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 - live • Short courses
What happens when a virus enters the human body? This course explains all, focusing particularly on how viral diseases develop at a molecular level, exploring cellular biology, genetics, the body’s defences and anti-viral therapeutics.
- Wed 15 Apr 2026 – 24 Jun 2026
- 10 meetings
- 3:30 – 4:30pm
Online - live • Short courses
What made our planet habitable? This course uses physics, astronomy, chemistry, geology, and biology, to narrate Earth's story, from the synthesis of chemical elements in the stars to today’s global environmental challenges and human activities in space.
- Fri 17 Apr 2026 – 26 Jun 2026
- 10 meetings
- 4:00 – 5:00pm
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.
- Wed 22 Apr 2026 – 03 Jul 2026
Short intensive • Professional development
This ten-week online course will survey the range of techniques and methodologies used to determine the nature and composition of nanoparticles, thin films and nanostructures. It includes a hands-on visit to Begbroke Science Park over two days.
- Mon 27 Apr 2026 – 05 Jul 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 27 Apr 2026 – 10 Jul 2026
In-person weekly • Short courses
Plants contribute to the diversity of an ecosystem, but how do they interact with other organisms and form part of a society? This course will introduce what it takes to be a plant, to fit into the web of life, and how plants and humans impact each other.
- Tue 26 May 2026 – Tue 23 Jun 2026
- 5 meetings
- 7:00 – 9:00pm
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 Wildlife Conservation (Recanati-Kaplan)
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.