Edx Biology Courses & Certifications

The biology course, Introduction to Biology- The Secret of Life, is an introductory course that explores different biological technologies and applications in a self-paced learning experience. 

The course is validated by the Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MITx) under the guidance of Professor Eric Lander and other experienced professors of the institute. The course free audit session to all enrolled learners is open only for a limited time which can then be upgraded to avail complete course access and certification upon assessment of the competency exam hosted by MITx. The course is packed with interactive problem sets, activities, and assessments. Though the course is self-paced, students get limited access to the course materials in the Audit Track whereas in the Verified Track, the candidates have unlimited access.

The content of the course reflects many important biological concepts that are fundamental. The course opens with a focus on the structure and functions of macromolecules, the changes they undergo with slight variations and their implications on human health, understanding hereditary and information flow in human cells, and imparting this knowledge by incorporating molecular biological techniques and understanding its potential to impact the world. The course gives the learner a foundation in modern Biology and a better understanding of the medical revolutions happening in the technological age. 

This course on synthetic biology covers all aspects of computer science, design, biochemistry, genetic engineering, engineering, and biology. This course brings all these subjects on the same platform and teaches you creative methods to solve your daily life issues in an innovative way. It covers the past, present, and upcoming scope of synthetic biology. 

This course begins with a short introduction about itself and slowly changes its direction towards interesting and challenging concepts that occur in our routine. This fifteen-week advanced level course will help a candidate to design a personal biological regulatory circuit and its application in real life. 

This course also covers the current construction being done by the biologists so that one can solve complex situations faced by him/her in real life. Few examples of such construction that this course intends to cover are toggle switches, basic oscillators, bandpass filters, and more circuits designed by them. The students can pursue this course in two tracks, namely, paid and free. In the paid mode which is the verified track, students will be given unlimited access to the course and a certificate of completion whereas in the free version which is called the audit track, they will be provided access to the course only for a limited period.

The Sex from molecules to Elephants course is being imparted by edX and IsraelX. This course will provide the learners with knowledge about sexual reproduction amongst different organisms, from animals, corals, fish, insects, and spiders to birds and mammals. Participants will be given tools to understand sexual reproduction and its mysteries. 

Participants will be introduced to the organisms in their native habitats such as the ancient bacteria living in thermal geysers in Yellowstone National Park and the great mammals roaming in the African savannah. They will also learn about the history of life on Earth and its present state. This course covers the concepts of meiosis, heredity, the fundamental molecular event that is regarded as the basis of sex, the fertility cycle, germ cell development amongst males and females, the variability of sex determination amongst the animal kingdom, and fertilization. They will also understand primitive plants, plant evolution, and their influence on animal development and the environment. 

The candidates are allowed to select any one track from the Verified or Audit tracks. The main difference between the 2 tracks is that in the Audit mode, the candidates will be getting limited access to the course materials whereas in the case of the Verified track, the candidates will get unlimited access.

Quantitative Methods for Biology by edX is formulated for beginners. It will be helping the students by providing details about the qualitative methods for biology. Along with the same, it will also help the programmers to learn more about MATLAB. The existing knowledge of the students in programming will be metamorphosed into MATLAB analysis. For comprehensive learning Quantitative Methods for Biology programme assignments are presented in simplified variations. The course contains the given curriculum- arrays, functions, loop, scripts, data collection and others. The Quantitative Methods for Biology certification will make sure that the students enjoy an all-round development. With basic knowledge of algebra, the students will be developing their skills both as a biologist and as a programmer. The programme will be focusing more on the subject of “Computer Science”. The ten-week programme allows the participating candidates to attain classes of 3-5 hours every week. For a better approach, the program is modeled as “introductory”.

You may be familiar with what DNA is, but there are some facts about DNA that are possibly beyond your wildest imagination. For example, the amount of DNA that your cells synthesise during your lifetime, if stretched out length-wise, will cover a distance of one light-year. For even more fascinating information about DNA, take the Molecular Biology - Part 1: DNA Replication and Repair online course.

The DNA inside each cell is 2m long. But somehow, all that DNA fits inside the nucleus without becoming an entwined mess. With the Molecular Biology - Part 1: DNA Replication and Repair certification course, you will learn how cellular machinery accomplishes feats like that.

This course goes beyond the ‘what’ of the scientific information you may have come across in your textbooks and explores ‘how’ scientists derive(d) this information from molecular models. The Molecular Biology - Part 1: DNA Replication and Repair online programme by edX aims to help you develop the ability to design molecular biology experiments and analyse the data collected from these experiments. The instructor-paced programme offers two options to enrol; free and paid. In the free mode, the learners will be given access to the course only for a limited period. 

This Making a Cell Therapy: Principles and Practice of Manufacturing training is a nine weeks online course. This course was designed and offered through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology via the EDX platform. Krystyn Van Vliet explains this online course.

Cellular therapies are live products that work only when they are delivered alive. This course will cover the fundamentals of cellular biology, which governs cellular growth and metabolism. Some cell therapies' improved function is dependent on our ability to engineer the cells genetically. This course will teach current and emerging approaches to genetic modification, as well as how we isolate cells from patients or donors and manipulate them, such as assisting those cells in growing and multiplying outside of the body, to generate a living product at a therapeutically relevant dose. This course will teach some of the analytical methods used to accomplish this and why these methods were chosen.

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The Molecular Biology - Part 3: RNA Processing and Translation course by edX is the third and final part of their Molecular Biology programme. In this programme, you will learn about the mRNA translation to protein, a crucial portion of Biology’s central dogma. You will also see how RNA splicing or RNA turnover affects the outcome of this translation.

RNA processing mechanisms also influence gene expression. You will learn about these mechanisms in extensive detail with the Molecular Biology - Part 3: RNA Processing and Translation training course. It is an eight-week, advanced-level, self-paced learning programme that will help you master design skills in biological experimenting, and enhance your scientific thinking. You need to study only four to eight hours every week.

The faculty includes professors from the Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Each instructor for the Molecular Biology - Part 3: RNA Processing and Translation programme is an expert in his/her respective domain. They will deliver video lectures in English. Video transcripts are also available in two languages: English and Chinese. The programme can be taken by the candidates in two modes, namely, free and paid modes. In the free mode, the learners will be provided with limited access to the programme. 

The Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function programme by edX provides intelligence to the learners in the concepts of brain functions which include membrane potential, cable properties, ion channels, action potential, whole-cell recordings, voltage-gaining kinetics, synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter release, electron microscopy, presynaptic dynamics, glutamate receptors, synaptic plasticity, benzodiazepines, and dendritic spines.

This programme helps the candidate to understand the fundamental concepts of neuroscience which are related to the functions of the mammalian brain. Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function course also provides an outline of the biophysical mechanisms of signalling in the neurons. The candidate will also learn about various receptors in the brain. The brain functions are studied through various biophysical mechanisms using mice. Various modern methods are also discussed in this programme to study the workings of the mammalian brain.

The verified and shareable certificate is provided to all the candidates on completion of this programme. The certificate can be easily shared to a resume or CV. It can also be shared with the LinkedIn profile of the learner. There are two varied options for candidates to enrol in the programme; free or by paying the prescribed fee. When enrolling for free, the learners will get access only for a limited period. 

The How to Analyze a Microbiome Programme provided by edX imparts knowledge to its participants in numerous concepts like sequencing techniques, taxonomic assignment, data types, functional assignment, functional richness, dimension reduction, ordination, network construction,  microbiome data, sequencing, trees, taxa, diversity, evenness, biplots, benefit and richness.

This course will analyse the tasks with the help of real-time examples. The candidate will understand the need for microbiome data collected through this programme. The candidate will also understand the definitions of diversity, richness and evenness. Through this course, the participants will learn to interpret and compute different taxons. This programme also covers basic concepts in R and programming.

The certificate is provided to each and every candidate who joins the verified track of the course and passes the exam. The certificate has the logo of the institution and the sign of the mentor. It can be shared with a resume or CV. It can be shared on the LinkedIn profile too. The programme can be pursued free of cost and by paying the fee. While taking the course free of cost, the learners will have access to the programme only for a limited time duration. 

The DNA to RNA transcription process is the first step in gene expression. It is also a significant part of the central dogma of Biology. Learn about this process in extensive detail with the Molecular Biology - Part 2: Transcription and Transposition online course by edX, courtesy of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Around 50% of the human genome consists of transposable elements, i.e., the genetic information that can move from one location to another. The movement of these elements into specific genes is related to the causes of certain diseases. In the Molecular Biology - Part 2: Transcription and Transposition programme, you will learn more about how these ‘jumping elements’ work and how scientists study them.

The Molecular Biology - Part 2: Transcription and Transposition training programme will help you develop experiment design and data analysis skills. All you need to do is sign up for the course and study for 4-8 hours a week, for seven short weeks. Moreover, you can also add this biological adventure to your resume by opting for the course completion certificate. There are two options for learners to join the programme; free and paid. In the free mode, they will have only limited access to the course. 

The course offered by the platform of edX provides amazing information about the different processes related to the brain. Multi-Scale Brain by edX has been created in partnership with EPFL. Candidates can study in the program online mode only. Students who are willing to study in this course can avail themselves of this course at no extra cost. The duration of The Multi-Scale Brain program is 7 weeks. Participants can manage their schedule easily while pursuing this Multi-Scale Brain online course as this course is a self-paced learning course. Each week learners need to spend 4-6 hours to achieve the required knowledge. 

The certification is available after the curriculum is completed. Candidates can achieve the verified certification after paying the fees according to the guidelines given by the platform. Aspirants will learn about the concepts related to the subject of life sciences and biology. Participants may gain valuable practical exposure to being successful in the area. The Multi-Scale Brain certification syllabus offered here is an advanced-level programme. Candidates can learn at their own pace but with limited access if they have selected the audit mode. If the candidates have chosen the verified track, they will be able to receive unlimited access to the course materials.

RICE University in collaboration with edX education environment has designed a special course on defining DNA and its importance. The course will explore the role of DNA possessing its code and carrying genetic information. The course will explore the importance of DNA by its identification as well as the mechanisms programmed in the code discovered to date. The course will progress towards the discovery and growth of biological sciences owing to DNA starting as the fundamental unit. 

The DNA: Biology’s Genetic Code course will explore the structure of DNA along with its mode of packaging, replication and manipulation mechanisms. The course will cover several offerings such as video lectures, case studies, molecular models and research articles along with assessment requirements such as homework and a final exam for completion. The DNA: Biology’s Genetic Code certification course is planned as an intermediate course requiring prerequisites from the candidate such as high school-level biology and chemistry and will run for a duration of 6 weeks. The self-paced programme provides two enrolment options; paid and free. In the paid mode, the learners will be provided with a certificate and unlimited access. In the free mode, they will be given access only for a limited duration. 

With the WageningenX educational platform, the certificate programme Genetic Models for Animal Breeding is designed to help the candidate understand the genetics and statistics that help in animal breeding. The course also lists the process required to set up a programme for breeding independents. 

Animal breeding will involve the selective breeding of livestock animals with those desirable qualities for generational development. The steps that are used in the programme are done so as to increase productivity and create as well as maintain a strong population of animal livestock. 

The student will learn how the animal breeder balances the desired qualities with diversity as well as long-term sustainability. The scientific concepts of genetics applied also involve the models and computational methods. The programme runs for a duration of 6 weeks and is instructed by 5 faculty members. The student needs to dedicate 4 to 6 hours every week to a self-paced mode of learning. The learners can enrol in this programme either in paid or free mode. While opting for the free mode, the candidates will have only limited access to the programme. 

The Human Reproduction course offered by edX will help the candidates get better insights on the topic in an easy way. Different terminologies of human reproduction such as birth, placenta, trimester etc. have been covered in the course.

Through this foundational course, the participant would explore the topics of biology and the latest changes in the field of medicine. All the new advancements have been covered as subtopics in the module. The team of experts from Robinson Research Institute will be dealing with all your doubts, and concerns and making you a pro by the end of the course. Best teaching methods shall be incorporated through the human reproduction course offered by edX.

After the successful completion of the program, the candidates shall be awarded a certification duly signed by the instructor. The certification would also have a logo of the institution added to it, to make it more powerful and help you get better rankings or jobs in this area. By sharing this certificate on LinkedIn, you can get yourself into any of the higher positions at any organization. This is a self-paced course and it has two modes for enrolment; paid and free modes. The learner who opts for the free mode can audit the course and will get access to the course for a limited period. 

The course Introduction to Animal Behaviour presents a basic overview of the nature of animals and the reason why they act the way that they do. Candidates who want to broaden their understanding of how animals learn, find food, communicate, find and exploit resources, avoid predators, and other related areas are recommended to apply to this course. This programme requires no prerequisite knowledge, just enthusiasm, and curiosity to learn more about the creatures that coexist with us. This course will be taught to the students by three of the top researchers working at Wageningen University so that every concept is clear in the minds of the candidates. 

The course will be giving out helpful course handouts, downloadable transcripts, and reading materials for the ease of the students. By working for a minimum of 6 hours every week, the students can excel in this course and complete it within the given time. The course is self-paced but the time given to complete the course is limited when the selection of the audit mode is made, the access to the course will be limited. In case the choice of the track is verified, the candidates will get unlimited period access to the course materials.

Forming an impeccable foundation of knowledge in Human physiology and human anatomy forms the heart of this introductory course in Essential Human Biology: Cells and Tissues. This Essential Human Biology: Cells and Tissues certification course is provided by edX, an online education provider. This online self-paced course is presented by the University of Adelaide, one of the top universities in the world and the course is under the guidance of experienced professors from the same university. Along with certification and other benefits, the course is ideal for career-oriented and academic-centric purposes. 

The Essential Human Biology: Cells and Tissues course focuses mainly on describing and detailing the basics of biology which starts from the basic unit of life: the cell to its combinations which form tissues such as connective tissues, epithelial tissues, nervous tissues, and muscular tissue; all of which serves different purposes in the human body. The comprehensive curriculum with flexible learning options, this course offers the students a learning experience that can be beneficial for their careers. The candidates will be selecting any one of the tracks - Audit or Verified. During the audit track, the candidates will get only limited access whereas unlimited access shall be offered to those who have selected the verified track.

The programme of Proteins: Biology’s Workforce created by the platform of EdX with Rice University provides great learning freedom to all the candidates who are interested in the field of biology. This course will help the students to understand the basics and advance knowledge related to the protein functions and effects related to it on the human body. The students who will take this course curriculum should spend at least 5 weeks completing the programme. 

Each week every candidate who is participating in this programme should spend 4-6 hours per week. Participants have to access the contents of this course curriculum in digital learning mode only. This curriculum offered by Rice University is a self-paced learning programme which gives great learning flexibility to all learners. Candidates who are interested in highlighting the skills and techniques learned here on their CVs, resumes and academic records can also gain verified certification for this programme after paying the fees to the authorities. All the learners who are interested in learning from this course can avail of this course free of cost but have to pay fees for the certification. This programme can be pursued in two modes, paid and free. In the free mode, the leaners will be provided access only for a limited duration. 

The Cell Biology: Mitochondria course by edX imparts knowledge to the candidates in the concepts like plasma membrane, membrane proteins, phospholipids, FRAP, eukaryotes, prokaryotes, mitochondrion, proton gradient, powering of the cell, endosymbiosis, human disease narrative, cellular metabolism, electron transport chain, photosynthesis, membrane transport protein, molecular structure, cellular metabolism, and F1F0 ATP synthase.

This programme also covers advanced mitochondrial research techniques. Additional resources on mitochondrial research are provided in this programme.  This Cell Biology: Mitochondria certification course helps the participants gain knowledge in cell biology concepts. The functions of other cell organelles are also discussed in this programme. The candidate would explore the cell components and their working through this programme.

The certificate is provided to all the participants who complete the verified track of the program with a passing score. The achievement certificate has the logo of the institution and the sign of the instructor. The certificate can be shared with the resumes, CV, and LinkedIn profile of the participant. Though the course is self-paced, there is a time limit in case the stduents have selected the course to be pursued in the audit mode. If the students have selected the course in the verified mode they will have unlimited course access.

The Introduction to Statistical Methods for Gene Mapping programme offered by edX will help the learners to get primer knowledge to statistical genetics. The candidate also gets a new approach to linkage disequilibrium mapping which is used to analyse the non- familial data successfully used to identify gene variations related with complex and common gene traits. This course enriches the knowledge of the candidate in the field of genetics.

This course is self-paced and an online programme which gives the learners an easy way to access and learn the course. This programme motivates the students to study more and more topics in statistical genetics which helps in better understanding the biological variation. 

The certificate which is issued on completion of the course by edX has the logo of the institution and signed by the instructor. This verified certificate is easily shareable to other platforms or posts it directly on LinkedIn. It can also be added to the candidate’s resume to create more job opportunities.

The Extremes of Life: Microbes and Their Diversity route could be very crucial for discovering the evolution and diversity of microorganisms. It discusses an extensive range of theories like evolution, classification, diversity, extremophiles, sequences, and so on.    

EdX provides this route in conjunction with Kyoto university that's mentioned as the best studies-centric college in Asia. The purpose of this kind of popularity is that the researchers are Noble Prize Laureates who did excessive research at some stage in their provider. Also, the school members have received numerous awards which include Gauss Prizes and Field Medals. This is a self-paced path wherein the route curriculum is nicely structured that's spread into 6 weeks. 

This direction is an excellent possibility for students who are occupied with the evolution of microbes and want to have a wider perspective on their diversity.  The candidates in the period of 4 weeks will be able to gain skills and learn about extremophiles and their importance. Since the course is free to access, the benefits of it can be availed by everyone. Although to gain the certificate, the candidates need to switch to a verified track. 

Seoul National University in collaboration with edX learning platform has developed this certificate programme on DNA and Atoms: The Secret of Life. The course will elucidate in depth about DNA structure and the bonding of atoms that help in the formation of DNA molecules. The DNA and Atoms: The Secret of Life certification course also explains the periodic table with Nobel lectures. This is a chemistry based course which uses double helical structure of DNA and its chemical principles that are used as the building block of life. The candidate will learn why and how atoms bond to make molecules into what is known as DNA and how the discovery of elements like Argon helps with the reactivity and valency of elements in the periodic table. The course also refers to scientific papers from several sources and will run for a short period of 4 weeks. The student needs to dedicate only 4 to 5 hours a week for this introductory level course with a self-paced mode of learning.

The analysis of biological datasets requires a strong computational background. If you happen to be a non-computational biologist, then this programme can be highly beneficial for you. The Analyze Your Genome programme by edX covers several biological problems concerning NGS or next-generation sequencing. It is an offering of the University of California, San Diego.

The edX Analyze Your Genome online course will take you through the process of using Illumina’s BaseSpace platform. It will enable you to run workflows in a convenient and user-friendly manner. Besides, you will learn to utilise modern best-practice pipelines. These will include Trio Analysis, Genome Assembly, Differential Expression Analysis, and Variant Calling.

Furthermore, the professors and doctoral students of the University of California will be the Analyze Your Genome certification course educators. It is a four-week training programme that follows a self-paced model of learning. Thus, you can learn the course content at any time, anywhere.