Biological sciences
Short courses
The Department offers a range of short courses in biological sciences – both in-person and online. These include day schools, weekly learning programmes and professional development courses.
Academic credit
Many of our courses can be studied for credit which means they can count towards a recognised qualification.
Upcoming courses
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
Short intensive • Short courses • Professional development • Hybrid - in person or online
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 03 Nov 2025 – 07 Nov 2025
- See programme details
In-person weekly • Short courses
Explore animal history in this five-week introductory course. Discover how humans have studied and represented animals' stories, and enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes visit to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
- Thu 06 Nov 2025 – Thu 04 Dec 2025
- 5 meetings
- 3:00 – 5:00pm
Short intensive • Short courses • Professional development
This five-day course focuses on emerging areas of medicine using nucleic acids as drugs and using treatments based on stem cells and bioengineered tissues, including the combined technologies reflecting uses of genetically modified stem cells.
- Mon 10 Nov 2025 – 14 Nov 2025
Online - live • Short courses
This online day school introduces the brain and key topics of neuroscience. We will study biological theories in the context of psychology, covering basic brain neuroanatomy and linking it to human behaviour and mind functions such as learning and sleep.
- Thu 13 Nov 2025
- 10:00am – 5:00pm
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 mammal and reptile surveys.
- Wed 07 Jan 2026 – 11 Feb 2026
- 5 meetings
Related subjects and qualifications:
Postgraduate Certificate in Ecological Survey Techniques
Part-time and taught mostly online, the course provides high quality practical training in techniques for ecological field surveysPostgraduate Diploma in International Wildlife Conservation Practice
A unique full-time residential course designed to equip you with the skills and theoretical understanding needed to contribute to conservation research and action in the developing world.Medical and health sciences
Postgraduate qualifications, short courses, part-time study and online courses in medical and health sciences at Oxford University.