What are the best bioinformatics courses on Coursera?

Top courses include the Bioinformatics Specialization from the University of California, San Diego and Genomic Data Science from Johns Hopkins University . These programs cover algorithms , DNA sequencing , data analysis , and tools like Python , R , and Bioconductor.

Can I learn bioinformatics for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many bioinformatics courses offer a free audit option. You can access video lessons and readings at no cost. To earn a certificate or complete assessments, you’ll need to pay 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.

Top Bioinformatics Courses - Learn Bioinformatics Online

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Find the Best Bioinformatics Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Hacking COVID-19 — Course 3: Unraveling COVID-19's Origins
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Computational Thinking, Life Sciences, Medical Science and Research, Microbiology, Science and Research
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Hacking COVID-19 — Course 5: Tracing SARS-CoV-2's Evolution
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Infectious Diseases, Life Sciences, Computational Thinking, Medical Science and Research, Molecular Biology, Biology, Science and Research
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Johns Hopkins University
Documentation and Usability for Cancer Informatics
Skills you'll gain: Usability, User Centered Design, Usability Testing, Technical Documentation, Bioinformatics, End User Training and Support, Technical Writing
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Leadership for Cancer Informatics Research
Skills you'll gain: Health Equity, Health Disparities, Record Keeping, Clinical Leadership, Collaborative Software, Technical Management, Health Informatics, Diversity Awareness, Information Management, GitHub, Version Control, Git (Version Control System), Docker (Software)
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Researcher's guide to DNA sequencing data
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Data Collection, Data Processing, Science and Research, Exploratory Data Analysis, Analysis, Research Methodologies, Research Design
3.5
Rating, 3.5 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Introduction to Reproducibility in Cancer Informatics
Skills you'll gain: Package and Software Management, Code Review, Open Source Technology, GitHub, Scientific Methods, Bioinformatics, Technical Documentation, Data Analysis, Programming Principles, Jupyter, Rmarkdown, Git (Version Control System), Integrated Development Environments
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Advanced Reproducibility in Cancer Informatics
Skills you'll gain: Code Review, GitHub, Git (Version Control System), Version Control, Docker (Software), Software Development Tools, Containerization, Bioinformatics, Health Informatics, Science and Research, Automation, Medical Science and Research, Technical Communication
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Vector Databases: An Introduction with Chroma DB
Skills you'll gain: NoSQL, Databases, Database Architecture and Administration, Database Management, Generative AI, Data Architecture, AI Personalization, Data Storage Technologies, Image Analysis, Scalability
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Peking University
生物演化
Skills you'll gain: Molecular Biology, Biology, Life Sciences, Anthropology, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Laboratory Research, Biostatistics, Taxonomy, Environment, Experimentation, Chemistry, Scientific Methods, Mathematical Modeling
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
112 reviews
Mixed · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Peking University
算法设计与分析 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Combinatorics, Theoretical Computer Science, Data Structures, Pseudocode, Computational Thinking, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Graph Theory, Design Strategies, Network Routing, Image Analysis, Bioinformatics, Probability Distribution
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
53 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
生命科学发展史
Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Biology, Biochemistry, Medical Science and Research, Anatomy, Human Development, Anthropology, Pathology, Scientific Methods, Infectious Diseases, Laboratory Research, Ancient History, European History, Neurology, Taxonomy, Experimentation
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Researcher's Guide to Omic Data
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Data Processing, Data Analysis, Data Literacy, Research Design, Exploratory Data Analysis, Metadata Management, Experimentation, Science and Research, R Programming, Scientific Methods, Spatial Analysis, Data Collection, Data Quality, Data Validation, Quantitative Research, Biology, Qualitative Research, Analysis
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
22 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular bioinformatics courses

Hacking COVID-19 — Course 3: Unraveling COVID-19's Origins: University of California San Diego
Hacking COVID-19 — Course 5: Tracing SARS-CoV-2's Evolution: University of California San Diego
Documentation and Usability for Cancer Informatics: Johns Hopkins University
Leadership for Cancer Informatics Research: Johns Hopkins University
Researcher's guide to DNA sequencing data: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Introduction to Reproducibility in Cancer Informatics: Johns Hopkins University
Advanced Reproducibility in Cancer Informatics: Johns Hopkins University
Vector Databases: An Introduction with Chroma DB: IBM
生物演化: Peking University
算法设计与分析 Design and Analysis of Algorithms: Peking University

Bioinformatics Courses