Biological Chemistry
— Introduction —
Oxford Biological Chemistry Summer School Introduction
The Oxford Biological Chemistry Summer School is a research-focused programme jointly organised by the Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research (OSCAR) and ASEEDER. The Oxford Biological Chemistry Summer School is dedicated to providing opportunities for students aspiring to careers in biological Chemistry and related fields. The summer school will be held at the University of Oxford, and students will be taught by Oxford scientists. Students who complete the programme will receive a certificate of completion.
In the summer of 2025, Oxford Biological Chemistry Summer School will open for high school students from China. Students will explore cutting-edge knowledge in biological chemistry , delve into research methodologies, and engage with disruptive technologies and globally impactful research. Students will also have the opportunity to work in teaching laboratories affiliated with the University of Oxford, conducting experiments under the supervision of professional lab technicians, which will help them embody the principle of integrating knowledge and practice. Through the programme, students will enhance their interdisciplinary and cross-cultural competencies and strengthen their qualifications and competitiveness for admission to prestigious universities.
— Project Result —
Students will consolidate the knowledge acquired during the course and the exploration process in groups or as individuals. Through academic research, they will produce academic outputs and present them in groups or as individuals. This will be followed by feedback and guidance from tutors. Upon completion of the programme, students will receive a completion certificate, serving as a strong testament to their academic and research capabilities.
— Why Us —
1Experience the Teaching Model of Oxford University
Students will study in Oxford University, guided by academic research teams, to experience the university's teaching model and immerse themselves in the university's learning environment.
Oxford's Expert Instruct Various Biological Chemistry Branches2
The teaching team is composed of Oxford University researchers. Guided by Oxford experts, students explore biological chemistry through lectures, discussions, lab visits, and experiments.
3Gain Experience in Cutting-edge Biological Chemistry Research
Throughout the programme, students work collaboratively under Oxford University scientists, engaging in the entire research process. Additionally, they will conduct experiments under professional guidance, and gain real laboratory experience.
4Receive a Certificate of Completion
During the programme, students study advanced Biological Chemistry research topics in groups or as individuals, conduct research under scientists' supervision, produce academic outputs, and present their findings. Students who complete the programme will receive a certificate of completion.
— Teaching Team Sample —
*The final faculties are subject to the official arrangement of the Oxford University Biology Summer School. Please note that doctoral supervisor oversees students' research and dissertation.
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Ian Thompson
University of Oxford Professor & Fellow of RSB
Ian is Professor of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. He is also head of the Environmental Bioengineering programme which focuses of exploiting microbiological activities for cleaning and preventing environment. Previously he was Head of Environmental Biotechnology at the NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) in Oxford.
Barnum
Lecturer in Jesus College, Oxford Universty
Barnum, a PhD holder from the University of Oxford, is currently a lecturer and PhD supervisor at Jesus College, University of Oxford. He's deeply interested in blending mathematics and biology, using mathematical modeling to create advanced cell culture systems for innovative drug development.
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Henry Hung
Lecturer I in Magdalen College, University of Oxford
Henry is a Lecturer I and Ph.D. supervisor in Magdalen College University of Oxford. His research focuses on genetics, genomics, ecology, and plant protection, with multiple publications in these fields. He's also a member of the British Ecological Society's Activities Committee and specializes in genome data integration and climate model development.
Wissam Ghantous
PhD Student in the University of Oxford
Wissam is a PhD student in the University of Oxford，He is dedicated to developing algorithms and code to make abstract mathematical concepts computationally explicit, aiding in the verification of theories or finding counterexamples.
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Cynthia
Oxford MEStar Chief Researcher
Cynthia, a PhD holder from the University of Oxford, serves as the Chief Researcher at Oxford MEStar. she focuses on wildlife infectious diseases and epidemiology, with a focus on developing quick diagnostic methods for zoonotic diseases to prevent their spread between humans and animals.
Johnny Zhou
PhD Student in the University of Oxford
Johnny is a PhD student in Bioengineering at the University of Oxford, with extensive knowledge and practical experience in molecular genetics, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), and gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9. His current research primarily focuses on developing rapid virus detection devices with array capabilities. -
Alexander Witt
PhD Student in the University of Oxford
Alexander is a PhD student in Tissue Engineering at the University of Oxford. His research focus is the reconstruction or repair of organs and tissues using in vitro cultivation or construction methods. Alexander specializes in membrane bioreactor technology and fluid transport in porous elastomeric membranes, exploring ways to optimize bioreactors for enhanced production efficiency and quality
— Programme Structure —
Oxford Tutor Lecture
Guided by the Oxford University mentor team, students will explore cutting-edge topics, enhancing their expertise and expanding their horizons in biology.PhD Student Guidance
PhD students offer deep academic guidance, helping students enhance their knowledge through practical science and complete individual and collaborative research tasks.Laboratory Visits
Students will visit Oxford University's biology research facility and biotech company, gaining exposure to cuttingedge biotechnology and taking part in guided experiments.Group / Individual Academic Work
Students will conduct research based on an academic topic, then explore it with guidance from Oxford PhD, and give a final presentation in English to showcase their research output.Exploration
Students will have the opportunity to visit iconic places on the Oxford University campus, and explore cities like London and Cambridge.Course Content
* The courses are subject to change. Please refer to the official arrangement of the Oxford Biological Chemistry Summer Schoool.
Introduction to Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Students will explore the fundamentals of DNA, RNA, and protein structure and function, and dive into key biotechnology topics such as gene expression, molecular cloning, and genetic engineering. Core technologies like PCR amplification, CRISPR editing, and transgenic systems will be introduced, along with their real-world applications in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.
Microbiology and Pathogenic Organisms
Focusing on viruses, bacteria, and zoonotic diseases, students will study the structure and transmission of pathogens, and their impact on public health. Using real-world case studies (e.g. avian flu, rabies), the course will also cover vaccine principles, antibiotic mechanisms, and introduce students to the “molecular structure and basic synthetic strategies of antibiotics”.
Fundamental Laboratory Skills in Organic and Biochemistry
Through hands-on sessions in Oxford’s teaching labs, students will conduct a range of experiments including enzyme activity assays, DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and acid-base titration. A highlight will be a lab involving “acid chloride-based esterification”, where students synthesize “fragrance-related ester compounds”, showcasing how organic reactions apply to pharmaceuticals and the perfume industry.
Analytical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics
Students will learn the principles and applications of techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry, and how these are used in biological and chemical analysis. Real-world examples, including “qPCR and rapid viral detection methods”, will help students understand how invisible molecular signals are captured and interpreted.
Green Chemistry and Enzyme Engineering
This module introduces the principles of green synthesis and how natural enzymes can replace traditional chemical reagents. Students will learn “how enzyme catalysis enables efficient and eco-friendly organic reactions”, and explore the applications of enzyme engineering in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental protection.
Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence in Life Sciences
Students will be introduced to how computational methods are applied in biology, such as DNA sequencing analysis, protein structure prediction, and AI-assisted drug discovery. Emphasis will be placed on how the synergy of computation and laboratory science is transforming modern biomedical research.
Research Project and Final Presentation
In small groups, students will complete a mini research project based on a real-world topic in biology or chemistry. They will engage in literature review, experimental design, data interpretation, and present their findings via “poster or PowerPoint”. Outstanding projects may receive a letter of recommendation or academic potential evaluation from the programme mentors.
— Schedule Sample —
Accommodation
Students will be accommodated in the dormitory of Lady Margaret Hall College Halls at the University of Oxford. The rooms are twin occupancy, with most being en-suite. These arrangements are subject to confirmation from the Oxford Biological Chemistry Summer School. The college is situated on Norham Gardens Road in the north-east part of Oxford, adjacent to University Park. It is a 5-minute walk to the Science Quarter and approximately a 15-minute walk to the city center of Oxford.
— Application Information —
【Date】
August 3 - August 16, 2025（14 days）
【Suitable Students】
16 years and above, interested in Chemistry, Biology, Biological Chemistry , Bioscience and related subjects
【Requirements】：Meet any of the requirements is sufficient for enrollment
• Obtain grade A in ASEEDER EPQ biological research
• English language level equivalent to IELTS level 6.5 or TOEFL 90, and grade A in biology, or a score of 7 in (I)GCSE Biology.
• If the above requirements are not met, an English interview with an ASEEDER teacher is required.
【Price】
Include: tuition, course materials, accommodation, breakfast, formal dinner fee, excursions fees, ASEEDER group leader service fee, local transportation fees; international insurance
Excludes：1. International transportation costs to and from (departure and arrival from Beijing/Shanghai/Shenzhen/Hong Kong, you can use a third-party service or ASEEDER's unified service); 2. Meals; 3. Visa and visa service fee (optional) (2400RMB, ASEEDER's VIP visa service promises that if the visa is refused for reasons other than the client's own, the visa service fee will be fully refunded or the client will have the right to a second visa application free of service fee, and the programme fee will also be fully refunded.)
— FAQ —
Students in this programme will learn the cutting-edge knowledge of biological chemistry and current hot research directions, and will be guided by professional researchers to complete the biological experimental operations, which require a certain degree of discipline foundation, otherwise they will not be able to complete the corresponding difficulty and depth of the scientific research tasks.
