9-16 October is Biology Week, the Royal Society of Biology’s celebration of the biosciences. The Society has a number of events planned throughout the week. You can also follow events from the Biology Qualification Team by following us on Twitter (@Biology_OU).
Biology is the study of life, from humans to fungi and everything in between. To celebrate Biology Week we have compiled a range of resources covering different aspects of biology for you to explore and enjoy.
Did you know?
Our biology programmes R58 BSc (Hons) Biology and Q64 BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology) have been awarded interim accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology.
Degree accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology acknowledges academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates have met defined learning outcomes, including gaining substantial research experience.
From the very big to the very small
Biologists study everything from the behavior of elephants; some of the planet's largest creatures, to the smallest organisms and tiniest cells in our bodies. Find out more with these articles, interactives, videos and free courses.
The big...
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Introducing mammals
Learn more to access more details of Introducing mammalsMammals come in a bewildering variety of shapes and sizes, and yet all species have some characteristics in common. These similarities justify the inclusion of all such diverse types within the single taxonomic group (or class) called the Mammalia. This free course, Introducing mammals, offers a starting point for the study of mammals. It will ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Ocean explorer
Take part now to access more details of Ocean explorerTake a journey into the Earth's oceans and discover whether you've got what it takes to become an oceanographer. Explore ocean depths, currents, temperatures and find out more about the future of our oceans.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Migration
Learn more to access more details of MigrationMigration is a free course looking at the migrations of animals, with special reference to birds, and also introducing the themes of movement, selection and homeostasis.
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Dr Vicky Taylor on her work with Asian Elephants
Watch now to access more details of Dr Vicky Taylor on her work with Asian ElephantsDr Vicky Taylor describes her work with Asian elephants and how the partnership with Woburn Safari Park contributes to our courses.
Level: 1 Introductory
...and the small
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Can we be categorised by our DNA?
Watch now to access more details of Can we be categorised by our DNA?“Race is just a social construct!” You may have heard experts say this, but what does the science say? Can our DNA group us the way many imagine?
Level: 1 Introductory
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Understanding antibiotic resistance
Learn more to access more details of Understanding antibiotic resistanceAntibiotic resistance is a serious threat, compromising our ability to treat infections and increasing the risk of routine surgery. Resistant infections are increasing due to overuse of antibiotics and this has resulted in the emergence of 'superbugs' (bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics). This free course, Understanding antibiotic ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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The story of infection
Read now to access more details of The story of infectionHow have infectious diseases, both their response to us and our response to them, evolved over the centuries?
Level: 1 Introductory
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Infection and immunity
Learn more to access more details of Infection and immunityIn this free course, Infection and immunity, you will be introduced to infectious diseases and to the biological agents that invade our bodies and cause them: pathogens. You will also learn about the immune system, the human body’s vital defence against pathogens. Along the way you will learn about the scientific method and how it has helped ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Angel Breed
Take part now to access more details of Angel BreedUnderstand the basic rules of genetics and see if you can breed the rarest fish in our biology game.
Level: 1 Introductory
Explore Biology on OpenLearn
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COVID-19: Immunology, vaccines and epidemiology
Learn more to access more details of COVID-19: Immunology, vaccines and epidemiologyThis free badged course, COVID-19: Immunology, vaccines and epidemiology, explains how antibodies protect against viral infections and how the incidence of antibodies can be used to track an epidemic. The course incorporates an interactive on-line assay (ELISA) of the type that is used to detect antibodies against COVID-19 infection. The samples...
Level: 2 Intermediate
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How does the human body fight a viral infection?
Read now to access more details of How does the human body fight a viral infection?Some individuals generate an effective immune response to COVID-19. Why? Discover the immune response to viral infection in this explainer article...
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Blood and the respiratory system
Learn more to access more details of Blood and the respiratory system‘Don’t hold your breath’ is an expression you’ve probably heard many times, but may not have thought too much about. In this free course, Blood and the respiratory system, you’ll study why respiration is so important for life, including how air enters and leaves the lungs, how oxygen is transported in the blood, the many dynamic factors that ...
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Issues in women's health in relation to sport and fitness
Read now to access more details of Issues in women's health in relation to sport and fitnessExplore some themes in women's sport in the following animations.
Level: 1 Introductory
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The secrets of the brain
Read now to access more details of The secrets of the brainDespite us all having one, the brain is a mystery. Here Ester Pascual-Baixauli tells us some fascinating facts about this organ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Biological, psychological and social complexities in childhood development
Learn more to access more details of Biological, psychological and social complexities in childhood developmentThis free course uses the case studies of Liam, Chloe and Lola to explore childhood development and some of the biological and psychological conditions that can affect children and young people. You will focus on asthma, intellectual and development disorders, depression and anxiety, and eating disorders.
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Obesity: balanced diets and treatment
Learn more to access more details of Obesity: balanced diets and treatmentThe incidence of obesity is on the increase in affluent societies, and the phenomenon commands increasing attention from health professionals, legislators and the media. This free course, Obesity: balanced diets and treatment, looks at the science behind obesity, examining the dietary, physiological and genetic aspects of the topic.
Level: 2 Intermediate
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The science of nutrition and healthy eating
Learn more to access more details of The science of nutrition and healthy eatingThis free course, The science of nutrition and healthy eating, looks at the science behind nutrition, covering aspects of biology, chemistry and physics as well as giving some insight into healthier eating. Reading food labels, choosing healthier foods, hydrating appropriately and understanding how we taste food will allow you to be more ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Oxygen, blood and the body
Take part now to access more details of Oxygen, blood and the bodyHow do living things transport and store oxygen for respiration? Dr Simon Collinson explains.
Level: 2 Intermediate
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