Natural sciences
Explore natural phenomena with Oxford University
Short courses in Oxford and online
Our courses in the natural sciences include biology, physics, astronomy and earth science, with some overlap into the medical and environmental sciences. Courses might be hands-on or philosophical, and might address topics as diverse as climate change, particle physics, animal behaviour, the universe or the brain.
Many of our short courses can be studied for credit, which means they can count towards a recognised qualification such as our Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education.
The video below was filmed during a past day school (Animals as Inventors) and is an example of what students can expect from our face-to-face classes. Presented by Dr Thomas Hesselberg, Director of Studies in Biological Sciences at the Department.
Upcoming courses
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 10 Oct 2022 – 27 Nov 2022
- 7 meetings
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
Physics is riddled with apparent paradoxes. Some of them are explainable and some challenge the way in which reality works. Join us in Oxford to learn more.
- Sat 15 Oct 2022
- 9:45am – 5:00pm
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
Using biological models is a popular trend in science, engineering and even in business and team building. Knowledge of the laws of living nature helps to reveal new resources, reduce wastes and costs, manage complexity, uncertainty and avoid problems.
- Sat 29 Oct 2022
- 9:45am – 5:00pm
Online - flexible • Professional development
A five-week tutor-led data analysis course taken entirely online. The course introduces you to the use of QED Statistics and R software.
- Wed 02 Nov 2022 – 07 Dec 2022
- 5 meetings
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
Felids cats are one of the most charismatic groups of species, but they suffer from human pressure such as poaching and habitat loss. Learn about felids and the diversity of their conservation concerns from front-line biological scientists.
- Sat 26 Nov 2022
- 9:45am – 5:00pm
Related subjects and student spotlights
Environment and sustainability
Courses in the environment, sustainability, urbanism, wildlife conservation and ecology - whether your interest is professional or personal.Ecological survey techniques
Flexible postgraduate and online courses in ecological survey techniques for professionals working in field surveysMedical and health sciences
Postgraduate qualifications, short courses, part-time study and online courses in medical and health sciences