Online Molecular Biology Course and Class Reviews

Molecular biology and its associated fields, such as genetics and computational biology, may fall under the study areas of chemistry, biology or bioinformatics. Online molecular biology courses are available as introductory courses for the undergraduate student or as advanced courses for the graduate student.

Overview of Online Molecular Biology Courses

Since molecular biology is closely associated with other branches of science, such as genetics and computational molecular biology, courses tend to span the breadth of the field. Molecular biology is used in the study of DNA, pharmacology and cell systems. Most courses are geared toward the biological sciences undergraduate or graduate student; however, several institutions offer non-credit molecular biology courses to the public. Those students who earn molecular biology degrees can enter careers in genetics, computer science, medicine, research, bioinformatics and biochemistry.

Course Requirements

Most molecular biology courses require the student to have an updated Internet browser. Often students are required to submit homework by e-mail or through an online education platform, like Blackboard or Moodle. Many lectures and demonstrations are available by video, so students should have appropriate media-playing software and speakers.

List of Online Molecular Biology Courses

Introductory Molecular Biology Course

This course is usually offered at the undergraduate level and is meant as an overview of the applications of molecular biology. Topics discussed include chromosome structure, DNA replication and gene expression.

Genetics and Molecular Biology Course

Genetics seeks to understand the inheritance and the variation of traits in organisms. This type of course examines the means of genetic inheritance in prokaryotes (organisms without cell nuclei) and eukaryotes (organisms with cell nuclei).

Computational Molecular Biology Course

This graduate course discusses proteins, protein sequences and genomes, exploring how tools like databases and pattern matching can be used to study them. A course of this nature is geared not only toward those students who are studying molecular biology, but also toward students pursuing advanced degrees in computer science.

Molecular Genetics Course

Students in this course study modern genetic science, particularly examining human diseases, in order to comprehend the variation of traits. Discussion also covers the ethical dilemmas of genomic research.

Molecular Foundations of Pharmacology Course

In this course, cell receptors are explored, as well as the pharmacological elements that can affect receptor functions. Drugs that affect enzymes are also discussed. Students should be familiar with receptor binding and enzyme kinetics to enroll in this advanced online course.