Algae Biotechnology

Grow your skills with Coursera Plus for $239/year (usually $399). Save now.

Algae Biotechnology

Instructors: Dr. Stephen Mayfield

20,443 already enrolled

Included with

Learn more

6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

622 reviews

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

Flexible schedule

7 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

99%

Most learners liked this course

6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

622 reviews

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

Flexible schedule

7 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

99%

Most learners liked this course

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

There are 6 modules in this course

For decades, researchers have been studying microalgae to understand their biological functions and how we can use technology to harness algae’s power to create a wide range of commercial products.

In this course, we will cover how synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and metabolic engineering is used in algae biotechnology, and also examine the current state of algae biotechnology research and tools. We’ll also explore some of the common bio-products we can make from algae, and take a look at some real-world algae companies that are using algae biotechnology to create products consumers can buy today. This course is part of a series of courses produced by the Algae Technology Educational Consortium and UC San Diego with funding from the Algae Foundation, National Renewable Energy Lab, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

What's included

5 videos5 readings1 assignment

5 videosTotal 45 minutes

An Intro to Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, and Genetic Engineering9 minutes
Developing Algae for Commercial Production6 minutes
Genetic Engineering of Cyanobacteria11 minutes
Engineering Algae Chloroplast8 minutes
Genetic Engineering of Green Algae - Nuclear10 minutes

5 readingsTotal 5 minutes

Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute

1 assignmentTotal 35 minutes

Assessment35 minutes

What's included

3 videos3 readings1 assignment

What's included

4 videos4 readings1 assignment

4 videosTotal 52 minutes

Algae Products Overview8 minutes
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids15 minutes
Outdoor Algae GMO Field Trial at UCSD14 minutes
Regulatory Approval for New Algae Food Products15 minutes

4 readingsTotal 4 minutes

Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute

1 assignmentTotal 34 minutes

Assessment34 minutes

What's included

4 videos4 readings1 assignment

4 videosTotal 30 minutes

Algae Commercial Production - Triton Algae Innovations8 minutes
Materials Polymers From Algae - Algenesis8 minutes
Algae Agriculture - Qualitas Health7 minutes
Harnessing the Power of Algae - Corbion8 minutes

4 readingsTotal 4 minutes

Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute

1 assignmentTotal 26 minutes

Assessment26 minutes

What's included

4 videos4 readings1 assignment

4 videosTotal 37 minutes

Algae Solutions for Global Dilemmas - Global Algae Innovations5 minutes
Spirulina Production at Earthrise11 minutes
Seaweed Biorefinery at Matis10 minutes
Product R&D at Algenol11 minutes

4 readingsTotal 4 minutes

Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute
Learning Objectives1 minute

1 assignmentTotal 26 minutes

Assessment26 minutes

Instructors

Instructor ratings

(253 ratings)

Dr. Stephen Mayfield

University of California San Diego

3 Courses115,389 learners

Ira "Ike" Levine

University of California San Diego

4 Courses49,777 learners

Offered by

University of California San Diego

Explore more from Environmental Science and Sustainability

University of California San Diego
Introduction to Algae
Course
Status: Preview
University of California San Diego
Introduction to Seaweeds
Course
Status: Free
University of California San Diego
Algal Blooms and Proliferations
Course
Status: Preview
University of Manchester
Industrial Biotechnology
Course

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

5 stars
81.54%
4 stars
15.08%
3 stars
2.56%
2 stars
0.80%
1 star
0%

Showing 3 of 622

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2024

From this course I get new insights about algae and im arraging proposal research for my PhD. and through this online course I get inspiration to comtinue write my proposal.

Reviewed on Nov 15, 2021

Amazing!!! this course is a good introduction to algae biotechnology. So many insights in this course.

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

holistic course to provide introductory knowledge of algae biotechnology. Like the inclusion of real-life companies.

View more reviews

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Learn more

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Explore degrees

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

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.