All college majors must take biology as a prerequisite. This means that you must attend biology classes either online or in a school even if you do not intend to be a biologist.
If you want to be a teacher, this is true. It applies whether you desire to be a writer, a lawyer, or something in between.
There are numerous possibilities for learning biology online for free. This makes it simple for you to complete your degree requirements.
It also implies you’ll have an easier time completing an online certification.
There are a variety of biology courses available as well. Free biology classes online, for example, provide a lot more than just an introduction to biology.
This article highlights the best online biology classes you can enroll in in 2024.
Can I Take a Biology Course Online?
Yes, it is very possible to take a biology course online.
There is a biology program online for everyone, from students who want to obtain a credential or pursue a job in the subject for the rest of their lives to those who simply want to learn more.
Here are some of the reasons why students may choose a specific path:
1. Method for learning a biological specialization that is both efficient and effective
Professionals in medicine and biology investigate a variety of concerns, problems, and circumstances with which they may be unfamiliar.
An online course is appropriate for instances were reading a textbook isn’t enough but enrolling in a complete program is too much.
Students can receive much-needed knowledge through online courses, which provide a practical and manageable learning environment.
2. Students are not required to choose between study and employment.
As students discover how important and flexible online degrees can be, they are becoming more popular.
Working professionals who find it difficult to attend classes, as well as working professionals who wish to expand their knowledge without compromising work or research experience, can benefit from online learning.
3. Biology offers a diverse range of subjects.
Many sub-disciplines of biology intersect often. For example, an environmental scientist may require extensive knowledge of microbiology.
How can that scientist have the in-depth knowledge of microbiology he or she needs without having to get a second degree?
Online biology courses that are self-contained can assist scientists to broaden their knowledge and improve their work.
Is Taking Biology Online Hard?
There is no such thing as a single learning pace when it comes to science.
Some students will find one unit to be quite easy, while others will find another unit to be extremely challenging.
This is applicable to online learning and traditional learning.
The issue is that when you’re in a classroom, there’s usually only one speed. Regardless of whether you fully understand the content or not, the teacher moves on to the next portion at the same rate.
Fortunately, when it comes to online learning, you have a lot more freedom in terms of selecting your own pace. You can either move ahead and finish units faster, or you can take your time and study a topic that is proving tough.
When it comes to studying a challenging subject like biology, taking online biology classes can be extremely beneficial.
However, determining if taking online biology classes is hard or not totally depends on the individual.
How Do Online Biology Classes Work?
Wondering how online biology class works? Like, how can practicals be done online? It’s simple!
Students can now effectively complete lab tasks at home in areas including biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and anatomy/physiology thanks to technological developments and novel instructional methodologies.
In most online biology classes, numerous lessons, videos, e-Books, and other materials will be available in your online biology course to assist you in learning about biology.
Also, human physiology, microbes, plants, animals, genetics, and a range of other subjects are covered.
The most common misunderstanding regarding online learning is that you will miss out on all of the exciting science experiments.
Many kids will tell you that doing hands-on experiments is their favorite aspect of science.
Fortunately, you can conduct experiments from the comfort of your own home with Biology Lab Kits!
You’ll be able to dissect a frog and learn about animal populations, flower structure, genetics, and phenotypes, among other things.
You’ll also obtain a broad understanding of how to perform science experiments by taking the online Biology Lab Kit course.
Based on the findings of your science experiments, you will create lab reports. Your scores will be determined by these lab reports, as well as midterm and final exams.
Truly, online biology classes allow students to complete the same curriculum as traditional biology classes, but through an online learning platform.
An online biology education could be the key to realizing your scientific goals.
Where Can I Take Biology Online?
There are several places where you can take online biology classes.
Students can acquire a feel for an online biology degree by taking free biology classes at the following seven schools.
Learners can decide whether or not this is the right vocation for them by starting with these free courses.
Students interested in biology may want to augment their online degrees with some free classes.
Here are the best place to take online biology classes for free and sometimes paid:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Open University
- University of Massachusetts at Boston
- Tufts University
- Yale University
- Duke University
- Carnegie Mellon University
List of the 15 Best Online Biology Classes in 2024 | Paid & Free
1. Introduction to Biology – The Secret of Life | MITx
Level: Introductory
Cost: Free (Optional upgrade available)
Duration: Estimated 16 weeks (5–10 hours per week)
Timeline: Started Jul 13 – Ends Nov 2
Professor Eric Lander, one of the leaders of the Human Genome Project, hosts 7.00x, a basic biology course.
The subjects covered in the course are similar to those taught in MIT’s beginning biology courses and many other biology courses throughout the world.
You will first concentrate on the structure and function of macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins as a student.
Also, you’ll learn how structural changes in certain of these macromolecules affect their functions and what impact these changes have on human health.
As you progress through the course, you’ll discover how to apply your knowledge of genetics and cell information flow to human health and disease, as well as molecular biological tools and their potential to impact our changing world.
After completing this course, you will have a solid understanding of biology that will enable you to comprehend the current medical revolution.
Introduction to Biology – MITx 7.00x Biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, recombinant DNA technology and genomics, and rational medicine are all explored in The Secret of Life.
Above all, the language for this online biology class is English, including the video transcripts.
Best wishes on your journey!
2. Molecular Biology – Part 1: DNA Replication and Repair | MITx
Level: Advanced
Cost: Free (Optional upgrade available)
Duration: Estimated 8 weeks (4–6 hours per week)
Timeline: Estimated 8 weeks (4–6 hours per week)
Starts Oct 5 – Ends Dec 7
Are you ready to investigate how scientists determine the intricacies of these molecular models beyond the “what” of scientific information offered in textbooks?
Take a glimpse behind the scenes of current molecular genetics, from classic experiments that uncovered the proteins involved in DNA replication and repair to cutting-edge assays that use genome sequencing’s capability.
This online biology class is one that will teach you all you need to know about DNA replication and repair.
The problems in this course are meant to help you improve your experimental design and data analysis skills.
The language for this online biology class is English, including the video transcripts.
3. Molecular Biology – Part 2: Transcription and Transposition | MITx
Level: Advanced
Cost: Free (Optional upgrade available)
Duration: Estimated 7 weeks (4–8 hours per week)
Timeline: Starts Jul 23 – Ends Nov 16
Are you ready to investigate how scientists determine the intricacies of these molecular models beyond the “what” of scientific information offered in textbooks?
In Part 2 of this Molecular Biology course, you’ll learn about DNA to RNA transcription, which is a crucial part of biology’s basic dogma and the first stage in gene expression.
Let’s look at the limits of your current understanding of the transcription machinery and transposition mechanisms.
Join this 7.28.2x Molecular Biology: Transcription and Transposition if you’re up for the challenge.
Above all, the language for this online biology class is English, including the video transcripts.
4. Molecular Biology – Part 3: RNA Processing and Translation | MITx
Level: Advanced
Cost: Free (Optional upgrade available)
Duration: Molecular Biology – Part 3: RNA Processing and Translation | MITx
Timeline: Starts Jul 23 – Ends Nov 16
In Part 3 of 7.28x, you’ll learn about mRNA to protein translation, which is an important part of biology’s basic dogma.
If you have confidence in your abilities to design and understand molecular biology experiments, this course is for you.
The evaluations in this course are meant to help you improve your experimental design and data analysis skills.
Let’s look at the limits of your current understanding of the translation machinery and RNA turnover and splicing mechanisms.
Join this online biology class in 7.28.3x Molecular Biology: RNA Processing and Translation if you’re up for the challenge.
5. Quantitative Methods for Biology | MITx
Level: Introductory
Cost: Free (Optional upgrade available)
Duration: Estimated 10 weeks (3–5 hours per week)
Timeline: Starts Jul 23 – Ends Dec 2
Do you need to learn how to program as a biologist, health worker, or medical student?
Are you a programmer interested in learning more about medicine? Are you seeking for a basic understanding of MATLAB?
Quantitative Methods for Biology is a unique approach for beginners, offering you an inside look at a course and its students.
You’ll be studying with other students who are learning to code.
This Online biology classes/courses is designed for experienced programmers and will help you learn the MATLAB you need without being slowed down by introductory principles you already know.
Whether you’re already familiar with Python, Javascript, R, or another language, they’ll show you how to apply your skills to MATLAB.
6. Proteins: Biology’s Workforce | RICEx
Level: Intermediate
Cost: Free (Optional upgrade available)
Duration: Estimated 5 weeks (4–10 hours per week)
Timeline: Starts Jul 23 – Ends Dec 31
Protein can be found in almost every region of the body. At least 10,000 distinct proteins go into making and keeping you the person you are.
This online biology class will teach you how proteins control practically every aspect of life.
Using video lectures, articles, case studies, and molecular models, you’ll investigate:
- how proteins are built,
- how they fold into 3-dimensional shapes,
- the types of bonds that hold these folded structures together, and
- the vast range of roles that proteins play, from structural proteins found in muscle to catalysts for cellular chemical reactions.
Purification and characterization are critical for understanding protein structure and function, and you’ll look at a range of approaches to learn more about how these little machines control practically every aspect of life.
Above all, the language for this online biology class is English, including the video transcripts.
7. DNA: Biology’s Genetic Code | RICEx
Level: Intermediate
Cost: Free (Optional upgrade available)
Duration: Estimated 6 weeks (4–6 hours per week)
Timeline: Intermediate
Join this online biology class for a look at the structure, packaging, replication, and modification of DNA.
To communicate knowledge, the course uses video lectures, research papers, case studies, and molecular models.
Questions from each video lesson, quizzes, homework, and a final exam will be used to determine the course grade.
Above all, the language for this online biology class is English, including the video transcripts.
Enjoy!
8. Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function | EPFLx
Level: Intermediate
Cost: Free (Optional upgrade available)
Duration: Estimated 8 weeks (4–5 hours per week)
Timeline: Starts Jul 23
The course’s initial goal is to develop a thorough understanding of the anatomy and function of the mammalian brain’s essential building blocks, synapses, and neurons.
The second goal is to better understand neural networks, with a focus on how excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic neurons interact.
While the third objective is to put neural network function in the context of sensory processing, which leads to behavioral decisions and motor output.
Throughout this online class, you’ll learn the following:
- Aspects of neuroscience relevant to mammalian brain activity that are fundamental
- Electrical signaling in neurons: biophysical mechanisms
- Neuronal calculations are based on synaptic processes.
- In vivo studies of mammalian brain function using modern technologies
- Sensory perception, sensorimotor integration, and learning are all based on the operation of neuronal networks.
Above all, the language for this online biology class is English, including the video transcripts.
9. Essential Human Biology: Cells and Tissues | AdelaideX
Level: Introductory
Cost: Free (Optional upgrade available)
Duration: Estimated 5 weeks (2–3 hours per week)
Timeline: Starts Jul 23 – Ends Dec 31
Are you preparing for a job in health care or intending to pursue a degree in the health sciences?
Maybe you just want to understand more about the human body’s wonders? Our bodies are intricate biological machinery that are beautiful to look at.
This course will equip you with a solid foundation of human anatomy and physiological understanding.
In both health and disease, you will obtain a wide understanding of the links between normal structure and function in human cells and tissues.
The qualities of the body’s four major types of tissue – epithelial, connective, muscular, and nerve – will also be thoroughly explained.
To lead you through key ideas and make learning relevant, the course uses a number of engaging learning approaches, such as short videos, animations, interactive tasks, and integrated quizzes.
Above all, the language for this online biology class is English, including the video transcripts.
10. Cell Biology: Mitochondria | HarvardX
Level: Introductory
Cost: Free (Optional upgrade available)
Duration: Estimated 4 weeks (2–4 hours per week)
Timeline: Starts Jul 23
The cell is an excellent model for studying the functional logic of biological systems.
The goal of this course is to cover the principles of cell biology.
Meanwhile, the function of the molecular components of cells, as well as how these cellular components are organized in a complex hierarchy, will be explored in this course to grasp the how and why of biology.
Also, the overarching goal is for students to comprehend that cells evolve ensembles of macromolecules that form complex communities in tissues, organs, and multicellular animals from a human-centered perspective.
They expect that by the end of the four weeks, students will have a strong feel for a cell’s functional logic.
Basically, you’ll discover how things function inside a cell, why they work the way they do, and how we’re affected.
Above all, the language for this online biology class is English, including the video transcripts.
11. Digital Biomaterials | HKUx
Level: Introductory
Cost: Free (Optional upgrade available)
Duration: Estimated 4 weeks (2–4 hours per week)
Timeline: Starts Jul 23 – Ends Aug 20
Digital Biomaterials is a four-module course that introduces the most cutting-edge digital and computer technologies in dentistry, such as big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital workflow, in order to support clinical dental diagnostics and improve efficiency of fabricating long-lasting dental restorations.
The properties of the most regularly used dental materials, including titanium, different ceramics, and composite biomaterials, will also be covered.
In addition, the adherence of different materials to tooth structures will be discussed.
Click the button below to view the awesome 4 Modules you will take in this course.
In conclusion, the language for this online biology class is English, including the video transcripts.
12. MalariaX: Defeating Malaria from the Genes to the Globe | HarvardX
Level: Intermediate
Cost: Free (Optional upgrade available)
Duration: Estimated 8 weeks (3–5 hours per week)
Timeline: Starts Jul 23 – Ends Jul 29
This course equips learners with a toolbox of information and abilities through foundational lectures and supplemental interviews.
Learners will be guided through the process of analyzing real-world data and applying it to problem-solving.
Analytical approaches concentrate on how to create and implement evidence-based intervention plans that will help to eradicate malaria at the national and local levels.
Those interested in learning the technical understanding and leadership abilities needed to work in global health and malaria initiatives around the world are the target audience for the course.
Learners will be able to access the course at their leisure because it is self-paced.
Above all, the language for this online biology class is English, including the video transcripts in French.
13. Viruses & How to Beat Them: Cells, Immunity, Vaccines | IsraelX and TelAvivUniversity
Level: Introductory
Cost: Free (Optional upgrade available)
Duration: Estimated 7 weeks (2–3 hours per week)
Timeline: Starts Jul 23 – Ends Sep 10
Have you ever been curious in the nature of viruses?
Have you ever wondered how they infiltrate our body, damage our cells, and make us ill?
Come learn about the components of viruses and the ways through which they hijack and take over our cells.
This course will show you, step by step, how our bodies’ cells work to keep us healthy. The enormous kingdom of viruses will then be explored, particularly those that have caused epidemics such as the flu, AIDS, and Ebola.
Finally, they’ll go through our immune system in detail, including how it recognizes “enemy” and eliminates them.
You’ll learn fascinating and understandable information that’s also useful.
Above all, the language for this online biology class is English, including the video transcripts.
This course was produced at Tel Aviv University by TAU Online – learning innovation center.
14. Human Reproduction | AdelaideX
Level: Intermediate
Cost: Free (Optional upgrade available)
Duration: Estimated 6 weeks (2–3 hours per week)
Timeline: Starts Jul 23 – Ends Dec 31
Human reproduction, although being one of nature’s most vital processes, is still generally misunderstood by many of us.
This basic course will teach you about human reproduction by delving into the biology behind it, as well as the most frequent myths and medical breakthroughs.
They’ve assembled a team of experienced teachers, including world-renowned experts from the Robinson Research Institute, to assist you to comprehend the reality of producing babies, having babies, and not having babies.
Join on a journey of discovery as they answer all of the questions about human reproduction that you were too ashamed to ask, as well as others that you didn’t even realize you had.
15. Biospecimen Research Methods | UBCx
Level: Advanced
Cost: Free (Optional upgrade available)
Duration: Estimated 6 weeks (4–5 hours per week)
Timeline: Starts Jul 23 – Ends Nov 2
The quality of the biospecimens you utilize will determine the success of your research.
Increase your chances of being published in high-impact journals and open doors to positions in major biomedical research laboratories or biobanks by getting ahead of the competition.
This biology and life sciences course will teach you how to gather, identify, and use a good human biospecimen.
Professionals from the University of British Columbia and BC Cancer will teach you international best practices for biobanking and research involving human biospecimens over the course of six weeks, based on the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the International Society of Biological Environmental Repositories standards (ISBER).
Conclusion
Biology is a vast subject. As a result, there are numerous options for learning biology online.
However, not every free online biology class is created equal. Even paid online biology courses aren’t created equal.
Some classes are extremely in-depth and offer excellent learning opportunities. Others are merely adequate.
As a result, before enrolling in a free online biology class, you should consider all of your possibilities.
The following are some of the best biology classes available online. The courses in this list were chosen based on a set of strict criteria.
References
- accreditedschoolsonline.org – Online Biology Courses
- jmhs.com – The Adventures of Taking an Online Biology Course
- https://www.edx.org/learn/biology
Writer’s Recommendation
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