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
Short intensive • Short courses • Professional development
Develop your knowledge of human and veterinary vaccinology as we explore all aspects of vaccinology, from Edward Jenner to modern-day vaccines, with state-of-the-art teaching from leading experts.
- Mon 28 Oct 2024 – 01 Nov 2024
- See programme details
In-person day/weekend • Short courses
Explore the boundaries of physics and imagination in this day event focused on time travel and wormholes. Delve into spacetime warping, uncover theories like Tipler Cylinders and discuss paradoxes and the theoretical aspects of Einstein-Rosen bridges.
- Sat 02 Nov 2024
- 10:15am – 5:30pm
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 08 Jan 2025 – 21 Mar 2025
Online - flexible • 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 mammal and reptile surveys.
- Wed 08 Jan 2025 – 12 Feb 2025
- 5 meetings
Online - flexible • Short courses
Investigate the power of maps and spatial data to document and illustrate local and global issues. Learn how to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to explore the world around you and share ideas.
- Mon 13 Jan 2025 – 28 Mar 2025
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