Free Online Biology Courses from Top Universities

About this article
Get an overview of several free biology courses available from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Massachusetts Boston, and the University of California Berkeley. These classes are offered through an OpenCourseWare system and include teachings through audio and video lectures.
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Free Biology Courses

Get access to a number of free biology courses offered from some of the United States' most prominent universities. You can get foundational knowledge on molecular and cell biology through introductory classes or learn more advanced concepts in areas like human reproduction, biochemical mechanisms and programmed cell death.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Through MIT's OpenCourseWare, individuals can access a number of free courses that cover topics such as fundamental principles in biology, the menstrual cycle, fertilization, microbiology, cell biology, genomes and experimental methods. The majority of these classes are for undergraduates and require students read materials published in textbooks and journals. Video and audio lectures are available for certain classes.

University of Massachusetts Boston

Two classes that students can complete for free through this school's OpenCourseWare are general biology I and II. The general biology I course introduces students to the principles of biology. In the follow-up course, topics in life processed are covered. These classes include notes and audio lectures. Materials are also available for download. Both courses are taught by Professor Brian White, Ph.D, and are open to biology majors and non-biology majors.

University of California (UC) Berkeley

Many of UC Berkeley's free biology courses are available as YouTube and iTunes U video lectures. Some courses are available for audio listening through iTunes U. Individuals can access these courses through webcast.berkeley.edu or directly on YouTube or iTunes. Courses cover a range of subjects like cell structure and function, population biology and ecology, the muscular, digestive, respiratory and nervous system, DNA and gene replication.

Free Online Biology Courses At a Glance

Courses and School Program Level Format Assignments Quizzes and Exams Downloadable
Introductory Biology course from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Undergraduate Text, Audio,Video Yes Yes Yes
Human Reproductive Biology course from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Graduate Text Yes Yes Yes
Experimental Biology and Communication course from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Undergraduate Text No Yes Yes
Biological Chemistry II course from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Undergraduate Text Yes No Yes
Experimental Molecular Biology: Biotechnology II course from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Undergraduate Text Yes No Yes
Molecular Biology course from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Undergraduate/Graduate Text Yes Yes Yes
General Biology I course at University of Massachusetts Boston Undergraduate Text, Audio Yes Yes No
General Biology II course at University of Massachusetts Boston Undergraduate Text, Audio Yes Yes No
Biology 1A course from University of California Berkeley Undergraduate Video No No No
Biology 1AL course from University of California Berkeley Undergraduate Video No No No
Biology 1B course from University of California Berkeley Undergraduate Video No No No
Integrative Biology 131: General Human Anatomy course from University of California Berkeley Undergraduate Video No No No
Molecular Cell Biology 110 course from University of California Berkeley Undergraduate Audio No No

Popular Schools

  • Online Programs Available
    1. Liberty University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences: General
      • Doctor of Health Sciences: General
      • Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences: Trauma Informed Care
    Certificate
      • CTG: Clinical Leadership
  • Online Programs Available
    2. Grand Canyon University

    Program Options

    Bachelor's
      • B.S. in Health Sciences
  • Online Programs Available
    3. Purdue Global

    Program Options

    Bachelor's
      • Bachelor: Health Science
    Associate's
      • Associate of Applied Science in Health ScienceNo Concentration
      • Associate of Applied Science in Health SciencePreprofessional
      • Associate of Science in Health Science
      • Associate of Science in Health SciencePreprofessional
  • Online Programs Available
    4. Bryant & Stratton College

    Program Options

    Associate's
      • Health Services Administration - AAS
  • Online Programs Available
    5. Penn Foster High School

    Program Options

    High School Diploma
      • HS Diploma
  • Stanford, CA

    Stanford University

  • Cambridge, MA

    Harvard University

  • Philadelphia, PA

    University of Pennsylvania

  • University of Maryland Global Campus

Featured Schools

The schools and programs listed below are popular educational options, and tuition varies based on program and location

Liberty University

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences: General
  • Doctor of Health Sciences: General
  • CTG: Clinical Leadership

What is your highest level of education?

Grand Canyon University

  • B.S. in Health Sciences

What is your highest level of education?

Purdue Global

  • Bachelor: Health Science
  • Associate of Applied Science in Health ScienceNo Concentration
  • Associate of Applied Science in Health SciencePreprofessional

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Bryant & Stratton College

  • Health Services Administration - AAS

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Penn Foster High School

  • HS Diploma

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