How Does the Body Use DNA as a Blueprint? (FutureLearn)

How Does the Body Use DNA as a Blueprint? (FutureLearn)

Get an introduction to the basics of molecular biology, and how DNA code works. Find out how the body repairs and regulates itself. Every part of the body is made according to a code that is carried in the body’s cells. This code is called DNA, and knowing how it works is fundamental to understanding how the body regulates itself throughout our lives.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see FutureLearn's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

On this course, you’ll get an introduction to the basics of molecular biology, and how DNA code works inside the human body.
You’ll find out what DNA code represents, how it creates proteins inside the body, and what key molecules are involved. You’ll also learn how these molecules communicate and interact with each other inside the body.

What topics will you cover?

  • What are the key molecules involved in molecular biology?
  • The role of reproduction in producing an individual’s DNA code
  • What does the DNA code represent?
  • Using the DNA code to create proteins
  • How do molecules within the body communicate with one another?

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Summarise the structure and relevance of DNA
  • Describe the processes involved in reproduction at a molecular level that result in an individual’s DNA
  • Describe the key molecules involved in protein synthesis
  • Explain and compare the different stages of protein synthesis
  • Summarise the key principles involved in molecular signalling
Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Understanding Cancer Metastasis (Coursera) Coursera
Johns Hopkins University

Understanding Cancer Metastasis (Coursera)

Over 500,000 people in the United States and over 8 million people worldwide are dying from cancer every year. As people live longer, the incidence of cancer is rising worldwide, and the disease is expected to strike over 20 million people annually by 2030. Everyone has been, or will be touched by cancer in some way during their lifetime. Thanks to years of dedication and commitment to research we’ve made enormous advances in the prevention and treatment of cancer, But there is still a lot of work to be done. In this course, physicians and scientists at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine explain how cancer spreads or metastasizes.

Aug 10th 2026
3 Weeks
Bacterial Genomes: From DNA to Protein Function Using Bioinformatics (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses and Scientific Conferences

Bacterial Genomes: From DNA to Protein Function Using Bioinformatics (FutureLearn)

Use bioinformatics to explore DNA sequences and protein functions, to find the determinants of virulence in microbes. Join us in our quest to discover what makes microbes dangerous. Use bioinformatics to probe genomes, to explore and represent DNA and protein sequences. Then, use databases to find protein sequences’ conserved domains and investigate their functions.

No sessions available
2 Weeks
Finding Mutations in DNA and Proteins (Bioinformatics VI) (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, San Diego

Finding Mutations in DNA and Proteins (Bioinformatics VI) (Coursera)

In previous courses in the Specialization, we have discussed how to sequence and compare genomes. This course will cover advanced topics in finding mutations lurking within DNA and proteins. In the first half of the course, we would like to ask how an individual's genome differs from the "reference genome" of the species.

Aug 17th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Good Brain, Bad Brain: Parkinson's Disease (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Birmingham

Good Brain, Bad Brain: Parkinson's Disease (FutureLearn)

Learn the fundamentals of Parkinson's disease with this online course. What causes it and what we can do to treat it? This online course is aimed at anyone who wants to find out the fundamentals of Parkinson’s disease. We will look at how Parkinson’s disease affects people; what causes it; what we can do to try to ameliorate the symptoms of Parkinson’s; and what we don’t yet know about it.

No sessions available
3 Weeks
Introduction to Forensic Science (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Strathclyde

Introduction to Forensic Science (FutureLearn)

Explore the methods underpinning forensic science, from crime scene investigation to reporting evidential value within a case. The course addresses four major evidence types: drugs of abuse, DNA, firearms and impression evidence, and discusses these through the exploration of a case-based scenario presented across a six-week modular framework.

Self Paced
5-12 Weeks
Comparing Genes, Proteins, and Genomes (Bioinformatics III) (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, San Diego

Comparing Genes, Proteins, and Genomes (Bioinformatics III) (Coursera)

Once we have sequenced genomes in the previous course, we would like to compare them to determine how species have evolved and what makes them different. In the first half of the course, we will compare two short biological sequences, such as genes (i.e., short sequences of DNA) or proteins. We will encounter a powerful algorithmic tool called dynamic programming that will help us determine the number of mutations that have separated the two genes/proteins.

Aug 17th 2026
5-12 Weeks
DNA Decoded (Coursera) Coursera
McMaster University

DNA Decoded (Coursera)

Are you a living creature? Then, congratulations! You’ve got DNA. But how much do you really know about the microscopic molecules that make you unique? Why is DNA called the “blueprint of life”? What is a “DNA fingerprint”? How do scientists clone DNA? What can DNA teach you about your family history? Are Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) safe? Is it possible to revive dinosaurs by cloning their DNA?

Aug 10th 2026
4 Weeks
Understanding Genetic Disorders: How DNA Influences Health (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Glasgow

Understanding Genetic Disorders: How DNA Influences Health (FutureLearn)

Explore the science behind our genetics and health and empower those with genetics disorders to make more informed health choices. Gain insight into cutting-edge genetics testing technologies and research. This course offers a fascinating insight into how genetics can impact our health and the importance of understanding genetic diseases in order to better manage and treat patients.

Self Paced
4 Weeks
The Human Microbiome (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
EIT Food,EIT,University of Turin

The Human Microbiome (FutureLearn)

Discover what the microbiome is, how it changes throughout your life, and the role it plays in good human health. Learn how a healthy microbiome can combat disease. The microbiome – the microbes that live within the human body – can have a huge impact on human health. As such, it’s vital to understand the complexity of the microbiome, and how it can impact on disease and wellbeing. On this course, you’ll go on a fascinating journey into the human body – down to the gut – where the ecology and roles of the human microbiome will be narrated.

Jan 2nd 2023
3 Weeks