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Online Biology & Life Sciences Course

Online Summer School | Ages 15-18

Fascinated by biology and the natural world? This online summer course will introduce you to advanced concepts in biology and life sciences.

Explore ecology, evolution and genetics, and examine how biotechnology is shaping the future.

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Key Facts

Course Location:
Online via Zoom
1-3PM (BST)

Student Ages:
15-18 year olds

Class Size:
Max 15 students

2025 Dates:
June – August
(See all dates here)

Tutor Profiles:
Typically Oxford and Cambridge academics

Tuition Fees:
£595 (one week)
£995 (two weeks)

Course Length:
One or two weeks

Graduation Takeaways:
Letter of Recommendation & Certificate of Achievement

OSA Accreditations:
King’s Award for Enterprise

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The Biology & Life Sciences Syllabus

You’ll explore evolution, debate the ethics of biotechnology and conduct your own research project.
You’ll be guided by expert tutors from leading universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.

An Introduction to Biology
Discover the basic principles that form the foundation of the field, review the scientific method and the importance of experimentation, and explore the contributions of key scientists.

View Syllabus

The Structure & Function of Cells
Investigate the different types of cells and their structures, and learn how they maintain homeostasis by regulating temperature, pH levels and nutrient balance.
Genetics & Inheritance
How do genetics determine traits such as eye colour, height and susceptibility to certain diseases? Identify the mechanisms of inheritance and how traits are passed from parents to offspring.
The Theory of Evolution

Understand the theory of evolution and its importance in biology, including the concept of common descent and the role of natural selection.

Explore Ecology
Explore ecological concepts, such as symbiosis, predation and competition, to better understand how organisms interact with their environments.
Biodiversity & Conservation

Why is biodiversity important to life on Earth? Discover the hierarchical systems of taxonomy and the importance of minimising threats to biodiversity.

Human Biology
Examine the structure and function of the human body, including the major organ systems such as the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems.
Microbiology

Discover the basic principles of microbiology, including the study of microorganisms and the importance of antibiotics.

Biotechnology

Learn how biological processes are used to produce goods and services, including the production of pharmaceuticals, biofuels and genetically-modified organisms.

Final Project

Present your final research project, and receive feedback from your peers and tutors.

How This Helps Your Future

At the end of your programme, you’re invited to attend an online Graduation event to celebrate your achievements with family, friends, teachers, and fellow students.

If you’d like, you can volunteer to share your experiences with the group, offering a great opportunity to reflect on what you’ve accomplished.

We’ll send you a recording of the event so you can revisit it later or share it with family members who couldn’t attend live.

Meet Your Tutor

Merissa Hickman

MPhil (Hons) (Cantab), PhD (Candidate)
Merissa is a PhD candidate in Genomic Epidemiology and Public Health Genomics, supported by the prestigious Wellcome Trust Doctoral Training Programme. She holds a Master of Philosophy in Genomic Medicine from the University of Cambridge, where she received an academic merit scholarship. 

Merissa was awarded the Phil Strong Memorial Prize to support her postgraduate research, as well as a Cambridge Trust Scholarship.

Please note, our faculty members may be subject to change.

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Develop Your Biology Skills

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of biology and life sciences by tackling real-world challenges, participating in masterclasses and learning from an inspirational tutor.

Master Fundamental Biological Concepts
Master key concepts such as Mendelian inheritance patterns, antibiotic resistance and the hierarchal system of taxonomy – all under the guidance of one of our expert tutors from leading universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
Be Mentored by an Expert Academic
Work closely with an academic mentor on real-world scientific challenges. Whether formulating hypotheses, designing experiments or analysing data, you’ll gain invaluable experience, working through problems just like the experts.
Connect with Future Scientists
Join our weekly video socials to meet fellow students from around the world. These casual, fun events feature games, quizzes and group activities, offering a chance to unwind, socialise and make lasting connections with others passionate about biology and life sciences.

Hear From a Graduate

Deema Nasser
Online Medicine Course
“Studying online with Oxford Scholastica was the best two weeks I’ve ever had. The Medicine course offered me the opportunity to conduct a psychiatric consultation with a real patient. It was a brand new experience for me and extremely informative!”
Apply Today

Build an International Network

Join a vibrant global community of passionate, curious and motivated young learners just like you – all while learning and connecting from the comfort of your own home.

Adela Jung Foncillas
Adela Jung Foncillas

AGE: 17

SCHOOL: FES Lörrach

COURSE: Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy

 

 
Oxford Scholastica has given me the confidence to determine my own future. I learned to step out of my comfort zone and try incredible new things, even when they seemed scary at first. I've also had the amazing opportunity to build a network of kind and open-minded people, all from different countries.
Alfonso Feris
Alfonso Feris

AGE: 16

SCHOOL: Colegio Los Pininos

COURSE: Experience Engineering Academy

 

 
One thing I have learned at Oxford Scholastica is how to become better at making new friends. I am usually regarded as an introverted person, but here, in less than two weeks, I have made friends as close as brothers. I am sure our friendship will last a lifetime!
Juanita Sele-Matthew
Juanita Sele-Matthew

AGE: 15

SCHOOL: Meadowhall School

COURSE: Experience Business & Enterprise Academy

 

 
Oxford Scholastica has taught me to always reach for the stars. The programme has really opened my eyes to what I want my life to look like. I've learned academic skills but also social and emotional skills, like how to network, how to live away from home and how to make new friends.
Pippa Manning
Pippa Manning

AGE: 17

SCHOOL: Nottingham Girls High School

COURSE: Experience Medicine Academy

 

 
I have found the classes so insightful and interesting and have learnt more about Medicine than I ever have in school, as well as new topics I had never considered. I'm sure this knowledge will be invaluable in my application to medical school and it has made me feel much more confident in my own abilities.
Shanaya Ailsinghani
Shanaya Ailsinghani

AGE: 15

SCHOOL: GEMS Dubai American Academy

COURSE: Experience Medicine Academy

 

 
I have benefitted a lot from Oxford Scholastica. I have developed my social skills, especially learning how to interact with others outside of a formal setting like school, and gained a lot of confidence. The programme has also given me much more clarity about my potential future career options.

Strengthen Your University Application

You’ll gain a Certificate of Achievement, a Letter of Recommendation and access to our Ambassador Programme – all tailored to showcase your academic and professional potential in biology and life sciences.

Earn a Certificate of Achievement
Successfully complete the online Biology & Life Sciences programme to earn an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement at our Graduation Ceremony, demonstrating your commitment and hard work.
Receive a Letter of Recommendation
Outstanding students will receive a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their tutor, highlighting their analytical skills, contributions and engagement – an excellent addition to university applications in biology or medicine.
Join Our Ambassador Programme

Looking to deepen your experience? Apply for our exclusive one-year Ambassador Programme to develop networking, communication and leadership skills through monthly virtual sessions.

Course Availability (Summer 2025)

Find the dates and fees for our upcoming online courses for 2025 below.

2025 Course Start Dates:
30th June
14th July
28th July
11th August
Enrol Today
What’s Included in Your Tuition Fee

ACADEMICS

  • 20 hours of live teaching (two weeks)
  • 4 hours of Masterclass sessions
  • Preparatory reading list
  • Independent study assignments
  • Detailed, personalised feedback  

GRADUATION

  • Graduation Ceremony
  • Letter of Recommendation 
  • Certificate of Achievement 
  • Invitation to the Ambassador Programme
  • Ongoing advice and support 

Two Week Courses

£ 995

One Week Course

£ 595

Your Questions,
Answered.

Still need help? Book a call
What are the entry requirements for this course?

We have three entry requirements:

i) You must be aged between 11-18 years old at the start of your chosen course.

ii) You must be motivated to learn more about the subject you wish to study (there’s space for you to write a personal statement on our registration form). We find that when students are self-motivated and eager to make the most of the opportunity, the experience can be truly transformative.

iii) You must be able to speak, read and understand English well. Though we require no formal testing, our minimum English level is Common European Framework Level C1, which equates to IELTS 6.5. If you’d like to arrange a call to check whether you have the right level of English, please feel free to contact us.

What should I write in my Oxford Scholastica personal statement?
Our admissions panel reads through each student’s personal statement to determine if they’d be a good fit for our programme. We welcome bright and intellectually curious students from around the world – those who are passionate about their subject and eager to challenge themselves.

We don’t have any academic prerequisites, as many of our students have never been exposed to their chosen subject before, so instead we’re looking for motivation and mindset.

How long are the programmes?
You can choose to attend for either one or two weeks.

Most students opt for the full two-week experience, and we highly recommend this option to fully engage with your chosen subject and make the most of the programme.

What time will my live tutorials take place?

Live tutorials will run daily from 1-3 PM UK time. This schedule is designed to accommodate students across multiple time zones, creating a truly global classroom experience.

How many hours does the course run each day?
You’ll have two hours of live contact time with your tutor each day, plus around two hours of independent study or group work. In total, you should plan to dedicate approximately four hours a day to the course.
Do I need any special equipment to attend Oxford Scholastica Online?
You don’t need any special equipment in order to attend our online courses. All you need is a computer with a stable internet connection and a webcam. Ideally you’ll be able to sit in a quiet room where you won’t be disturbed for your tutorials.
Is the online course content the same as the summer school course?
Our online courses are project-based, meaning you’ll regularly apply what you’ve learnt to real-world problems. While these courses have been designed in accordance with our learning philosophy of Learn, See, Do – just like our Oxford summer schools – the content is different, with a greater focus on problem solving. You can join us for both an online course and an Oxford summer school in your subject without repeating material.
Who will my tutor be?

We carefully select and train the best qualified tutors for each course. Our tutors are subject experts from world-class institutions, including the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Learn more about our tutors here.

Will I get a certificate at the end of an Oxford Scholastica Online course?
Yes, all students who successfully complete one of our online courses will receive an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement upon programme completion.

Students who meet our criteria will also be awarded a personalised Letter of Recommendation from their tutor, highlighting their strengths, participation, personality and more.

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See what other Biology & Life Sciences programmes we offer below.
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