Are you fascinated by biology? A science that explores and explains life around us and inside us – who isn’t curious about biology? But life also gets in the way – we have family commitments, careers, lives to lead. Unlike school or university students, we often don’t have the time to indulge our curiosity about what makes us tick – where is the biology for curious adults?
What about biology for curious adults?
Maybe you’re looking to educate yourself in biology without going back to school? Maybe you’ve always found biology interesting? Or want to explore biology as a hobby? Or learn biology for fun?
We’re running a biology masterclass for curious adults (see below), but here are some other good sources of biology for adult learners, and curious minds:
Popular science biology books
There are some very skilled science communicators who are able to present complex ideas in a clear way. Here are some of my favourites:
- The selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins – A famous book with an interesting, provocative, perspective of genes leading the way through evolution.
- Rebel Cell by Kat Arney – The story of how changes in a single cell give rise to cancer.
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot – The powerful story of Ms Lacks’ contribution to life-saving cancer research.
- The Music of Life by Denis Noble -Imaging the body as an orchestra of parts. This “systems biology” approach inspired me during my PhD.
Documentaries, podcasts and websites
- Sir David Attenborough’s documentaries, such as the recent Mammals (BBC iPlayer), combine innovative cinematography, with skilled scientific storytelling.
- The journal Nature runs an excellent podcast discussing cutting-edge biology research.
- Biomedical picture of the Day provides daily, beautiful biomedical imagery from cutting-edge researcher papers, summarized by professional science writers (full disclosure: I write for BPoD!)
Informal biology courses
There are lots of free, pre-recorded biology tutorials on the internet, some better than others. The Khan academy is very good, but as it is pre-recorded, you might not get the satisfaction of having your own questions answered. Often in research each new discovery brings new questions! This is why we’ve introduced our masterclasses – so you can keep asking questions.
Formal biology qualifications
Adult learners can and do choose to take formal qualifications like a GCSE or A-level in biology (and I can help). I’ve explained the steps to registering as an independent candidate. But perhaps that’s too much, or too prescriptive?
Maybe you just want your questions about biology, about life, answered?
Live, interactive online biology masterclasses for curious adults
I’m running online biology masterclasses for curious adults.
Similar to our popular A-level biology masterclasses, each adult masterclass will be themed around a different area of biology – cells, immunity, cancer… a new theme every session. All you need is a curious mind – we also welcome retired scientists, keen hobbyists, or those preparing to go back to science education as adult learners. Here are some more details:
Biology for curious adults online masterclasses
Date: Weekly, starting January 2027 (full itinerary soon)
Length: 55 minutes per session (via Teams)
Cost: £35
Hosted by: Dr John Ankers (email: John@wooltontutors.co.uk), former biomedical researcher turned tutor and award-winning science communicator.
- A live and interactive mix of tutorial and Q&A.
- Informal and relaxed.
- Each session has a different biology theme – DNA, evolution, cancer, stem cells etc.
- Discussion around the latest research, critical thinking and ethics.
- Suitable for curious adults of all backgrounds. If there is demand, I will run multiple classes based on the experience of participants.
- An opportunity to ask questions! You can bring your own questions to the session, or send them anonymously.
- Discuss your thoughts, bring your experiences, share as much or as little as you like.
- Connect to the session via Teams with or without a camera, whichever suits you.
- Indulge your curiosity and love of the subject.
- Attend a single session to see if you enjoy it, with no further commitment.
Why not give it a try?
Email John at John@wooltontutors.co.uk to register your interest, or give me a call if you have any questions.
Good luck,
John
Dr John Ankers is a specialist online biology tutor and science communicator based in Woolton Village, Liverpool, UK. https://wooltontutors.co.uk
