What are the best bioinformatics courses online?

Browse the bioinformatics courses below—popular starting points on Coursera. Biology Meets Programming: Bioinformatics for Beginners: University of California San Diego Introduction to Bioinformatics: Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani Bioinformatic Methods I: University of Toronto Bioinformatics Methods for Transcriptomics: Johns Hopkins University Bacterial Bioinformatics: University of Virginia

Can I take free bioinformatics courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning bioinformatics on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many bioinformatics courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in bioinformatics, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a bioinformatics course?

You’ll learn how to analyze genomic and biological data, use bioinformatics tools and databases , and apply algorithms for DNA and RNA sequencing, gene expression, and evolutionary analysis. Some courses also teach programming and statistics for biological data.

Do I need a background in biology or programming to take bioinformatics courses?

Some familiarity with biology or coding (especially in Python or R ) is helpful, but not always required. Many introductory courses are designed to teach the fundamentals step by step, while more advanced courses assume prior experience in biology, computer science , or statistics .

Can bioinformatics courses on Coursera help me in my career?

Yes. Bioinformatics is a rapidly growing field with roles in healthcare , research , biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Coursera courses can help you build technical and analytical skills, prepare for graduate studies, or qualify for roles in data science , genomics , and computational biology.

Best Bioinformatics Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

Find the Best Bioinformatics Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Bioinformatics
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Dimensionality Reduction, Unsupervised Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Markov Model, Network Analysis, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Statistical Analysis, Biology, Pharmacology, Algorithms, Machine Learning, Data Analysis Software, Data Mapping, Python Programming
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
1.3K 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: New
Status: Preview
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Introduction to Bioinformatics
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Data Management, Biostatistics, Informatics, Clinical Data Management, Precision Medicine, Data Analysis, Data Mining, Applied Machine Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Cell Biology, R Programming, Scientific Visualization, Correlation Analysis, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Dimensionality Reduction, Computational Thinking, Markov Model, Algorithms
Beginner · Course
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
Bioinformatic Methods I
Skills you'll gain: Biostatistics, Biotechnology, Data Analysis Software, Medical Science and Research, Analysis, Life Sciences
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Genomic Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Unix Commands, Biostatistics, Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Unix, Data Science, Data Management, Statistical Methods, Molecular Biology, Command-Line Interface, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Linux Commands, Data Analysis Software, Statistical Modeling, Data Structures, R Programming, Computational Thinking, Jupyter, Python Programming
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
Peking University
Bioinformatics: Introduction and Methods 生物信息学: 导论与方法
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Biostatistics, Life Sciences, Predictive Modeling, Data Analysis Software, Data Pipelines
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
282 reviews
Mixed · Course · 3 - 6 Months

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Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Applied Bioinformatics
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Diagnostic Tests, Computational Thinking, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases, Informatics, Network Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Biochemistry, Data Mining, Scientific Visualization, Life Sciences, Tree Maps, Microbiology, Biology, Data Analysis Software, Pharmacology, Science and Research
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
65 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Johns Hopkins University
Bioinformatics Methods for Transcriptomics
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, R Programming, Statistical Analysis, Command-Line Interface, Linux
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Virginia
Bacterial Bioinformatics
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Data Analysis Software, Scientific Visualization, Taxonomy, Data Integration, Data Import/Export
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
276 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
Plant Bioinformatic Methods
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Network Analysis, Biostatistics, Molecular Biology, Analysis, Biotechnology, Data Visualization Software, Database Software, Data Analysis Software, Health Informatics, Data Analysis, Data Synthesis, Statistical Methods, Data Mining, Medical Science and Research, Exploratory Data Analysis, Technical Communication, Life Sciences, Data Processing, Scientific Visualization
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Fundamental Skills in Bioinformatics
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Analysis, Bioinformatics, Unix, Scientific Visualization, R Programming, Rmarkdown, Unix Commands, Data Analysis, Data Quality, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Exploratory Data Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Python Programming, NumPy, Data Manipulation
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
62 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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