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 - 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
Short intensive • Short courses • Professional development
A ten-week course taken entirely online. It explains the mathematical foundations for nanoscale phenomena, as well as their effects and applications including quantum dots, nanotubes and fullerenes.
- Mon 13 Jan 2025 – 23 Mar 2025
- 10 meetings
Online - flexible • Short courses
How old is the universe? How unusual is the Solar System? How will it all end? Oxford astronomers Chris Lintott and Robert Simpson provide an overview of the last 13.7 billion years of cosmic evolution, answering these questions and more.
- Wed 15 Jan 2025 – 28 Mar 2025
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