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 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.

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, Markov Model, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Microbiology, Statistical Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Precision Medicine, Biology, Pharmacology, Algorithms, Infectious Diseases, Data Mining, Machine Learning, Python Programming
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
1.3K 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, Biochemistry, Data Mining, Life Sciences, Scientific Visualization, Microbiology, Science and Research, Biology, Data Analysis Software, Pharmacology
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
65 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, Biochemistry, Biology, Life Sciences, Algorithms, Python Programming
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Preview
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Introduction to Bioinformatics
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Data Management, Clinical Data Management, Data Analysis, Data Mining, Applied Machine Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Scientific Visualization, Data Visualization, Correlation Analysis, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Dimensionality Reduction, Computational Thinking, Markov Model, Algorithms
Beginner · Course
Status: Preview
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
61 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
268 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Preview
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
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, Computational Thinking, Biology, Data Analysis, Data Processing
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
282 reviews
Mixed · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
Plant Bioinformatic Methods
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Network Analysis, Research Reports, Biostatistics, Molecular Biology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Biology, Analysis, Health Informatics, Data Visualization Software, Database Software, Scientific Visualization, Data Analysis, Data Synthesis, Statistical Methods, Data Mining, Statistical Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Life Sciences, Database Systems
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: Health Informatics, Data Analysis, Life Sciences, Database Systems
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
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, Data Structures
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
The State University of New York
Big Data, Genes, and Medicine
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Big Data, Analytics, Health Informatics, Medical Science and Research, Data Processing, R Programming, Predictive Modeling, Statistical Analysis, Molecular Biology, Feature Engineering, Unsupervised Learning
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
285 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months