Biological sciences
Short courses
The Department offers a range of short courses in biological sciences – both in-person and online. These include day schools, weekly learning programmes and professional development courses.
Academic credit
Many of our courses can be studied for credit which means they can count towards a recognised qualification.
Upcoming courses
Online - flexible • Short courses
Why do animals behave the way they do? In this course we will look at the full range of behaviours found in the animal kingdom, from simple escape behaviours to complex tool use and their evolution.
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
Online - flexible • Short courses
This course introduces the science of psychology, exploring the richness of human functions, uncovering the brain's secrets and revealing its complexities. Studies from biological, psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioural and social approaches are presented.
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
Short intensive • Short courses • Professional development
A ten-week course taken entirely online. It explains the mathematical foundations for nanoscale phenomena, as well as their effects and applications including quantum dots, nanotubes and fullerenes.
- Mon 12 Jan 2026 – 22 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
Online - live • Short courses
A person’s body requires the ingestion of food components to fulfil its basic functions. This is referred to as Nutrition. You will learn about the main food groups and the methods for determining if a Diet provides enough nutrients and promotes health.
- Wed 14 Jan 2026 – 25 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
- 10:00 – 11:00am
In-person weekly • Short courses
What does a plant do to exist in this world? The course will uncover how plants function, from the cellular to the organismal level, how plants respond to other organisms, and survive in the changing global environment.
- Wed 21 Jan 2026 – Wed 25 Mar 2026
- 10 meetings
- 10:30am – 12:30pm
Online - flexible • Short courses • Professional development
Part-time over five weeks, this tutor-led training course can be taken from anywhere in the world. It will appeal to students and practitioners who want to improve their ability to conduct bird surveys.
- Wed 11 Feb 2026 – 18 Mar 2026
- 5 meetings
Related subjects and qualifications:
Postgraduate Certificate in Ecological Survey Techniques
Part-time and taught mostly online, the course provides high quality practical training in techniques for ecological field surveysPostgraduate Diploma in International Wildlife Conservation Practice
A unique full-time residential course designed to equip you with the skills and theoretical understanding needed to contribute to conservation research and action in the developing world.Medical and health sciences
Postgraduate qualifications, short courses, part-time study and online courses in medical and health sciences at Oxford University.