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
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
Learn more about the many fascinating butterflies and moths that can be found in Oxfordshire. Gain an overview of the main species and their natural history, and have a chance to look for urban butterflies and moths in Oxford.
- Sat 14 Jun 2025
- 9:45am – 5:00pm
Short intensive • Short courses • Professional development
This five-day course provides an overview of the regulatory, financial, clinical and commercial challenges faced by those wishing to bring innovative nanotechnologies to market.
- Mon 07 Jul 2025 – 11 Jul 2025
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 08 Sep 2025 – 21 Nov 2025
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 08 Sep 2025 – 21 Nov 2025
Short intensive • Short courses • Professional development
This five-day course introduces physical scientists, engineers and non-scientists to biological systems and terminology relevant to nanotechnology, and showcases current applications and new developments in bionanotechnology.
- Mon 06 Oct 2025 – 10 Oct 2025
Online - live • Short courses • Professional development
A seven-week online course introducing the current state of technology and addressing implications for safety, regulation and innovation. It is for professionals worldwide seeking an overview of this important subject.
- Mon 13 Oct 2025 – 30 Nov 2025
- 7 meetings