Molecular Biology Online Courses 2025 – Top Platforms, Colleges, Fees & Career Scope
Molecular Biology Online CoursesMolecular Biology Online Courses are short-length learning experiences (1-6 weeks) covering the study of genes, proteins, and interactions in cellular processes. This study area is very relevant to careers in biotechnology, genetics, and medical or biomedical research. Online courses cover subjects like DNA replication, gene expression, molecular diagnostics, and laboratory methods.
Some of the leading platforms providing Molecular Biology courses in India are Symbiosis SSODL, Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn. Course fees can be relatively affordable at ₹800 - ₹25,000; in fact, all of these platforms provide free courses with certificates in audit modes or limited-time modes!
There are very few eligibility criteria, such as students, researchers, and professionals with a life sciences or healthcare background are endorsed to enroll. Entry-level roles in molecular biology can pay between ₹4-8 lacs per annum, whereas experienced roles in particular research, pharma, and diagnostics can pay up to ₹20 lakhs.
Continue reading this expert guide for the top Molecular Biology Online Courses, a comparison of Free vs Paid courses, and how you can benefit from a career in this quickly changing field.
Molecular Biology Online Courses: Quick Highlights
The table below shows the quick highlights of the Molecular Biology Online Courses.
Feature | Details |
Course Duration | 2 weeks to 6 months (varies by depth and specialization) |
Key Topics Covered | DNA/RNA structure, gene expression, PCR, molecular diagnostics, genomics |
Top Platforms | Symbiosis SSODL, Coursera, edX, FutureLearn, EMBO Workshops |
Course Fees | ₹800 to ₹25,000 |
Free Courses Available | Yes, via Coursera audit mode, Class Central, and EMBO training previews |
Eligibility | Open to graduates; a life sciences or healthcare background is recommended |
Certification | free and paid; UGC/AICTE-recognized (SSODL) |
Entry-Level Salary | ₹4–8 lakhs per annum |
Experienced Salary | ₹12–20+ lakhs per annum |
Benefits | Career growth in biotech, pharma, diagnostics, and research institutions |
Free vs Paid | Free covers theory; Paid includes lab simulations, expert mentorship, and certification |
Best Molecular Biology Online Courses
Molecular Biology Online Courses allow learners to engage with topics of DNA, RNA, proteins, and the processes occurring within a cell. Would suit students, researchers, and professionals interested in life sciences, biotechnology, and healthcare.
Johns Hopkins University (Coursera) Molecular Biology Online Courses
Course Name | Trainer Name | Duration | Fee | Ratings (Out of 5) |
Cancer Biology | JHU Faculty | 3–6 Months | Free | 4.8 |
Duke University (Coursera) Molecular Biology Online Courses
Course Name | Trainer Name | Duration | Fee | Ratings (Out of 5) |
Introduction to Genetics and Evolution | Duke Faculty | 1–3 Months | Free | 4.8 |
University of Geneva (edX) Molecular Biology Online Courses
Course Name | Trainer Name | Duration | Fee | Ratings (Out of 5) |
Chemical Biology | Geneva Faculty | 1–3 Months | ₹7,000 | 4.6 |
KAIST (edX) Molecular Biology Online Courses
Course Name | Trainer Name | Duration | Fee | Ratings (Out of 5) |
Basic Principles of Cell Signaling | KAIST Faculty | 1–3 Months | ₹6,500 | 4.8 |
BITS Pilani (Coursera) Molecular Biology Online Courses
Course Name | Trainer Name | Duration | Fee | Ratings (Out of 5) |
Introduction to Bioinformatics | BITS Faculty | 1–2 Months | ₹3,000 | 4.7 |
Top Indian Colleges for Molecular Biology Online Courses
The table below shows listings of some of the highly-rated Molecular Biology online and distance learning programs from India’s leading institutions.
Course Name | University/Institution | Duration | Fee |
M.Sc in Molecular Biology | Tezpur University | 2 Years | ₹23,390–₹2,16,000 |
M.Sc in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology | 2 Years | ₹4,000–₹80,000 | |
M.Sc in Molecular Biology | 2 Years | ₹9,000–₹28,10,000 | |
M.Sc in Molecular Biology | 2 Years | ₹40,000–₹1,20,000 | |
M.Sc in Molecular Biology | 2 Years | ₹30,000–₹1,50,000 | |
PG Diploma in Molecular Biology | Central Institute of Education | 1 Year | ₹25,000–₹60,000 |
M.Sc in Molecular Biology | Cotton College, Guwahati | 2 Years | ₹20,000–₹70,000 |
Free Molecular Biology Online Courses
Below is the table that shows some of the popular platforms offering high-quality, Molecular Biology Online Courses for free.
Course Name | Duration | Trainer | Description |
Cell and Molecular Biology (NPTEL) | 12 Weeks | Prof. Vishal Trivedi (IIT Guwahati) | Covers cell structure, signaling, replication, transcription, and protein expression |
Cancer Biology (Coursera) | 3–6 Months | Johns Hopkins University | Explores molecular mechanisms of cancer, clinical trials, and precision medicine |
Introduction to Genetics and Evolution | 1–3 Months | Duke University | Covers molecular biology, biostatistics, and evolutionary genetics |
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology | 1.5 Hours | Udemy Experts | Introduces biomolecules, gene expression, and recombinant DNA techniques |
Recombinant DNA Technology | 19 Minutes | Medicosis Perfectionalis (YouTube) | Explains DNA excision and applications in biotechnology |
Free Molecular Biology Online Courses With Certificate
Here's a free online molecular biology course list from reputable organisations, including Coursera, NPTEL, and Udemy, that may offer a certificate of completion. Each course is offered free of charge for you to follow and learn; certification may or may not be free.
Course Name | Duration | Description |
Cell and Molecular Biology (NPTEL) | 12 Weeks | Free course with AICTE-approved certificate; covers molecular mechanisms and diagnostics |
Cancer Biology (Coursera) | 3–6 Months | Free to audit; certificate available with fee; globally recognized specialization |
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology | 1.5 Hours | Free course on Udemy; certificate available with upgrade; covers DNA sequencing and bioinformatics |
Eligibility Criteria for Best Molecular Biology Online Courses
Below is a list of the eligibility criteria for Molecular Biology Online Courses:
- Educational Qualification: B.Sc. in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or related field
- Minimum Marks: 50–55% aggregate (varies by institution)
- Entrance Exam: Required by some universities (e.g., IIT JAM, GATE, or institute-specific tests)
- Additional Requirements: Some programs may prefer prior coursework in genetics or molecular biology
Why Learn Molecular Biology Online Courses in 2025?
Below is an overview of why learning Molecular Biology Online Courses in 2025 is a wise decision in tabular form:
Reason | Description |
High Demand | Key for careers in genetics, biotech, and medical research |
Flexible Learning | Study anytime, anywhere via platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy |
Career Advancement | Prepares you for roles like Molecular Biologist, Microbiologist, etc. |
Cutting-Edge Skills | Learn gene editing, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics from top instructors |
Job Opportunities After Completing Molecular Biology Online Courses
Below is a brief table representing the major job opportunities, providing average salaries and common recruiters for Molecular Biology Online Courses in India (2025).
Job Role | Average Salary (INR/year) | Top Recruiters |
Molecular Biologist | ₹6–10 LPA | Thermo Fisher Scientific, Biocon, Dr. Reddy’s Labs |
Research Associate | ₹5–8 LPA | IITs, ICMR, CSIR, NCBS |
Technical Application Scientist | ₹6.5–9 LPA | Merck, GE Healthcare, Agilent Technologies |
Regulatory Affairs Executive | ₹8–12 LPA | Cipla, Sun Pharma, Lupin |
Pathologist | ₹4.5–7 LPA | Apollo Hospitals, SRL Diagnostics, Metropolis Labs |
Scientific Manager | ₹10–15 LPA | Thermo Fisher, Syngene, Jubilant Biosys |
Biotech Consultant | ₹6–10 LPA | Accenture, Deloitte Life Sciences Division |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: What are the best online molecular biology courses in India?
Ans: Some of the best online molecular biology courses in India are offered by reputable platforms and institutions like:
- Cell and Molecular Biology – NPTEL (IIT Guwahati) – UGC/AICTE recognized
- Introduction to Bioinformatics – BITS Pilani (Coursera)
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology – Udemy
- PG Diploma in Molecular Biology – Central Institute of Education
Ques: Can you compare free and paid molecular biology online courses?
Ans: Free courses (e.g., Coursera audit mode, NPTEL, and YouTube) focus mainly on theoretical understanding and are great for beginners.
Paid courses (₹800–₹25,000) include features like:
- Lab simulations
- Hands-on assignments
- Expert mentorship
- UGC/AICTE-recognized certification
Ques: What are some molecular biology course syllabus examples?
Ans: Typical molecular biology course syllabi include:
- DNA replication and repair
- RNA transcription and translation
- Gene expression and regulation
- PCR, electrophoresis, and CRISPR
- Molecular diagnostics
- Recombinant DNA and cloning techniques
- Genomics and proteomics
Ques: What are the career options after completing a molecular biology online course?
Ans: Career opportunities include:
- Molecular Biologist – ₹6–10 LPA
- Research Associate – ₹5–8 LPA
- Technical Application Scientist – ₹6.5–9 LPA
- Regulatory Affairs Executive – ₹8–12 LPA
- Biotech Consultant – ₹6–10 LPA
Ques: Are there any molecular biology courses suitable for someone with a background in biochemistry?
Ans: Yes! Many molecular biology online courses are well-suited for students of biochemistry, especially those covering:
- Gene expression mechanisms
- Protein-DNA interactions
- Metabolic regulation and molecular enzymology