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
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
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Hacking COVID-19: Metabolic Pathway Analysis Yields SARS-CoV-2 Drug Targets
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Network Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Molecular Biology, Data Mining, Biochemistry, Scientific Visualization, Data Analysis Software, Pharmacology, Microbiology
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
Nanjing University
结构生物化学（Structural Biochemistry)
Skills you'll gain: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Chemistry, Biology, Bioinformatics, Laboratory Research, Structural Analysis, Experimentation, Mathematical Modeling
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
113 reviews
Mixed · 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
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
32 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
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
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
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
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
生命科学发展史
Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Biology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Anthropology, Pathology, Scientific Methods, Infectious Diseases, Ancient History, Taxonomy, Experimentation
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Engineering Genetic Circuits: Modeling and Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering Analysis, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Simulations, Computational Logic, Differential Equations, Software Visualization, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Algorithms
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

Researcher's guide to DNA sequencing data: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Hacking COVID-19: Metabolic Pathway Analysis Yields SARS-CoV-2 Drug Targets: University of California San Diego
Leadership for Cancer Informatics Research: Johns Hopkins University
结构生物化学（Structural Biochemistry): Nanjing University
Introduction to Reproducibility in Cancer Informatics: Johns Hopkins University
Vector Databases: An Introduction with Chroma DB: IBM
Advanced Reproducibility in Cancer Informatics: Johns Hopkins University
算法设计与分析 Design and Analysis of Algorithms: Peking University
生物演化: Peking University
Hacking COVID-19 — Course 5: Tracing SARS-CoV-2's Evolution: University of California San Diego

Bioinformatics Courses