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.
Upcoming courses
Online - flexible • Short courses • Professional development
A 10-week, tutor-led data analysis course taken entirely online. The course introduces students to the use of QED Statistics and R software.
- Wed 11 Feb 2026 – 22 Apr 2026
- 10 meetings
In-person weekly • Short courses
Explore the incredible world of terrestrial arthropods in this engaging course. Discover their extraordinary diversity, their impact on our lives, and their fascinating ecology and behaviours with a focus on remarkable insects and spiders.
- Tue 24 Feb 2026 – Tue 24 Mar 2026
- 5 meetings
- 2:00 – 4:00pm
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 fish and amphibian surveys.
- Wed 18 Mar 2026 – 22 Apr 2026
- 5 meetings
Short intensive • Short courses • Professional development
This five-day course provides a thorough overview of the exciting and emerging discipline of nanomedicine, which is already starting to transform the way that medical and health care solutions are developed and delivered.
- Mon 23 Mar 2026 – 27 Mar 2026
Online - live • Short courses
Biodiversity loss is evident no matter where we live. To reverse the current decline, we need to understand how individual species interact with their environment, while also appreciating the practical strategies to monitor and conserve species.
- Tue 14 Apr 2026 – 23 Jun 2026
- 10 meetings
- 10:30 – 11:30am
Online - live • Short courses
Climate affects the planning of our daily activities. Its variability also inflicts damage on individuals and entire economies and societies. We will explore how climate varies, in the past, present and future, and how this impacts on society.
- Wed 15 Apr 2026 – 24 Jun 2026
- 10 meetings
- 11:30am – 12:30pm
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 at Oxford University.