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  2. Natural Sciences

Natural Sciences Courses

Natural sciences courses can help you learn about biological systems, chemical reactions, physical laws, and ecological principles. You can build skills in experimental design, data analysis, and critical thinking while exploring topics like genetics, thermodynamics, and environmental science. Many courses introduce tools such as laboratory equipment, statistical software, and simulation models, that support conducting experiments and analyzing scientific data.

Popular Natural Sciences Courses and Certifications


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  • D

    Dartmouth College

    Environmental Science

    Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Systems Thinking

    4.7 stars, 362 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.7 (362) · Beginner · 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, Environmental Issue, Cell Biology, Anatomy, Estimation, Taxonomy, Experimentation

    4.8 stars, 318 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.8 (318) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • D

    Dartmouth College

    Introduction to Environmental Science

    Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Demography, Energy and Utilities, Nutrition and Diet, Oil and Gas, Systems Thinking

    4.7 stars, 478 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (478) · Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • D

    Dartmouth College

    Question Reality! Science, philosophy, a search for meaning

    Skills you'll gain: Computational Logic, Scientific Methods, Logical Reasoning, Physics, Artificial Intelligence, Experimentation, Simulations, Ancient History, Mechanics, General Mathematics

    4.7 stars, 43 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (43) · Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • U

    University of Amsterdam

    Methods and Statistics in Social Sciences

    Skills you'll gain: Qualitative Research, Scientific Methods, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Research, Science and Research, Research Design, Sampling (Statistics), Research Reports, Interviewing Skills, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Research Methodologies, Probability & Statistics, Social Sciences, Statistical Methods, Regression Analysis, Statistical Inference, Statistics, R Programming

    4.6 stars, 8K reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.6 (8K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
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  • L

    Lecturio

    Nursing Prerequisites: Essential Sciences for Future Nurses

    Skills you'll gain: Microbiology, Pharmacology, Sensory Systems Analysis, Health Disparities, Molecular Biology, Infection Control, Infectious Diseases, Chemistry, Stress Management, Biochemistry, Psychology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Sociology, Cultural Sensitivity, Analytical Chemistry, Immunology, Behavior Management, Biology, Decision Making, Taxonomy

    4.6 stars, 25 reviews, Intermediate, Professional Certificate, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.6 (25) · Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • T

    The University of Edinburgh

    Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences

    Skills you'll gain: Science and Research, Liberal Arts, General Science and Research, Physical Science, Physics

    4.7 stars, 963 reviews, Mixed, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (963) · Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • S

    Stanford Online

    Writing in the Sciences

    Skills you'll gain: Writing and Editing, Writing, Concision, Grammar, Editing, Technical Writing, Technical Communication, Grant Writing, Journals, Peer Review, Media and Communications

    4.9 stars, 9.9K reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.9 (9.9K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • U

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Wetland Science and Conservation

    Skills you'll gain: Stakeholder Engagement, Environmental Monitoring, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Policy Analysis, Cultural Sensitivity, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Laws, Environmental Resource Management, Case Studies, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Policy, Environment, Environmental Regulations, Environmental Issue, Sustainable Development, Environmental Science, Biology, Governance, Climate Change Adaptation

    4.8 stars, 22 reviews, Intermediate, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.8 (22) · Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Biology Everywhere

    Skills you'll gain: Environment, Molecular Biology, Life Sciences, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Environmental Science, Cell Biology, Biology, Biochemistry, Clinical Research Ethics, Environmental Issue, Liberal Arts, Human Development, Food and Beverage, General Science and Research, Child Development, Chemistry, Music, Psychology, Scientific Methods

    4.5 stars, 405 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.5 (405) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • U

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Wetland Science & Management: Fundamentals to Conservation

    Skills you'll gain: Environmental Monitoring, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Resource Management, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Science, Biology, Environment, Technical Documentation

    4.8 stars, 20 reviews, Intermediate, Specialization, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.8 (20) · Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • B

    Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

    General Physics

    Skills you'll gain: Physics, Mechanics, Engineering, Vibrations, Physical Science, electromagnetics, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Problem Solving, Science and Research, Analytical Skills, Computer Science, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Logical Reasoning, Research, Software Development, Critical Thinking

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Build toward a degree
    Build toward a degree
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Best free Natural Sciences courses

High-quality free Natural Sciences courses you can start today.

  1. 1
    Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences
    The University of EdinburghMixed1 - 3 Months4.7(963)Free
  2. 2
    Writing in the Sciences
    Stanford OnlineBeginner1 - 3 Months4.9(9,857)Free

Best Natural Sciences courses from Dartmouth College

Top-rated Natural Sciences courses offered by Dartmouth College on Coursera.

  1. 1
    Environmental Science
    Dartmouth CollegeBeginner1 - 4 Weeks4.7(362)Dartmouth College
  2. 2
    Introduction to Environmental Science
    Dartmouth CollegeBeginner1 - 3 Months4.7(478)Dartmouth College
  3. 3
    Question Reality! Science, philosophy, a search for meaning
    Dartmouth CollegeBeginner1 - 3 Months4.7(43)Dartmouth College

Best Natural Sciences certificate programs

Earn a certificate in Natural Sciences from top universities and companies.

  1. 1
    Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity
    Rice UniversityBeginner3 - 6 Months4.8(318)Specialization
  2. 2
    Methods and Statistics in Social Sciences
    University of AmsterdamBeginner3 - 6 Months4.6(7,988)Specialization
  3. 3
    Nursing Prerequisites: Essential Sciences for Future Nurses
    LecturioIntermediate3 - 6 Months4.6(25)Professional Certificate

Best Natural Sciences courses for beginners

Top-rated beginner-friendly Natural Sciences courses with no prerequisites.

  1. 1
    Biology Everywhere
    University of Colorado BoulderBeginner3 - 6 Months4.5(405)No prerequisites
  2. 2
    General Physics
    Birla Institute of Technology & Science, PilaniBeginner1 - 3 Months3.3(4)No prerequisites

Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Sciences

A variety of career paths are available in the natural sciences, ranging from research and academia to applied sciences in industry. Potential job titles include laboratory technician, environmental scientist, biochemist, and science educator. Additionally, roles in healthcare, such as nursing or medical research, often require a solid foundation in natural sciences. As industries increasingly rely on scientific knowledge, opportunities in fields like pharmaceuticals, environmental consulting, and biotechnology continue to grow.‎

To succeed in natural sciences, you should develop a strong foundation in scientific principles and methodologies. Key skills include analytical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis. Familiarity with laboratory techniques and equipment is also important, as is the ability to communicate scientific concepts effectively. Additionally, skills in statistics and research methods are valuable, especially for those pursuing careers in research or academia.‎

There are numerous online courses available that cater to various aspects of natural sciences. Some highly regarded options include the Nursing Prerequisites: Essential Sciences for Future Nurses Professional Certificate and the Natural Disaster and Climate Change Risk Assessment Specialization. These courses provide foundational knowledge and practical skills applicable to real-world scenarios.‎

Yes. You can start learning natural sciences on Coursera for free in two ways:

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

Learning natural sciences can be approached through various methods. Start by identifying your area of interest, whether it be biology, chemistry, or physics. Online courses, textbooks, and educational videos can provide foundational knowledge. Engaging in hands-on experiments, whether at home or in a lab setting, can enhance your understanding. Additionally, participating in discussions or study groups can help reinforce concepts and foster a collaborative learning environment.‎

Natural sciences courses typically cover a wide range of topics, including the scientific method, fundamental principles of various scientific disciplines, and current research trends. Specific subjects may include ecology, genetics, thermodynamics, and environmental science. Many courses also emphasize practical applications, such as laboratory techniques and data analysis, to prepare learners for real-world challenges.‎

For training and upskilling employees in the natural sciences, courses like the Natural Disaster and Climate Change Risk Assessment Specialization can be particularly beneficial. These programs equip learners with relevant skills and knowledge to address pressing environmental issues, making them valuable for organizations focused on sustainability and scientific innovation.‎

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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