Ever marveled at the intricate dance of life playing out within the invisible confines of a single cell? Or dreamt of peering into the molecular machinery that orchestrates every breath, heartbeat, and thought?
If you’re hungry to dive deeper into the mesmerizing world of cell biology, you’re in luck! The internet has blossomed into a vibrant jungle of online courses, each promising to unlock the secrets of these tiny life engines. But with so many options, where do you start?
Fear not, intrepid explorer! This post is your compass, guiding you through the maze of online cell biology courses and illuminating the ones that truly shine. We’ll unveil hidden gems for beginners, seasoned scientists seeking specialized knowledge, and everyone in between. Get ready to unleash your inner cell biologist, armed with the perfect online training to fuel your microscopic adventures!
So, grab your virtual lab coat, adjust your electron microscope goggles, and prepare to shrink down to the nanoscale. We’re about to embark on a journey into the best online cell biology courses the internet has to offer!
Best Online Cell Biology Courses
- The Science of Stem Cells offered by the American Museum of Natural History – (Coursera)
- Cell Biology: Mitochondria offered by Harvard University – (edX)
- Cell Biology: Transport offered by Massachusetts Institute of Technology – (edX)
- Basics on Cell Biology – Cell Tissues and Functions|Biology – (Udemy)
- Cell Biology offered by UNE Online – (University of New England)
- Essential Human Biology: Cells and tissues offered by The University of Adelaide – (edX)
- Cell Biology Flipped Course – (iBiology)
- Cell Biology offered – (Berkeley Extension)
8 Best Cellular Biology Courses
1. The Science of Stem Cells offered by the American Museum of Natural History – (Coursera)
In this five-part course, you will learn about the history and basic biology of stem cells, as well as new research methodologies and how stem cells could lead to disease cures and personalized therapy.
In this course, Museum scientists, medical researchers, and a panel of bioethics experts will talk about the moral associations of stem cell research and therapy.
Discover what has previously been accomplished, what hurdles remain, and what medical breakthroughs may lie ahead.
| Rating | 4.7 based on 1942 ratings |
| Duration | Approximately 10 hours of cell biology class online |
| Level | Intermediate level |
| Refund Policy | 7-days trial available |
| Certificate Provided | Yes |
| Course Material Provided | Yes |
| Live Classes/Recorded Lessons | Recorded lessons |
| Course Type | Paid cell biology training course |
| Course Instructor | Dr. Zehra Dincer |
| Scope for Improvement (Cons) | Too much repetition of the content is there, which makes learning monotonous. |
Topics Covered
- Introduction to Stem Cells
- History of Stem Cells
- Importance of Stem Cells
- Stem Cells in other organisms
- Working of Stem Cells
- Cell differentiation, Therapeutic Cloning, and Chimeras
- Using Stem cells to study disease
- Reprogramming and Genome Editing for Disease Modeling
- Stem Cells: Developing New Cures
- Using Stem cells to treat disease
- Stem Cells in the Adult Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Their Therapeutic Potential
- Myths About Adult (Somatic) Stem Cells
- The Bioethics of Stem Cell Research and Therapy
What will you learn from this best cell biology class online?
- Esteban Mazzoni will talk about how scientists can get stem cells to specialize into specific cell types. Dr. Mazzoni will also discuss novel stem cell-assisted technologies, including mitochondrial replacement treatment and the creation of chimeras for organ transplantation.
- You will also be given some basic knowledge of cloning science and ethics.
- The instructor explains how cultured cells can be used to investigate the causes of diseases and to search for medications that may be able to heal them.
Cell biology training prerequisites
Students must have basic knowledge of cells and their structure.
Is it the best cellular biology course for you?
This is the best course for:
- Researchers
- Students
- Doctors
2. Cell Biology: Mitochondria offered by Harvard University – (edX)
This is one of the best online cell biology courses intended to introduce students to the principles of cell biology. The overarching goal is for students to comprehend from a human standpoint that cells are evolving ensembles of macromolecules that form complex communities in tissues, organs, and multicellular animals.
The class concentrates on the mitochondrion, the organelle that provides energy to the cell.
In this context, you will look at cell metabolism processes. Finally, you will also look at the F1F0 ATP synthase, the molecular machine that produces the majority of the ATP required by your cells to function.
| Duration | 4 weeks of cell biology class online |
| Level | Introductory level cellular biology course |
| Refund Policy | N/A |
| Certificate Provided | Yes |
| Course Material Provided | Yes |
| Live Classes/Recorded Lessons | Recorded lessons |
| Course Type | Free |
| Course Instructor | Robert A. Lue |
| Scope for Improvement (Cons) | No certificate in the free version. |
Topics Covered
- Power plants of the cell
- Components of cell
- F1F0 ATP synthase
- Mitochondria
- Working of cells
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding the structure of a cell and how it affects its functioning.
- The function of mitochondria in the cell and why a cell must produce ATP
- How cells digest food to supply the chemicals required for mitochondrial activity
- How F1F0 ATP synthase leads to ATP synthesis
- What laboratory techniques are utilized to study mitochondrial structure and function?
Prerequisites
None
3. Cell Biology: Transport offered by Massachusetts Institute of Technology – (edX)
This is the first course of a four-part series of best online cell biology courses. These cellular biology courses build on the principles of genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology to give you an overview of cell biology.
You will start on an exciting journey through cellular transport systems, learning how to apply important concepts and topics of this dynamic experimental science to comprehend the fundamental functions of cells.
| Duration | Approximately 5 weeks of cell biology training |
| Level | Best cell biology class online for advanced-level |
| Certificate Provided | Yes |
| Course Material Provided | Yes |
| Live Classes/Recorded Lessons | Recorded lessons |
| Course Type | Free cellular biology course |
| Course Instructor | Rebecca Lamason, Mary Ellen Wiltrout, Darcy Gordon |
| Scope for Improvement (Cons) | Expensive course |
Topics Covered
- Membranes and some membrane-bound organelles
- Experiments with membranes and membrane proteins
- Protein trafficking to membranes
- Nuclear-cytoplasmic transport
What are the learning outcomes of this cell biology training?
- How to use biochemical and genetic approaches to answer fundamental concerns about the movement of molecules and proteins in the cell.
- Evaluate the findings and models that scientists generate about cell biology based on experimental procedures and results.
- How to choose specific empirical procedures and approaches based on the many types of inquiries scientists ask.
- How to construct experiments to answer cell biology experiments with suitable controls.
- Evaluate biological requirements and sufficiency based on experimental results.
- How to compare and contrast protein transport pathways.
- Last but not least, with these online cell biology courses, you will learn how to recognize recurring themes in protein transport, such as the utilization of signal sequences, G-protein coupling, and the role of channels.
Prerequisites
- Knowledge of basic genetics
- Molecular biology (as found in 00x Introductory Biology and 7.05x Biochemistry)
- Undergraduate biochemistry
Is it the best cellular biology course for you?
This is a good course for everyone. However, people residing in Iran, Cuba, and the Crimea region of Ukraine won’t have access to this course.
4. Basics on Cell Biology – Cell Tissues and Functions – Biology offered by Udemy
Cell biology is concerned with the tiniest unit of life. This course includes visuals that explain cells and tissues. This course is made up of video sessions with rudimentary animation to aid in visualization and comprehension.
At the end of each class, you can do enjoyable exercises that will help you revise your concepts thoroughly.
| Rating | 4.5 based on 80 ratings |
| Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes cellular biology course |
| Level | Intermediate-level online cell biology courses |
| Refund Policy | 30-day money-back policy |
| Certificate Provided | Yes |
| Course Material Provided | Yes |
| Live Classes/Recorded Lessons | Recorded lessons |
| Course Type | Paid |
| Course Provider | Let’stute |
| Scope for Improvement (Cons) | This course is very basic and is meant for freshers only. |
What are the topics covered in this cell biology class online?
- Introduction to Biology
- Cells and their components
- Atoms and molecules
- Cell Organelles and their function
- Nucleus and endoplasmic reticulum
- Golgi Apparatus and lysosome
- Mitochondria, Plastids, and Vacuoles
- Human Circulatory System
- Heart
- Health and disease
- Breathing process in humans
- Plant tissues: Introduction
- Meristematic Tissues
- Simple Permanent Tissue
- Quiz time- Simple Permanent Tissue
- Complex Permanent Tissue
- Plant Epidermis
What are the learning outcomes of this cellular biology course?
- The concept of the cell and its discovery
- Detailed definitions of unicellular and multicellular creatures.
- The shape, size, and amount of cells in a certain organism
- Differences between plant and mammal cells
- The three essential components of cells: cell membrane, cytoplasm, and cell organelles
- Membrane-bound cell organelle structure and functions
- The concept of tissues
- Plant tissue and animal tissue are two different sorts of tissues based on the organism.
- There are three types of plant tissue: meristematic, simple permanent, and complicated permanent.
- The Functions of Plant Epidermis
- Nervous, muscular, connective, and epithelial tissue are all different forms of animal tissue.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Biology knowledge is required, along with the desire to learn more will be beneficial for these online cell biology courses.
Is it the best cell biology training for you?
This is the best cell biology class online for:
- Students in high school (grades 8, 9, and 10)
- A home-schooled biology student
- Anyone interested in biology elementary course
5. Essential Human Biology: Cells and tissues offered by The University of Adelaide – (edX)
This course will equip you with a solid foundation in human anatomy and physiology.
You will obtain a comprehensive understanding of the links between normal form and function in human cells and tissues in both health and disease. The quality of the body’s four major types of tissue – epithelial, connective, muscular, and nerve – will also be thoroughly explained.
To lead you through key ideas and make learning relevant, the course employs several engaging learning approaches, such as short films, animations, interactive activities, and integrated quizzes.
| Duration | Approximately 5 weeks cell biology class online |
| Level | Introductory-level online cell biology courses |
| Certificate Provided | Yes |
| Course Material Provided | Yes |
| Live Classes/Recorded Lessons | Recorded lessons |
| Course Type | Free |
| Course Provider | Mario Ricci, Rachel Gibson, and Sophie Karanicolas |
What topics does this best cell biology training cover?
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Relationship between normal structure and function in human cells and tissues
- Types of tissues
- Epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous tissues
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding of the structure and function of human cells and tissues.
- Basic human anatomy and physiology knowledge.
- Preparation for study in the health sciences and a profession in the health care field.
Prerequisites
There are no official prerequisites, but a basic understanding of biology may be beneficial.
6. Cell Biology offered by UNE Online – (University of New England)
This is one of the best online cell biology courses. This course will introduce and explore basic cell biology ideas and theories, with an emphasis on their application in understanding human health.
An introduction to cell theory, the chemical makeup of cells, cellular processes and cell signaling, reproduction, and genetics are among the topics covered.
Course texts, video lectures/demonstrations, conversations, and a variety of experiential activities, including a course project, will be used to investigate each of these subjects.
Quizzes and a cumulative final exam will be used to assess students’ understanding of cell biology principles. Students will also be able to apply what they’ve learned in this course to analyze a human disease.
| Duration | Approximately 16 weeks |
| Level | Introductory level and intermediate level |
| Refund Policy | Only on dropping the course before the commencement of the course |
| Certificate Provided | Yes |
| Course Material Provided | Yes |
| Live Classes/Recorded Lessons | Recorded lessons |
| Course Type | Paid |
| Course Provider | UNE Online University Of New England |
What topics do these online cell biology courses cover?
- Introduction to cells
- Theories of cells
- Cellular processes
- Cell Signalling
- Genetics
- Cell reproduction
What will you learn from this course?
- Use visual representations to illustrate or label the structure and function of cellular components.
- Determine the structure and function of cellular constituents.
- Draw a diagram illustrating the structure and function of cellular components.
- Draw a diagram depicting the chemical composition of cells.
- Describe how cells transfer resources and communicate with one another.
- Demonstrate how cells transfer materials and communicate with one another.
- Using a diagram, explain the process of cell reproduction.
- Discuss the biological underpinnings of diversity.
- Describe and show the properties of enzymes, as well as their significance in cellular operations.
- Cellular respiration
- Understand how genetic information is stored
- Cellular metabolism
- Examine how biotechnology is now used to diagnose and treat diseases.
- Use your knowledge of cell biology to address health-related challenges
Prerequisites
- External Webcam
- Whiteboard
- Cell Biology Textbook
7. Cell Biology Flipped Course offered by – (iBiology)
Using iBiology videos, this course walks viewers through the principles of Cell Biology. It is intended for advanced undergraduates and early graduate students.
Learn about the origins of cellular structure, the structure and function of macromolecules, and how cells move and divide from specialists in this one of the best online cell biology courses.
The course video also contains a series of questions designed to elicit critical thinking and discussion.
Topics Covered
- Origins of life
- Organization of cytoplasm
- G-proteins
- Vesicle Trafficking
- Cell Motility
- Cytoskeletal motor proteins
- Cell division
- Protein kinases
- Cell cycle
What will you learn from this cell biology class online?
-
- Szostak begins his talk with examples of the severe settings in which life exists on Earth.
- Dr. Hyman describes how cell division in a C. elegans embryo provides a good model for the architecture of biological structures and functions and how RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool for studying this model. He explains how individual proteins can join together to form molecules of different sizes and complexity.
- Dr. Wittinghofer describes how understanding the conserved mechanism by which G-proteins can act as switches were made possible by determining the three-dimensional structure of Ras and other G-proteins. The structure also revealed domains that are unique to each G-protein and give selectivity for downstream signals.
- Dr. Randy Schekman provides an introduction to the secretory route and discusses previous research that affected our molecular understanding of it. The journey starts in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where proteins involved in the secretory route are translated.
- Dr. Theriot explains how tiny, nanometer-sized actin molecules may self-assemble into hundreds of micron-long filaments. These actin filaments are constantly expanding and contracting, and this dynamic characteristic enables an actin network to generate enough force for cell movement.
- You also learn about the motors that travel along cytoskeletal tracks. The primary focus of this lecture is on the function of motor proteins.
8. Cell Biology offered by – (Berkeley Extension)
In these online cell biology courses, you will learn about cell biology from a molecular standpoint. You will also work on the current knowledge of cell membranes, organelles, and cytoskeletons.
This isn’t it. In addition to the above-stated topics, the course also covers cell development and division, cell communication, and the mechanisms behind cellular activities.
| Duration | Approximately 180 days of cell biology class online |
| Level | Introductory level and intermediate level |
| Refund Policy | Not Applicable |
| Certificate Provided | Yes |
| Course Material Provided | Yes |
| Live Classes/Recorded Lessons | Recorded |
| Course Type | Paid |
| Course Instructor | Nidhi Ahuja |
Prerequisites
- College-level general biology knowledge
- Textbook (Mandatory) – Molecular Cell Biology by Harvey Lodish
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Conclusion
So, these were the 8 best cell biology classes online according to us. Choose from these online cell biology courses as per your experience level and the learning outcomes expected.
