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

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, Computational Thinking, Graph Theory, Markov Model, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Microbiology, Statistical Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Precision Medicine, Biology, Pharmacology, Algorithms, Infectious Diseases, Data Mining
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Applied Bioinformatics
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Laboratory Testing, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases, Network Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Computational Thinking, Data Mining, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Scientific Visualization, Microbiology, Science and Research, Biology, Data Analysis Software, Pharmacology
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
63 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I)
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Data Analysis, Computational Thinking, Biochemistry, Biology, Life Sciences, Algorithms, Probability & Statistics
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Fundamental Skills in Bioinformatics
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Analysis, Bioinformatics, Unix, Scientific Visualization, Statistical Methods, R Programming, Rmarkdown, Unix Commands, Data Analysis, Data Quality, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Programming Principles, Pandas (Python Package), Python Programming, NumPy, Data Manipulation, Data Structures
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
59 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Virginia
Bacterial Bioinformatics
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Scientific Visualization, Taxonomy, Command-Line Interface, Data Integration, Data Import/Export, Data Storage, File Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
250 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Access Bioinformatics Databases with Biopython
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Scientific Visualization, Data Access, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Data Visualization Software, Data Manipulation
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
42 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Johns Hopkins University
Bioinformatics Methods for Transcriptomics
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Data Visualization Software, Statistical Analysis, Command-Line Interface, Linux
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Peking University
Bioinformatics: Introduction and Methods 生物信息学: 导论与方法
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Markov Model, Molecular Biology, Computational Thinking, Biology, Database Software, Data Analysis, Algorithms, Machine Learning Algorithms, Probability & Statistics, Data Processing
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
279 reviews
Mixed · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
Plant Bioinformatic Methods
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Network Analysis, Research Reports, Molecular Biology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Biology, Analysis, Data Analysis, Data Synthesis, Big Data, Statistical Methods, Data Visualization Software, Data Analysis Software, Data Mining, Experimentation, Scientific Visualization, Life Sciences, Interactive Data Visualization, Statistical Analysis, Databases
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
Bioinformatic Methods I
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Biology, Data Analysis Software, Data Mining, Life Sciences, Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Databases
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California San Diego
Biology Meets Programming: Bioinformatics for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Programming Principles, Molecular Biology, Python Programming, Computational Thinking, Biology, Algorithms, Data Structures
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
The State University of New York
Big Data, Genes, and Medicine
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Bioinformatics, Big Data, Analytics, Health Informatics, Medical Science and Research, Data Processing, R Programming, Predictive Modeling, Statistical Analysis, Molecular Biology, Feature Engineering, Unsupervised Learning
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
284 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months