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 weekly • Short courses
The course will explore the inner workings of cells in organisms that enable them to sense and respond to their environment. Signalling systems that allow communication of an external signal to evoke a cellular response will be examined.
- Tue 22 Apr 2025 – Tue 24 Jun 2025
- 10 meetings
- 10:30am – 12:30pm
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 23 Apr 2025 – 04 Jul 2025
In-person weekly • Short courses
Genome sequencing (Genomics) offer new opportunities for potential applications in healthcare and perhaps suggesting new therapies for diseases that were not treatable before.
- Wed 23 Apr 2025 – Wed 25 Jun 2025
- 10 meetings
- 7:00 – 9:00pm
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 28 Apr 2025 – 11 Jul 2025
Online - live • Short courses • Hybrid - in person or online
Islands often harbour a unique and diverse fauna, but island biodiversity is also very vulnerable to a range of human-created threats. Explore the impact of two of the main threats: climate change and invasive species.
- Sat 10 May 2025
- 9:45am – 1:00pm
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
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 sciencesBiosciences
Develop your skills in biosciences with a range of short courses, including vaccinology.