Technology around Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing quickly. Scammers are also quickly adapting this technology to steal your money, information, and identity. This presentation will seek to help you understand common uses for AI, identify how scammers are utilizing AI, and learn ways to prevent, detect, and report AI scams.

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Monday, 5/05, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Sparkling wine comes in so many varieties and from so many places! The bubbles make them all festive and delightful, but you'll learn what makes them different and similar beyond the bubbles. Join us as we sample and discuss eight different sparkling wines with a wide variety of styles, types, regions, prices, and even colors! Class may run over or under the allotted time. Fees are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your slot.

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Thursday 5/15, The Kitchen Classroom

The Alzheimer's Association is leading the way in advancing research in the field of Alzheimer's and dementia. In the last few years, we have seen significant advancements in the research space, but we are still working to find the cure. Join us as we take a deeper look at the latest studies in research and hear about some exciting things in the pipeline.

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Wednesday, February 19, Synchronous Online

We will discuss ways to promote understanding of the science of neuroarts and help bring together the arts, science and public policy communities to promote health and wellbeing in the Richmond region.

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Monday, March 3, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Join Mark Rich, former Curator of Mammals at the San Diego Zoo, as he shares his adventure to bring to San Diego a baby Ceylonese elephant. The month-long expedition included studying elephants in the wild, as well as at the Penniwela Elephant Orphanage and zoos in Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Indonesia. But the focus is on a little elephant named Devi, which means 'Little Princess', and on the complicated and unusual way she finally arrived.

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Monday, 4/21, TBD - UR Campus

Bronze Age explores history from the beginning of civilization to the 12th century BCE. Topics include the Great Pyramid, the invention of writing, the heretic pharaoh, the earliest European civilization, King Tut, the Biblical Exodus, the first architect, the Thera volcanic eruption, Philistines, Israelites, Kassites, Amorites, Hittites, the early Greeks, the woman pharaoh, the origin of law, the Trojan War, and the catastrophe that ended the Bronze Age world.

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Thursdays; 3/20, 3/27, 4/03, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

The class will provide tips and techniques to enhance your travel and everyday photography experience. The class will cover not only typical photo opportunities like landscapes and people photos, but also new techniques in photo editing and in-camera adjustments.

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Fridays, Mar 7 and 14, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

More than 20 years after climate change became a matter of global concern, there are still those who cast doubt on the veracity of climate science, climate scientists, and the need to take action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This course will be strictly fact-based and fully referenced, but accessible to scientists and non-scientists alike who want to understand more about the scientific basis for critical political and economic decisions that lie ahead.

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Monday, February 17, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

We will taste eight wines and talk about how to read restaurant wine lists, store shelves, and wine labels; what is good tasting room/restaurant etiquette; and what are helpful tips for a couple of major wine regions. Class may run over or under the allotted time. Fees are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your slot.

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Thursday 4/17, The Kitchen Classroom (2 seats (6%) remaining)

Several medical cases requiring an correct diagnosis will be presented. Each patient's history, symtoms, physical examination, and laboratory test results will be described. You must make the correct diagnosis in at least one case, or you will be required to repeat the class.

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NEW DATE: Tuesday, March 25, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Local nature photographer and Certified Master Naturalist Jim Easton explores wildlife and nature hotspots in the RVA area. His presentation features stunning images captured along local trails, parks, and gardens. Jim will provide insights and practical tips, interspersed with thought-provoking quotes and reflections on nature and photography.

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Tuesday, February 4, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

We can't see, smell, or hear it, but it's a big part of our lives. How is it made, and what's this thing called 'the grid'? Let's discuss some of the most notorious US blackouts, what the future will bring, and Virginia's outsized role.

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Tuesdays; February 11, 18, 25, TBD - UR Campus (7 seats (14%) remaining)

Join us for flavors that will warm your soul and spice up your life (but not burn up your palate)! Explore the flavors of the Caribbean Islands with Jerk chicken, Rice & Peas, Stewed Cabbage, & Doubles (curried chickpeas w/fried bread). Class may run a bit over or under the allotted time. Fees are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your slot.

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Thursday, February 27, The Kitchen Classroom

Learn the fundamentals of gardening, including soil properties, soil conditioning, and soilless substrates. Also learn methods to propagate and grow native and introduced species of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennial plants as well as vegetables and small fruits. The course also covers basic principles and elements of landscape design, landscape maintenance, and invasive vs. native plants.

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NOTE CHANGED DATES: Fridays, Jan 17, 24, 31, Feb 4, 7, 14, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Have you ever wanted to trace your family history, but didn't know how to begin, or became overwhelmed when you did? Then, this class is for you. Learn how to set goals and stay organized; use basic research tools, techniques, and reliable sources; and ways to ensure you have the facts. The goal is to give you skills and resources to begin discovering your ancestors and their true stories.

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Mondays & Thursdays; February 3, 6, 10, 13 , TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Have you found some of your ancestors, collected information, started a family tree... and want to do more? This class will help you make sense of what you have, expand your research skills, learn to use more advanced tools and techniques, and broaden your knowledge of genealogical resources. The goal is to build on what you have already done and add to the depth and breadth of your family history.

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Mondays and Thursdays; March 3, 6, 10, 13, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Would you like to become more efficient and productive using Ancestry.com, the largest genealogy database in the world? Join us to learn about tips and techniques to improve your searches, dos and don'ts about family trees, and the University's Library edition vs. paid subscription. Additionally, you will learn to navigate the site to find all the features and resources available such as connecting with other researchers, accessing tutorials, and learning to use the card catalog.

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Thursday, 4/24, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Designed by the Foreign Policy Association (FPA) and facilitated at the local level, this program highlights eight timely thought provoking foreign policy challenges facing the US. Topics for 2025 include American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads, Changing Leadership of the World Economy, US-China Relations, India, International Cooperation on Climate Change, The Future of NATO and European Security, AI and American National Security, and American Foreign Policy in the Middle East: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead.

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Wednesdays; February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

In this course we'll explore everything you wanted to know about life, from how we got here to now. We will cover the gift of existence/the beginning of it all (why is there 'something' rather than 'nothing'), the origin and definition and features of life, evolution on Earth, aspects of 'wonderful and weird' life forms, and eventually the advent of humans, then the brain, the human body, and finally medicine (past, present and future).

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Wednesdays, Jan 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar 5, 12, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Dive into the vibrant world beneath your feet! In this course, you'll uncover the fascinating secrets of living soil and discover how to nurture and protect this vital ecosystem. Not only will you gain invaluable insights, but you'll also leave equipped with practical amendments to start improving your garden soil at home. Join us on this journey to become passionate stewards of the soil, unlocking its potential to support life and sustain our planet.

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Wednesday, 3/19, TBD - UR Campus

Create a beautiful container garden with guidance from Maymont staff in this make-and-take workshop. Learn how to customize and care for your container garden. Guests should bring their own gloves; all other materials will be provided. Participants must be 21 or older and bring photo ID for alcohol. Fees are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your slot.

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Thursday, 4/24, Maymont

For more than two years, the James Webb Space Telescope, orbiting a million miles from Earth in the deep freeze of space, has sent back remarkable information regarding the faint heat rays that come from objects in the universe. We will look at star birth and death, the organization and structure of the Milky Way, cosmic mergers and collisions, and the great web of galaxies that gives us clues about the development of our cosmos.

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No session is currently available for registration

Let's explore key eras of automotive history, as a way of understanding the profound impact cars have on society and culture. Included will be the role of influential designers, the creation of iconic vehicles like the Mustang and Corvette, and the appeal of concept cars which highlight the innovation of their eras. We'll touch on how global car cultures, from America's muscle cars to Japan's futuristic designs, reflect the identities and values of their societies.

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Wednesdays; 4/09, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/07, 5/14 , Synchronous Online

We begin by unraveling the mysteries of the brain. We will explore how to navigate the complex and fragmented healthcare system and discuss strategies for advocating for personalized care. In addition to simplifying common neurological conditions such as headaches, dizziness, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and memory loss, we will examine testing and imaging of the nervous system. We will also focus on illness prevention through healthy lifestyles and provide an intimate discussion of end-of-life issues.

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Thursdays; 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/01, 5/8, 5/15 , Synchronous Online ( No seats currently available )

Some topics don't fit neatly into Osher science classes, often ending up on the proverbial cutting-room floor. This will be a six-week romp through just about anything one might imagine, including a bit of color theory, a morsel of genetic testing science, a dash of airplane physics, some lightning theory, a mouse that turns scorpion venom into a painkiller, current scientific thoughts on origins of life, plus time to explore topics of interest to you.

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Thursdays; 4/03, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/01, 5/08 , Synchronous Online

Evolution. Vaccines. Global Warming. Regardless of one's choice of news media, it is nearly impossible to navigate today's information-heavy world without coming across stories on evolution, vaccines, and global warming. Each of these topics is the subject of various conspiracy theories and misinformation campaigns. How do we make sense of what we hear on the news when so much information comes from unvetted and non-neutral sources, such as the Internet and the media?

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No session is currently available for registration

Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge in the real world in a constructive way, to enrich our individual lives and to make the world a better place. Wisdom is often found at the intersection of theory and experience. How does life experience create wisdom? In this course, we will explore the biological, philosophical, social scientific, and experiential aspects of wisdom and analyze what ancient and contemporary sources have to say about it.

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No session is currently available for registration

Wish you had more birds, bees, and butterflies where you live? This class will discuss how to improve the habitat around you using native plants, whether you have a traditional yard, container garden, or community space.

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Monday, 3/24, TBD - UR Campus

Scientific understanding of the human gut has changed radically, revealing that microbes may be powerful allies in our search for health. Does our modern way of living damage these helpful bacteria? Are diet changes or probiotics helpful? This course will focus on a few recent developments in microbiome science, and refer to research studies that may help us protect our own microbiomes and well-being.

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Fridays; February 21 and 28, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

PFAS are a large group of industrial chemicals, common in our air, water, food, blood, and even in our brains. They're mostly unregulated. Scientists say they may cause cancer, endocrine disruption, and many other health issues. This course will discuss the risks, benefits, and challenges of PFAS. How did the chemicals become a problem? What can we can do to reduce our exposure, improve our own health, and benefit the environment?

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Fridays; Mar 7 and 14, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Have you tried to photograph the many celestial events we've heard about lately? With just a few tips, night photography can be easy. Osher instructor and wonderful photographer Bill Draper will share his techniques as well as his photos of the night skies in Virginia and from as far away as Texas, Colorado, and Ireland. Join us in viewing the aurora borealis, comets, planets, shooting stars, blue/new moons, and other beautiful celestial events.

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Monday, April 21, TBD - UR Campus (6 seats (13%) remaining)

In this dynamic course, you'll dive into the most sustainable seed-starting practices that will make your garden eco-friendly, pest-resistant, and bursting with nutrient-dense produce! We'll explore everything from innovative soil blocking techniques to regenerative and organic tips and tricks, along with expert advice and a starter kit of seeds, pre-made soil, and essential amendments! Join us and cultivate your gardening skills while nurturing a thriving, sustainable ecosystem. Get ready to sow the seeds of success!

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Tuesday, February 11, TBD - UR Campus

Create a beautiful container garden with guidance from Maymont staff in this make-and-take workshop. Learn how to customize and care for your container garden. Guests should bring their own gloves; all other materials will be provided. Fees are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your slot.

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Thursday, 3/20, Maymont

Create a beautiful container garden with guidance from Maymont staff in this make-and-take workshop. Learn how to customize and care for your container garden. Guests should bring their own gloves; all other materials will be provided. Fees are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your slot.

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Thursday, February 20, Maymont

In this captivating course, you'll delve into the fascinating world of native bees and other beneficial insects that play crucial roles in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems. After an engaging lecture, you'll roll up your sleeves for a hands-on workshop where you'll create your very own native bee hive, designed to attract these vital creatures to your garden plot at home. Let's create a buzz together and support the native bees that support us!

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Wednesday, March 5, TBD - UR Campus (6 seats (17%) remaining)

Ever wonder what makes a science a science? Ever wonder if science finds truth? The philosophy of science will be explored. This includes the basis of inductive logic: why certain fields that claim to be sciences are not and whether or not science finds truth.

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Wednesday, 4/30, TBD - UR Campus

Through Boatwright Library, Osher students have access to an extensive collection of databases filled with historical primary sources. This course will introduce participants to these valuable resources and explore the rich world of digital historical sources available through the library. While taking the Bounty of Boatwright or Beyond the Bounty Osher courses beforehand may be helpful, no prior research experience is required: just a curiosity and enthusiasm for history!

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Tuesday, 3/18, Synchronous Online

Your instructor studies wild rat populations in cities around the world (including Richmond) to understand how they are so successful in cities, what disease risks they pose to residents, and what might offer the most promising ways to control their numbers. He and his students use genetic tools, spatial mapping, and field studies to uncover the secret lives of urban rats. His talk will focus on some of the results from that work.

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Tuesday, Jan 28, TBD - UR Campus (9 seats (15%) remaining)

Join us for this dynamic, visual presentation by Dr. David Seward Salisbury and the students of UR undergraduate course GEOG/SSIR 333: Amazonia Connected.

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Tuesday, February 18, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

Let's look at evidence-based research on mental health, well-being, and positive psychology. We'll explore the science behind setting healthy boundaries and engaging in self-care as essential tools for maintaining emotional and physical well-being across the lifespan. Participants will learn practical strategies to enhance life satisfaction, manage stress, and thrive in balanced, and fulfilling ways.

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Tuesday, 4/1, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )

We will explore how physics is used to understand blood clotting. Blood clots are complex and entities that are studied at the large-scale population level all the way down to the individual molecule level. We will look at the tiny forces and materials involved in blood clotting and discuss the challenging methods used to measure at sizes 1000 times smaller than a human hair. We will also cover some current research in the field.

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Tuesday, 3/18, TBD - UR Campus ( No seats currently available )