What are the best pharmaceutical courses on Coursera?

Top courses include Drug Development Product Management from the University of California, San Diego , and Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Innovations from the University of Minnesota . These programs cover clinical trials , regulatory science, manufacturing, and the business of pharmaceuticals.

Can I take free pharmaceutical courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning pharmaceutical topics on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many pharmaceutical courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). 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 pharmaceutical topics, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a pharmaceutical course?

You’ll learn about drug discovery , preclinical and clinical research , regulatory approval, and the market and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Some courses also explore pharmacology , safety, and quality assurance.

Do I need a background in science to take a pharmaceutical course?

Not always. Some introductory courses are designed for general learners, while others are more technical and assume a background in biology , chemistry , or health sciences. Check course descriptions to see if prerequisites are required.

Can learning pharmaceutical sciences on Coursera help with career goals?

Yes. Courses on Coursera can support careers in pharmaceuticals , biotech, clinical research , and regulatory affairs. Earning a certificate can also help learners build relevant knowledge and show commitment to continuous learning in the field.

Best Pharmaceutical Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

Find the Best Pharmaceutical Course for Your Goals

Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Drug Safety: Pharmacovigilance
Skills you'll gain: Pharmacology, Clinical Research, Patient Safety, Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Trials, Medical Science and Research, Health Policy, Epidemiology, Continuous Monitoring, Risk Analysis, Big Data
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
25 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Preview
University of Glasgow
Introduction to the Pharmaceutical Industry
Skills you'll gain: Pharmaceuticals, Regulatory Compliance, Healthcare Ethics, Clinical Trials, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Research, Pharmacology, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Precision Medicine, Molecular Biology, Emerging Technologies, Manufacturing Operations, AI Personalization
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Drug Development Product Management
Skills you'll gain: Clinical Trials, Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Research, Commercialization, Sales Strategy, Pharmacology, Intellectual Property, Strategic Partnership, Regulatory Affairs, Bioinformatics, Laboratory Research, New Business Development, Product Lifecycle Management, Market Dynamics, Business Development, Chemistry, Business Strategy, Portfolio Management, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Marketing
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
6.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Minnesota
Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Innovations
Skills you'll gain: Competitive Analysis, Intellectual Property, Regulatory Affairs, Pharmaceuticals, Market Analysis, Risk Analysis, New Product Development, Medical Equipment and Technology, Product Marketing, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Innovation, Product Strategy, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Price Negotiation
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
761 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
MedCerts
Pharmacy Technician Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Medication Dispensation, Medical Terminology, Medical Prescription, Pathology, Conflict Management, Pharmacist Assistance, Professionalism, Trustworthiness, Pharmacy Operations, Emotional Intelligence, Professional Development, Pharmacy, Medication Administration, Pharmaceuticals, Anatomy, Time Management, Ability To Meet Deadlines, Relationship Building, Nutrition and Diet, Biology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Novartis
Drug Hunting: The Science of Making New Medicines
Skills you'll gain: Drug Interaction, Pharmacology, Clinical Trials, Pharmaceuticals, Competitive Intelligence, Patient Safety, Clinical Pharmacy, Safety Assurance, Laboratory Testing, Risk Analysis, Clinical Research, Medication Administration, Laboratory Research, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Medical Science and Research, Infectious Diseases, Biology, Molecular Biology, Regulatory Compliance
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
213 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Drug Discovery
Skills you'll gain: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacology, Clinical Trials, Bioinformatics, Laboratory Research, Chemistry, Medical Science and Research, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Regulatory Affairs
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
3.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Clinical Trials Operations
Skills you'll gain: Clinical Data Management, Clinical Trials, Sample Size Determination, Clinical Research, Data Quality, Healthcare Ethics, Statistical Reporting, Data Entry, Data Management, Regulatory Compliance, Quality Assurance, Data Sharing, Medical Privacy, Science and Research, Data Integrity, Data Cleansing, Medical Science and Research, Data Collection, Biostatistics, Personally Identifiable Information
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
524 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
University of Manchester
Industrial Biotechnology
Skills you'll gain: Process Engineering, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Pharmaceuticals, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Manufacturing and Production, Energy and Utilities, Environmental Engineering, Life Sciences, Biology, Manufacturing Processes, Pharmacology, Process Development, Microbiology, Scalability
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Novartis
Pharmacokinetics
Skills you'll gain: Drug Interaction, Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceuticals, Medication Administration
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
57 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Drug Commercialization
Skills you'll gain: Pharmaceuticals, Commercialization, Sales Strategy, Pharmacology, Intellectual Property, Strategic Partnership, New Business Development, Product Lifecycle Management, Market Dynamics, Business Development, Business Strategy, Portfolio Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Drug Development
Skills you'll gain: Clinical Trials, Clinical Research, Pharmaceuticals, Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacology, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Patient Safety
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months