn about learning and memory. Some courses also include a review of mental disorders, like autism.
Biochemistry – This class explores how to apply chemistry to biology. This is done at the molecular and cellular levels. The purpose of this class is to examine the chemical make-up of living systems.
Evolution – This course explores the features of evolution. This includes natural selection. It also includes genetic drift and migration. You’ll learn how these things relate to one another. You’ll also look at the origin of major species.
Immunology – Courses in this field look at how cells recognize disease. More specifically, it focuses on the chemicals in the body that regulate the immune system. It also studies how changes in the immune system can cause disease.
Microbiology – If you take this course, you’ll learn about microbes. The structure and functions of microbes is a central theme. Additionally, evolution is discussed. You learn how microbes develop. You also learn how plants and animals defend against infection.
Why should I study biology?
There is a lot of value in studying biology.
First, it helps you learn about the world around you. From the cells in your body to reproduction to evolution, there are many topics you can explore.
Second, biology is a great undergraduate major.
Biology gives you a wide variety of studies, which makes you well-rounded. It is also focused on research. This is an advantage if you want to continue your education with a master’s degree.
There is plenty of flexibility with a bachelor’s degree in biology, too. It can prepare you for all kinds of master’s degrees – not just biology.
Third, a degree in biology is helpful for several careers. A bachelor’s degree is usually good for entry-level work. But you can find more advanced jobs with additional education.
A biology degree could lead to any number of careers. You could be a wildlife biologist or a research scientist. You could become a teacher or study marine biology. There are tons of options!
A degree in biology could result in a job in offices or laboratories. You could also do work in the field. For example, if you become a wildlife biologist, you will likely spend a lot of time studying wild animals in their natural habitat.
In other words, a biology degree doesn’t lead to one specific path. It offers many choices, and that flexibility is yet another reason to study biology.
What are some online biology courses with certificates?
Some free online biology courses have the option to get a certificate. In fact, several of the courses in our rankings have this option.
The Fundamentals of Neuroscience course from Harvard ane edX is one example. As noted above, this class focuses on the electrical properties of the neuron. You also learn how neurons function and how they operate.
The certificate costs $99.00. It is an official and verified document. The instructor from the course signs the certificate. It also has the Harvard logo. This is to verify that the course was taken from that school.
Another example of an online biology course with a certificate is the Quantitative Biology Workshop from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and edX.
As the course summary describes, this class revolves around the tools used in biology research.
Again, this certificate is official, verified, and costs $99.00. You get the certificate electronically, which lets you easily share it online. For example, you might put the certificate on your LinkedIn page. You could also add it to your resume.
There are many other courses with certificate options, too. Not all certificates cost extra money. In some cases, they are part of the course fees.
One example is the Anatomy Specialization course from the University of Michigan and Coursera.
This class includes a certificate with the course fees and subscription. To get the certificate, you have to complete the class assignments. You also have to finish the class project. After that, the certificate is yours.
Whatever the situation, a certificate shows that you have advanced your education. This is often viewed positively by potential employers. Having a certificate could improve your ability to get a job.
What careers are available with a degree in biology?
Biology is such a wide field that it prepares you for many different careers. Below are just a few examples of possible careers you can get with a degree in this field.
Pharmacy Technician – Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in providing medications to patients. Additionally, they are responsible for organizing medications and measuring them. They must also label medicines correctly. In some cases, an associate’s degree in biology is enough to find work in this field.
Biological Technician – A biological technician works in a laboratory and conducts research. One of their main jobs is to carry out experiments and document the results. These jobs can be found in many different industries. This includes drug companies, government agencies, and medical facilities. Usually, this career requires a bachelor’s degree.
Teacher – A degree in biology is ideal for someone that wants to be a teacher. To teach K-12, you might need to take additional courses to become a certified teacher. However, in some cases, having a bachelor’s degree in biology could qualify you for emergency certification to teach. To teach biology at the college level, a master’s degree is a must. A doctorate is even better.
Drug Sales Representative – A drug sales representative sells medicine and other supplies to hospitals and medical clinics. A degree in biology allows you to explain how a drug works. It also helps you explain the side effects a drug might have. In many cases, a bachelor’s degree is all that’s needed for this job.
Medical Services Manager – A medical services manager oversees policies and procedures in a medical setting. This is usually in a hospital. They are typically responsible for hiring staff to meet the needs of patients. They also supervise various medical staff. This job often requires a master’s degree, but not always.
Physician’s Assistant – A physician’s assistant is a licensed medical provider. They work under the supervision of a licensed medical doctor to diagnose and treat medical illnesses. A degree in biology is a good foundation for this career. But it requires advanced studies as well. Physician’s assistants must go to PA school. They also have to pass a national certification exam and get a license in the state where they wish to work.
What is the job outlook for biologists?
The job outlook for biologists depends on the exact field of work.
For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 7 percent job growth for biological technicians over the next 10 years. This is about average for all occupations.
By contrast, the BLS anticipates just 5 percent job growth for epidemiologists. A 6 percent job growth rate is expected for biophysicists and biochemists.
By and large, most careers in the field of biology are expected to grow at an average rate in the near future.
What is the pay for biologists?
The pay for biologists varies greatly. Income depends on education level. It also depends on experience.
For example, a recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree and no work experience will earn less than someone with a master’s degree and five years of experience.
The salary also depends on the specific field of biology. For example, biological technicians earned an average annual salary of $44,500 in 2018. Physician’s assistants, on the other hand, earned a yearly annual salary of $108,610 in 2018.
Where you are employed can also impact how much money you make as a biologist.
A biological technician that works in the medical manufacturing industry earns an average salary of $49,620. But one that works for the federal government can expect to earn much less – around $38,970 per year.
According to the BLS, a physician’s assistant that works at an outpatient care center earns an average of $115,560. But if they are employed in education, the average annual salary is $102,870.
OCR Staff
February 2020
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