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  • Cancer Biology

Cancer Biology Courses

Cancer biology courses can help you learn about tumor biology, cancer genetics, and the mechanisms of metastasis. You can build skills in analyzing cancer data, understanding treatment modalities, and evaluating clinical trial designs. Many courses introduce tools like bioinformatics software for genomic analysis and laboratory techniques such as PCR and flow cytometry, that support conducting research and interpreting results in the study of cancer.

Popular Cancer Biology Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    J

    Johns Hopkins University

    Cancer Biology

    Skills you'll gain: Oncology, Medical Imaging, Radiology, Diagnostic Radiology, Patient Education and Support, Mammography, Radiation Therapy, Molecular Biology, Diagnostic Tests, X-Ray Computed Tomography, Clinical Trials, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Capillary, Pain Management, Preventative Care, Treatment Planning, Hemodynamics, Drug Development, Cell Biology, Biology

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    9.9K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    J

    Johns Hopkins University

    Introduction to the Biology of Cancer

    Skills you'll gain: Oncology, Medical Imaging, Radiology, Diagnostic Radiology, Mammography, Molecular Biology, X-Ray Computed Tomography, Clinical Trials, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Radiation Therapy, Cell Biology, Treatment Planning, Patient Treatment, Pathology, Epidemiology, Preventative Care, Biology, Risk Analysis, Surgery

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    7.9K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    Imperial College London

    Immunology: Immune Failures and Cancer Immunology

    Skills you'll gain: Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Oncology, Pathology, Pharmacotherapy, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Chronic Diseases, Treatment Planning

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    134 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Biology Everywhere

    Skills you'll gain: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Human Development, Biology, Life Sciences, Environment, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Chemistry, Cell Biology, Child Development, Environmental Science, Environmental Resource Management, Music, Biotechnology, Environment and Resource Management, General Science and Research, Decision Making, Natural Resource Management, Liberal Arts, Oncology

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    400 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free
    Free
    M

    Moderna

    mRNAs as Medicines

    Skills you'll gain: Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Pharmacotherapy, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Immunology, Precision Medicine, Pharmaceuticals, Cell Biology, Emerging Technologies, Medical Science and Research, Drug Development, Infectious Diseases, Oncology

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    161 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    I

    Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

    Systems Biology and Biotechnology

    Skills you'll gain: Matlab, Bioinformatics, Mathematical Software, Quantitative Research, Electrophysiology, Unsupervised Learning, Data Synthesis, Research, Mathematical Modeling, Molecular Biology, Simulation and Simulation Software, Pharmacology, Science and Research, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Laboratory Research, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, General Science and Research, Network Analysis, Biology

    4.4
    Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    990 reviews

    Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    L

    Lecturio

    Molecular and Cell Biology

    Skills you'll gain: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Life Sciences, Pharmacology, Biology

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    8 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    J

    Johns Hopkins University

    Understanding Cancer Metastasis

    Skills you'll gain: Capillary, Hemodynamics, Drug Development, Oncology, Cell Biology, Biology, Pathology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2.5K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    Y

    Yale University

    Introduction to Breast Cancer

    Skills you'll gain: Mammography, Oncology, Clinical Trials, Diagnostic Tests, Radiation Therapy, Treatment Planning, Surgery, Care Management, Preventative Care, Rehabilitation, Clinical Research, Pathology, Precision Medicine, Patient Treatment, Maternal Health, Biology, General Medical Tests and Procedures, Patient Education And Counseling, Molecular Biology

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.4K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    J

    Johns Hopkins University

    Introduction to Genomic Technologies

    Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Data Science, Molecular Biology, Science and Research, Data Processing, Data Analysis, Computer Science, Correlation Analysis, Biotechnology, Statistical Analysis, Computational Thinking, Life Sciences, Probability & Statistics, Statistics, Software Engineering, Algorithms, Biology

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    4.9K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    B

    Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

    Introduction to Bioinformatics

    Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Data Management, Biostatistics, Clinical Data Management, Precision Medicine, Data Mining, Applied Machine Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Cell Biology, Scientific Visualization, Large Language Modeling, LLM Application, Data Preprocessing, Correlation Analysis, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Dimensionality Reduction, Computational Thinking, Markov Model, Algorithms

    Build toward a degree

    4
    Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    11 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    J

    Johns Hopkins University

    Understanding Prostate Cancer

    Skills you'll gain: Patient Education and Support, Radiation Therapy, Diagnostic Tests, Oncology, Pain Management, Preventative Care, Patient Evaluation, Endocrinology, Pathology, Urology, Patient Treatment, Treatment Planning, Biology, Surgery, Care Management, Risk Analysis, Pharmacotherapy

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    760 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

1234…36

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

  • Cancer Biology: Johns Hopkins University
  • Introduction to the Biology of Cancer: Johns Hopkins University
  • Immunology: Immune Failures and Cancer Immunology: Imperial College London
  • Biology Everywhere: University of Colorado Boulder
  • mRNAs as Medicines: Moderna
  • Systems Biology and Biotechnology: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
  • Molecular and Cell Biology: Lecturio
  • Understanding Cancer Metastasis: Johns Hopkins University
  • Introduction to Breast Cancer: Yale University
  • Introduction to Genomic Technologies: Johns Hopkins University

Frequently Asked Questions about Cancer Biology

Cancer biology is the study of cancer's biological mechanisms, including its development, progression, and treatment. Understanding cancer biology is crucial because it helps researchers and healthcare professionals identify potential therapies, improve diagnostic methods, and develop preventive strategies. This field is vital for advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes. ‎

Careers in cancer biology can vary widely, including roles such as cancer researcher, clinical trial coordinator, medical science liaison, and oncology nurse. These positions often require a strong foundation in biological sciences and may involve working in laboratories, hospitals, or academic institutions. The demand for professionals in this field continues to grow as cancer research advances.‎

To pursue a career in cancer biology, you should focus on developing skills in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and data analysis. Familiarity with laboratory techniques and bioinformatics can also be beneficial. Additionally, strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and conveying complex information effectively.‎

Some of the best online courses in cancer biology include the Cancer Biology Specialization and the Introduction to the Biology of Cancer. These courses provide foundational knowledge and practical insights into the mechanisms of cancer, making them valuable for anyone interested in this field.‎

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

  1. Preview the first module of many cancer 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 cancer biology, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Learning cancer biology can be approached through a combination of online courses, textbooks, and research articles. Start with foundational courses, such as the Introduction to the Biology of Cancer, and gradually explore more specialized topics. Engaging with online communities and attending webinars can also enhance your understanding.‎

Typical topics covered in cancer biology courses include the molecular basis of cancer, tumor microenvironment, cancer genetics, and therapeutic strategies. Courses often explore the latest research findings and clinical applications, providing a comprehensive overview of the field.‎

For training and upskilling employees in cancer biology, the Cancer Biology Specialization is highly recommended. This specialization offers a structured curriculum that equips learners with essential knowledge and skills applicable in various professional settings.‎

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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