To be eligible, applicants should:

• Be between 18-24 years old.
• Have a sufficient understanding of English to participate in academic discussions and coursework.
• Have a keen interest in exploring their chosen subject(s).

If you meet these requirements, we’d love to see your application!

Applying is easy! Follow these steps:

1. Choose a Course: Select your subject, location, dates, and accommodation. You can add additional courses if you wish.
2. Provide Student Info: Fill in your name, contact details, and a short personal statement about why you'd be a great fit.
3. Enter School Info: Provide the name and address of your most recent school.
4. Review & Submit: Double-check your details and submit your application.

After submission, our admissions team will review your application, and you’ll hear back within 2-3 days. Apply now!

Yes, you can book more than one course! During the application process, you will have the option to add additional courses either before or after your main course. The total price, including any additional courses, will be displayed before you proceed.

After paying your deposit to secure your place, our admissions team will help you set up a bespoke payment plan. You can choose from options like monthly or bimonthly payments, and we will provide a detailed invoice outlining your instalment schedule. Learn more about payment plans.

Note: There are no additional fees for setting up a payment plan, and your place is secure once the deposit is paid.

The course is structured over two weeks, focusing on movement ecology and dispersal in organisms, particularly birds.

Week 1: Movement and Dispersal in Organisms (Example)

• Movement in organisms: How and why organisms move.
• Understanding dispersal in different contexts.
• The mechanics of migration and compass mechanisms in birds.
• Journal club on migratory change and range shifts.

Week 2: Vagrancy and Adaptation (Example)

• Vagrant theories and factors influencing vagrancy.
• Consequences of vagrancy and its distinction from dispersal and migration.
• Museum trip: Assessing adaptations in real-world specimens.

Note: This is an example structure. The actual content may vary based on the tutor’s expertise and student preferences. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their learning goals with admissions to tailor the course.

By the end of the course, students may:

• Understand the different types of movement in organisms, focusing on dispersal, migration, and vagrancy.
• Learn about the mechanics of bird migration and how animals navigate.
• Gain practical insights through a museum trip to assess biological adaptations.
• Develop skills in critical thinking, research, and scientific analysis.

Note: Learning objectives may vary based on student interests, which will be discussed during the admissions process.

Students are encouraged to do pre-course preparation to maximise their learning. Suggested resources include:

• Readings:
• "An Emerging Movement Ecology Paradigm" by Ran Nathan (PNAS article).
• "Trends and Missing Parts in the Study of Movement Ecology" by Marcel Holyoak et al. (PNAS article).
• Optional: Watch Ran Nathan's lecture on movement ecology and explore the evolutionary basis of movement.

Note: These are example resources. Specific materials may vary depending on tutor and student preferences. Students will be informed of the required materials in advance to allow enough time to prepare.

This course provides an excellent foundation for further studies in biology, ecology, or evolutionary biology. You will develop critical research skills and gain insights into movement ecology and dispersal, which are valuable for careers in wildlife biology, conservation, and scientific research.

Note: Career exploration opportunities may vary based on the session and guest speaker availability.

You are not required to have prior knowledge of biology, but you are expected to:

• Actively participate in seminars and tutorials.
• Complete independent research and assignments.
• Engage in discussions on movement ecology and the challenges organisms face in their environments.

The course is designed to foster critical thinking and analytical skills, helping students explore biological concepts through active learning.

Note: The level of participation and engagement can be adapted to suit individual needs and preferences.

At Oxford Summer Courses, we understand that students aged 18-24 have different needs in terms of safeguarding. All staff are enhanced DBS-checked and trained in safeguarding policies. We maintain 24/7 on-site security, but with more independence allowed for this age group. Our policies are focused on ensuring safety while encouraging personal responsibility and autonomy.