Science College Courses, Open Enrollment- UChicago | Graham School
Source: https://graham.uchicago.edu/topic/science
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:36
Science College Courses, Open Enrollment- UChicago | Graham School
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Topic
Science
Science courses from the University of Chicago Graham School examine big ideas in the physical and biological sciences and help you grow as a more logical, evidence-based thinker.
The Graham School’s exceptional instructors will guide you through readings and discussions that introduce the principles behind the scientific processes of experimentation and observation. You will gain a deeper understanding of how the scientific method allows us to reason through complex problems as well as the social and cultural impact of new discoveries.
Our non-credit classes are designed to be accessible to all lifelong learners. Rather than technical terms, hands-on labs, or precise calculations, our courses focus on the history and current implications of scientific innovation. Past courses have examined topics such as how advances in biology changed the way that societies viewed race, the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on society, the contributions that cultures around the world have made to astronomy, and the responses of global health systems to infectious diseases.
Spotlight Programs
Master’s Degree
Grow as a Thinker and Leader
Elevate your critical thinking and leadership through advanced study in the liberal arts.
Master of Liberal Arts
4 Year Certificate
Immerse Yourself in the Great Books
Explore timeless works of literature, philosophy, history, and social thought.
The Basic Program
All Science Courses
Featured
Online
Summer I
The Art and Science of Social Connection
Nicholas Epley
Science from a Liberal Arts Perspective
In this era of rapid transformation, it helps to have a working knowledge of scientific concepts to understand many of the most urgent issues facing our world. Some of our biggest challenges can only be addressed with strategies informed through reasoning, experimentation, and observation. A liberal arts approach can broaden your understanding of why and how these scientific principles matter.
Science Instructors
Nicholas Epley
John Templeton Keller Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science, Booth School of Business
Technology can answer the what and how questions, however, you will need a liberal arts education to answer the why question. Otherwise, it is a pursuit of progress without any real end in mind.
Omer Imtiaz
MLA’19
We believe at Graham that the liberal arts have a unique opportunity to contribute to this moment in society. We are living in a time of rapid scientific innovation and technological disruption and we need to make sure that we’re constantly asking the foundational questions about how these advancements both strengthen and challenge our humanity.
Seth Green
Dean of the University of Chicago Graham School
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the Graham School’s science offerings.
Why is learning about science important for non-scientists?
Studying science is valuable for people in any profession or walk of life. Applying the scientific method helps us to think critically about complex topics and solve problems. Scientific knowledge is essential to understand the technological breakthroughs that drive today’s economy as well as many of the greatest challenges we face, from climate change to public health.
Do I need to have an extensive background in any area of science to succeed in these classes?
The Graham School’s goal is to provide a broad foundation of scientific knowledge, exposing students to different forms of scholarly inquiry and the methodologies that underpin scientific disciplines. Our science courses are designed for learners of all backgrounds.
Will the assigned readings be highly technical?
We avoid reading assignments that have heavy jargon or that require technical expertise. Instead, we focus on texts that explain concepts clearly to a general audience to ensure learners with any level of prior knowledge are able to engage with the texts.
UChicago has a reputation for academic rigor. Will I be able to meaningfully participate in the classroom discussions?
Yes. Our non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors create an inclusive learning environment by encouraging all students to participate, regardless of their previous background in science.
What’s it like to take a course in a Socratic seminar format?
You’ll come to each session prepared to engage in lively, respectful discussions about the assigned reading. With a small group of peers and your instructor, you’ll examine fundamental questions through the lenses of multiple disciplines and lived experiences.
Are these offerings online or in person?
The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.
Do I have to complete an application?
No application is required for the Basic Program or open enrollment courses. There is a required application for the Master of Liberal Arts.
Science News
Sep 29, 2025
Event Recap
Wired Wisdom: How to Age Better Online
A surprising window into the online lives of people sixty and over—offering essential insights, no matter your age.
View Now
Sep 11, 2025
Event Recap
The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half: A Conversation with Dr. Kerry Burnight
Dr. Kerry Burnight, gerontologist and former faculty member at UC Irvine School of Medicine, joined us for a conversation about her new book ‘Joyspan’.
View Now
Aug 28, 2025
Event Recap
The Science of Longevity: A Conversation with Coleen T. Murphy
Professor Coleen T. Murphy from Princeton University joined us for an illuminating discussion on her book ‘How We Age: The Science of Longevity’, exploring groundbreaking research on aging.
View Now
Questions about the Graham School? Get in touch.
Contact Us
This is the search overlay. Use the Escape key to close it.
Your Shopping Cart
Enroll Now
We use
cookies
to enhance your experience on our site.
Skip to main content
Topic
Science
Science courses from the University of Chicago Graham School examine big ideas in the physical and biological sciences and help you grow as a more logical, evidence-based thinker.
The Graham School’s exceptional instructors will guide you through readings and discussions that introduce the principles behind the scientific processes of experimentation and observation. You will gain a deeper understanding of how the scientific method allows us to reason through complex problems as well as the social and cultural impact of new discoveries.
Our non-credit classes are designed to be accessible to all lifelong learners. Rather than technical terms, hands-on labs, or precise calculations, our courses focus on the history and current implications of scientific innovation. Past courses have examined topics such as how advances in biology changed the way that societies viewed race, the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on society, the contributions that cultures around the world have made to astronomy, and the responses of global health systems to infectious diseases.
Spotlight Programs
Master’s Degree
Grow as a Thinker and Leader
Elevate your critical thinking and leadership through advanced study in the liberal arts.
Master of Liberal Arts
4 Year Certificate
Immerse Yourself in the Great Books
Explore timeless works of literature, philosophy, history, and social thought.
The Basic Program
All Science Courses
Featured
Online
Summer I
The Art and Science of Social Connection
Nicholas Epley
Science from a Liberal Arts Perspective
In this era of rapid transformation, it helps to have a working knowledge of scientific concepts to understand many of the most urgent issues facing our world. Some of our biggest challenges can only be addressed with strategies informed through reasoning, experimentation, and observation. A liberal arts approach can broaden your understanding of why and how these scientific principles matter.
Science Instructors
Nicholas Epley
John Templeton Keller Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science, Booth School of Business
Technology can answer the what and how questions, however, you will need a liberal arts education to answer the why question. Otherwise, it is a pursuit of progress without any real end in mind.
Omer Imtiaz
MLA’19
We believe at Graham that the liberal arts have a unique opportunity to contribute to this moment in society. We are living in a time of rapid scientific innovation and technological disruption and we need to make sure that we’re constantly asking the foundational questions about how these advancements both strengthen and challenge our humanity.
Seth Green
Dean of the University of Chicago Graham School
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the Graham School’s science offerings.
Why is learning about science important for non-scientists?
Studying science is valuable for people in any profession or walk of life. Applying the scientific method helps us to think critically about complex topics and solve problems. Scientific knowledge is essential to understand the technological breakthroughs that drive today’s economy as well as many of the greatest challenges we face, from climate change to public health.
Do I need to have an extensive background in any area of science to succeed in these classes?
The Graham School’s goal is to provide a broad foundation of scientific knowledge, exposing students to different forms of scholarly inquiry and the methodologies that underpin scientific disciplines. Our science courses are designed for learners of all backgrounds.
Will the assigned readings be highly technical?
We avoid reading assignments that have heavy jargon or that require technical expertise. Instead, we focus on texts that explain concepts clearly to a general audience to ensure learners with any level of prior knowledge are able to engage with the texts.
UChicago has a reputation for academic rigor. Will I be able to meaningfully participate in the classroom discussions?
Yes. Our non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors create an inclusive learning environment by encouraging all students to participate, regardless of their previous background in science.
What’s it like to take a course in a Socratic seminar format?
You’ll come to each session prepared to engage in lively, respectful discussions about the assigned reading. With a small group of peers and your instructor, you’ll examine fundamental questions through the lenses of multiple disciplines and lived experiences.
Are these offerings online or in person?
The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.
Do I have to complete an application?
No application is required for the Basic Program or open enrollment courses. There is a required application for the Master of Liberal Arts.
Science News
Sep 29, 2025
Event Recap
Wired Wisdom: How to Age Better Online
A surprising window into the online lives of people sixty and over—offering essential insights, no matter your age.
View Now
Sep 11, 2025
Event Recap
The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half: A Conversation with Dr. Kerry Burnight
Dr. Kerry Burnight, gerontologist and former faculty member at UC Irvine School of Medicine, joined us for a conversation about her new book ‘Joyspan’.
View Now
Aug 28, 2025
Event Recap
The Science of Longevity: A Conversation with Coleen T. Murphy
Professor Coleen T. Murphy from Princeton University joined us for an illuminating discussion on her book ‘How We Age: The Science of Longevity’, exploring groundbreaking research on aging.
View Now
Questions about the Graham School? Get in touch.
Contact Us
This is the search overlay. Use the Escape key to close it.
Your Shopping Cart
Enroll Now