Outreach

Biology Outreach

Many of our researchers engage in outreach activities for schools. We have a close relationship with the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Oxford Botanic Garden, who both run superb activities for families and young people which our researchers often contribute to. We have also contributed to festivals like the Oxford Science and Ideas Festival, and individual researchers have visited local schools.

As a Department, we run the Biology UNIQ Summer School each year. 

Whilst we don't currently facilitate individual school visits to the Department, you can find engaging biology resources for various age groups on our resources tab. You can find out more about our undergraduate degree on our undergraduate programme page.

UNIQ

We run a summer school every year through the University’s UNIQ programme, which is aimed at students studying in their first year of further education at UK state schools and colleges. Students stay in a college for the residential portion of the course, attend lectures, and hear about applying to Oxford. Applications for 2023 are now closed - 2024 applications are likely to open in December 2023.

The UNIQ Biology course will give you an insight into what being an undergraduate biologist at Oxford is like. Each day has a theme reflecting the options on offer on the Biology degree course. You may expect to experience:

  • lectures covering topics typically found in the course
  • hands-on experience and activities relating to studying the natural world, such as animal, ecological, and conservation research
  • workshops with partner organisations such as the Botanic Gardens and Museum of Natural History
  • lab-based practicals to provide insights into the molecular aspects of biology
  • face-to-face experience of the tutorial system of Oxford, and what it’s like to study Biology in a college with a dedicated tutor
  • talks on the wider course structure & field trips, admissions process, career options in Biology, and the Oxford interview

Check out the video below for a taster of what you might get up to on the UNIQ course.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/6wSl1K1kJmA

You must be studying Biology to A2, as well as either Maths, Physics or Chemistry, in order to apply to this course. This is in line with the subject requirements for the MBiol in Biology.

Please note, there other are dedicated Human Sciences, Biomedical, Psychology and Medicine UNIQ courses (see here). Applicants to the Biology course should have an interest in pursuing subjects covered by Oxford’s Biology undergraduate degree to make the most out of this course.

 
Resources

Oxford Sparks

Many of our researchers have worked with the fantastic science communication team at Oxford Sparks to share more about their research in an accessible way. We've curated a YouTube playlist featuring a wide range of our work with Oxford Sparks, suitable for home learning, and anyone keen to find out more about just how broad biology is. 

https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLXiKiyo6tkx76qvb-snx8AOp4BmJHbgz-

Biology: The Whole Story

Professor Lindsay Turnbull has published a book which explores fundamental concepts in biology, and has created a video for every chapter for those who prefer to learn via this format.

Citizen Science

Our researchers contribute to and run a range of citizen science projects, encouraging the public to get involved with research and learn more about topics impacting our world. These initiatives include:

Back Garden Biology

In this fun and informative series Professor Lindsay Turnbull, Professor of Plant Ecology, looks at the biology of the back garden. This series is recorded in a normal garden in England beginning in March 2020 and would be of interest to anyone from age 5+. The series is particularly useful for children missing school who would like to carry on practical work in their own garden and have an expert help them understand the theory behind everyday biology. Packed with things to see right now, take the edge off your enforced boredom by venturing into the back garden. You can listen to it as a podcast here, or check out the YouTube playlist below.