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
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
Summer schools • Short courses
'Wilderness' often describes natural areas that seem untouched by humans. This course examines the history of this controversial idea and debates about wilderness in a time of environmental crisis, through history, literature, philosophy and painting.
- Sun 13 Jul 2025 – 19 Jul 2025
Summer schools • Short courses
Take a journey from the planets of the Solar System to the stars of the Milky Way, to the edge of the observable Universe. Explore the history and possible future of our universe, and the search for life within it.
- Sat 19 Jul 2025 – 26 Jul 2025
- 9:00am – 12:30pm
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
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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