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  • Marine Biology

Marine Biology Courses

Marine biology courses can help you learn about marine ecosystems, species identification, oceanography, and conservation strategies. You can build skills in field research techniques, data collection, and species monitoring. Many courses introduce tools like GIS software for mapping habitats, underwater drones for exploration, and laboratory equipment for analyzing water quality, all essential for conducting research and contributing to marine conservation efforts.


Popular Marine Biology Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    A

    American Museum of Natural History

    Marine Biology

    Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Biology, Environmental Science, Environment, Biochemistry, Physiology, Hydrology, Environmental Issue, Anatomy, Water Quality, Behavioral Health, Research

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    585 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    Universitat de Barcelona

    Oceanography: a key to better understand our world

    Skills you'll gain: Hydrology, Global Positioning Systems, Physical Science, Water Resources, Water Quality, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Information and Technology, Chemistry, Environment, Environmental Science, Mechanics, Systems Of Measurement, Climate Change Mitigation, Remote Access Systems

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    286 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • U

    University of California San Diego

    Introduction to Algae

    Skills you'll gain: Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Manufacturing and Production, Food and Beverage, Sustainable Design, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, Environment and Resource Management, Biology, Taxonomy, Environmental Science, Microbiology, Process Engineering, Laboratory Testing

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.2K reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Alberta

    Paleontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles

    Skills you'll gain: Biology, Life Sciences, Taxonomy

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.3K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    R

    Rice University

    Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity

    Skills you'll gain: Biology, Environment, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Life Sciences, Environmental Issue, Sustainable Development, Natural Resource Management, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Taxonomy, Cell Biology, Anatomy, Climate Change Adaptation, Estimation, Mathematical Modeling, Scientific Methods, Experimentation

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    253 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    A

    American Museum of Natural History

    Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation

    Skills you'll gain: Environment, Systems Thinking, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Resource Management, Biology, Sustainable Development, Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Case Studies, Mathematical Modeling

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3.4K reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Biology Everywhere Foundations

    Skills you'll gain: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, General Science and Research, Molecular Biology, Scientific Methods, Water Quality, Nutrition and Diet

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    237 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • U

    University of California San Diego

    Algae Biotechnology

    Skills you'll gain: Biotechnology, Biological Engineering, Sustainable Technologies, Life Sciences, Environmental Issue, Regulatory Requirements, Sustainability Standards, Chemical Engineering, Production Process, Product Development, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Biology

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    615 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Cape Town

    Large Marine Ecosystems: Assessment and Management

    Skills you'll gain: Sustainable Development, Environment and Resource Management, Natural Resource Management, Water Resource Management, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Environmental Policy, Governance, Environmental Monitoring, Case Studies, Socioeconomics, International Relations

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    309 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Preview
    Preview
    B

    Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

    Introduction to Bioinformatics

    Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Data Management, Biostatistics, Data Mining, Applied Machine Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Scientific Visualization, Data Preprocessing, Correlation Analysis, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Dimensionality Reduction, Computational Thinking, Markov Model, Algorithms

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of North Texas

    Contemporary Biology

    Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Environment, Environmental Science, General Science and Research, Chemistry, Experimentation

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    96 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of California San Diego

    Introduction to Seaweeds

    Skills you'll gain: Environmental Science, Biology, Environment and Resource Management, Biotechnology, Product Development, Food and Beverage, Water Resource Management, Biochemistry, Taxonomy, Anatomy

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    76 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

1234…30

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular marine biology courses

  • Marine Biology: American Museum of Natural History
  • Oceanography: a key to better understand our world: Universitat de Barcelona
  • Introduction to Algae: University of California San Diego
  • Paleontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles: University of Alberta
  • Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity: Rice University
  • Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation: American Museum of Natural History
  • Biology Everywhere Foundations: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Algae Biotechnology: University of California San Diego
  • Large Marine Ecosystems: Assessment and Management: University of Cape Town
  • Introduction to Bioinformatics: Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

Frequently Asked Questions about Marine Biology

Marine biology is the study of ocean ecosystems, marine organisms, and their interactions with the environment. This field is crucial for understanding biodiversity, the health of marine habitats, and the impact of human activities on the oceans. As our planet faces challenges like climate change and pollution, marine biology plays a vital role in conservation efforts and sustainable resource management.‎

A variety of career paths are available in marine biology, including roles such as marine biologist, oceanographer, environmental consultant, and research scientist. Positions can be found in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry. These roles often involve fieldwork, laboratory research, and policy advocacy, contributing to the protection and understanding of marine environments.‎

To pursue a career in marine biology, essential skills include scientific research methods, data analysis, and proficiency in statistics. Familiarity with marine ecosystems, species identification, and environmental regulations is also important. Additionally, skills in communication and teamwork are valuable, as marine biologists often collaborate with other scientists and stakeholders.‎

Some of the best online marine biology courses include the Marine Biology course, which provides foundational knowledge about marine ecosystems and organisms. Other relevant options are the Biology Everywhere Specialization, which covers broader biological concepts, and the Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization that includes marine topics.‎

Yes. You can start learning marine biology on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many marine biology courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. 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 marine biology, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

To learn marine biology, start by enrolling in introductory courses that cover the basics of marine ecosystems and organisms. Engage with online resources, participate in discussions, and consider hands-on experiences like internships or volunteer opportunities. Building a network with professionals in the field can also enhance your learning journey.‎

Typical topics covered in marine biology courses include marine ecology, oceanography, marine organism physiology, and conservation strategies. Courses may also explore the impact of climate change on marine life, biodiversity, and the role of marine environments in global ecosystems.‎

For training and upskilling employees in marine biology, courses like the Marine Biology course are beneficial. Additionally, the Biology Everywhere Specialization provides a comprehensive understanding of biological principles that can be applied in various marine contexts.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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