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 weekly • Short courses
Develop a practical understanding of geological landscapes in Oxfordshire and adjacent counties. See the rock outcrops and learn techniques for geological fieldwork by visiting geological localities within driving distance of Oxford.
- Tue 06 May 2025 – Tue 10 Jun 2025
- 6 meetings
- 10:30am – 12:30pm
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 07 May 2025 – 18 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
Summer schools • Short courses
Boldly go where no human has gone before and take a journey from our solar system to the stars of the Milky Way to the very edge of the observable universe. Wonder at all the strange objects within it and learn about the possibilities for life.
- Sun 06 Jul 2025 – 12 Jul 2025
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
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