RNA Biology with Eterna

Instructor: Rhiju Das

7,237 already enrolled

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

155 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

7 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

155 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

7 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 2 modules in this course

Through videos and gameplay, this course provides a unique introduction to RNA biology, including its uses in medicine and bioengineering. Learn how RNA powers cell growth and development by designing your own RNAs using the popular citizen science game Eterna.

DNA gets all the glory, but RNA does the work. RNA consists of bases that form pairs to create 3D shapes. In this module, learn about the different base pairs and the chemical forces which drive them, as well as how scientists work with RNA in the lab.

What's included

3 videos7 readings4 assignments3 plugins

3 videosTotal 10 minutes

Course Introduction with Rhiju Das3 minutes
RNA Biology Overview3 minutes
Eterna Library Prep with Rui Huang4 minutes

7 readingsTotal 64 minutes

What is RNA?10 minutes
Introduction to Eterna10 minutes
RNA Structural Motifs in 2D10 minutes
Creating 2D Structural Motifs2 minutes
RNA Structural Motifs in 3D20 minutes
Creating 3D Structural Motifs2 minutes
Module 1 Summary10 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Knowledge Check20 minutes
Knowledge Check20 minutes
Knowledge Check20 minutes
Module 1 Exam30 minutes

3 pluginsTotal 50 minutes

Base Pairing Puzzles15 minutes
2D Structural Motif Puzzles15 minutes
3D Structural Motif Puzzles20 minutes

The ribosome is one of the oldest RNA machines in your cells! It makes all of the proteins necessary for life. In this module, learn about how RNA powers the translation process, and how scientists are rewriting the rules to design advanced polymers.

What's included

2 videos4 readings4 assignments3 plugins

2 videosTotal 9 minutes

RNA and the Central Dogma of Biology5 minutes
RNA 3D Structure using Cryo-EM4 minutes

4 readingsTotal 35 minutes

Meet the Ribosome10 minutes
The PTC and Translation10 minutes
Applications in Biotechnology10 minutes
Module 2 Summary5 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Knowledge Check20 minutes
Knowledge Check20 minutes
Knowledge Check20 minutes
Module 2 Exam30 minutes

3 pluginsTotal 90 minutes

tRNA and mRNA Puzzles30 minutes
PTC Puzzles30 minutes
Synthetic Biology Puzzles30 minutes

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(49 ratings)

Rhiju Das

Stanford University

1 Course7,237 learners

Offered by

Stanford University

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Showing 3 of 155

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

its a very interseting Course. It helps you to strong your concepts and gain knowledege

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2025

overall a very good introduction for RNA biology would have preferred more videos and maybe more background info

Reviewed on Dec 10, 2024

very much satisfied with this course . game was very user friendly and very innovative.

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Frequently asked questions

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RNA Biology with Eterna

RNA Biology with Eterna

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

There are 2 modules in this course

Introduction to RNA

What's included

3 videosTotal 10 minutes

7 readingsTotal 64 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

3 pluginsTotal 50 minutes

The Ribosome and Translation

What's included

2 videosTotal 9 minutes

4 readingsTotal 35 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

3 pluginsTotal 90 minutes

Instructor

Offered by

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Jennifer J.

Larry W.

Chaitanya A.

Learner reviews

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Advance your career with an online degree

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Frequently asked questions

More questions

RNA Biology with Eterna

RNA Biology with Eterna

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

There are 2 modules in this course

Introduction to RNA

What's included

The Ribosome and Translation

What's included

Instructor

Offered by

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Jennifer J.

Larry W.

Chaitanya A.

Learner reviews

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Advance your career with an online degree

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Frequently asked questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

Is financial aid available?

More questions