Naturally Curious

Why sign up?

''Really enjoyed the [courses]. It was fascinating listening to the lecturers and feeling their enthusiasm as they shared their knowledge with us.'

- Feedback from a previous participant

What is your passion?

Explore our courses by topic.

Humans and nature

Mammals

Level: Intermediate

Presented by Professor Anjali Goswami

The course will explore:

• our evolutionary origins, from the reptile split to Jurassic mammals hunting baby dinosaurs
• key adaptations behind mammals' success
• how Earth's changing climate fuelled the rise of modern mammals
• the remarkable diversity of modern mammals and their ancestors

Biodiversity Crisis

Level: Introductory

Presented by Dr Adriana de Palma

This course will explore:

• the concepts of biodiversity
• the current state of biodiversity and why it is in crisis
• the possible solutions to combat the biodiversity crisis through research

Deep Sea

Level: Introductory

Presented by Dr Hugh Carter

This course will delve into:

• the biology of life in the deepest parts of the ocean
• the exploration of deep-sea environments
• the question of deep-sea exploitation

Space

Destination Mars

Level: Beginner

Presented by Dr Peter Grindrod

This course will explore:

• the geological history of Mars and how it compares to Earth
• how scientists study Mars using meteorites, rovers and satellites
• the challenges of landing and operating spacecraft on Mars
• the latest discoveries about Mars’ climate and potential for life
• what the future holds for Mars exploration

Rocks in Space

Level: Intermediate

Presented by Professor Sara Russell

This course will explore:

• elements of the solar system, with a focus on asteroids and meteorites
• where our solar system came from and where it is going
• how meteorites can reveal billions of years of solar history
• what scientists are hoping to learn from space missions to comets and meteorites

Birds and dinosaurs

Dinosaurs 101

Level: Introductory

Presented by Dr Susannah Maidment

This course will explore:

• the history of palaeontology, from naturalists to major discoveries
• how interdisciplinary research helps us model dinosaur behaviour
• the Cretaceous extinction and the evolution of birds

How to Build a Bird

Release date: 2025

Level: Introductory

Presented by Eloise Hunt

This course will explore:

• how birds survived extinction events while dinosaurs did not
• the evolution and adaptation of bird beaks and bodies
• the origins and development of bird flight
• the effects of climate change on bird evolution and future prospects

Fascinating and curious

Snakes

Level: Introductory

Presented by Dr Ian Brennan

This course will explore:

• evolution of leglessness
• what makes snakes unique
• the anatomical features and adaptions that help snakes survive
• how conservation is tackling the threats to snake species most in danger

Snails, Squids and Octopuses

Level: Introductory

Presented by Jon Ablett

In this course, you will learn:

• what is a mollusc
• evolutionary adaptive strategies
• a range of fascinating facts from how cephalopods change colour, why some snails are left-handed and how slug mucus is being used at the forefront of surgery

A Little Gay Natural History

Level: Introductory

Presented by Josh Davis

This course will explore:

• the astonishing diversity of sexual behaviour, biology and reproduction found in nature
• how, in both animals and plants, sexual reproduction and determination rely on a complex interaction between genes, hormones, environment and chance
• a myriad of examples of animals and plants that defy expectation

Bat Biology

Level: Introductory

Presented by Stephanie Holt

This course will explore:

• the incredible world of bats: from echolocation to extraordinary flight
• how bats evolved and diversified across the globe
• bats' vital roles in ecosystems and human lives
• the pressing threats to bats and how we can protect them

Insects

Fascinating Flies

Level: Introductory

Presented by Dr Erica McAlister

This course will explore:

• the Early-Middle Triassic origins of flies
• key adaptations and their global distribution
• the ecological significance of flies and their importance to human food supply
• biodiversity challenges from ethical collections to introduced species

Brilliant Beetles

Level: Introductory

Presented by Talay Namintraporn

This course will explore:

• the incredible diversity of beetles—1 in 5 animals on Earth
• key features and adaptations that define beetles
• their essential roles in ecosystems, from pollination to decomposition
• how museum collections and citizen science help conserve beetles