Science, Research & Technology

Upcoming Courses

Courses

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.


No session is currently available for registration

Study the architectural design of the great houses on 5th Avenue in New York City and their summer 'cottages' in Newport, Rhode Island, which were built in the Gilded Age. Learn about the architects hired, what the design of the great edifices and opulent interiors were trying to achieve, and on what architectural precedents they were based.


Thursday, June 26, TBD - UR Campus
Join a Maymont staff member as we explore animals of the James River and other ecological diversity of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Participants will experience up-close views of wildlife while learning about their natural history, habitat, and behavior, including a behind the scenes look at Maymont's ambassador animals.


Wednesday, June 18, Maymont
Dive into the vibrant world of coral reefs and learn how to protect these essential ecosystems! This class explores the biology of coral reefs, the threats they face such as climate change and pollution, and the actions we can take to preserve them.


Tuesday, July 8, TBD - UR Campus
This course will provide a high-level look at energy production and consumption in the US, and the significant changes that have occurred in the past decade or so.


Monday, July 7, TBD - UR Campus
From plantar fasciitis to bunions and growing pains, the calf muscles hold the key to explaining and solving nearly all the causes of foot and ankle pain. Students will learn why these muscles cause so many problems, and take away some simple strategies for relieving foot and ankle pain.


Friday, July 25, TBD - UR Campus
In this course you will learn the history, cultivation, cultural significance, and medicinal value of fruit in our modern world. Join us for an educational lecture followed by a hands-on tasting where you will have the opportunity to try some tropical fruits from around the world!


Tuesday, June 17, TBD - UR Campus
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.


Mondays & Thursdays; July 7, 10, 14, 17, TBD - UR Campus
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.


Monday, Aug 4, TBD - UR Campus
Familysearch.org is the largest free genealogy database on the web and is an essential resource for family research. This is a hands-on class designed to maximize your efforts. Learn to navigate the site, explore the features and resources, sort out trusted information, find guides and training specific to your needs, and explore the new AI features that unlock data not available through standard searches. Bring your laptop or tablet to search the site in class.


Monday, Aug 11, TBD - UR Campus
In 1968 Paul Ehrlich published 'The Population Bomb,' an influential book warning of cataclysm and widespread famine in a few short years as a consequence of too many people on the planet. Since then, global population has increased from 3 to 8 billion and is still growing. Where are we headed now? We will investigate this question, relying on population experts who offer some possible answers based on current global demographic data and trends.


Fridays, July 25 and Aug 1, TBD - UR Campus
There are plenty of hot topics to explore, but here are the ones we'll take on this summer: Time, Viruses and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Nuclear Reactors and Nuclear War, Global Warming/Warning, Genetics and Ethics, the Brain and Neuroscience, AI and Robots, Sci-Fi and Science and Transhumanisms.


Wednesdays; July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Aug 6, 13, 20, TBD - UR Campus
Are we a nation of pill poppers? How many meds do we take? Are our drugs safe or counterfeit? Where are they made? The FDA protects the public by approving drugs and medical devices, but what does that approval mean? Learn how the FDA regulates and how that affects you.


Monday, July 28, TBD - UR Campus
Many of you may have heard of the Enneagram, but have no idea that it had its roots in an oral history dating back to the 13th Century. It is an ancient and powerful tool for self-discovery that reveals core motivations, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, offering a framework for growth, improving relationships, and facilitating spiritual and psychological integration. It can help you lead a more aware, compassionate, and intentional life.


Wednesday, June 25, TBD - UR Campus
This lecture covers herbaceous perennials, vines, shrubs, and trees that will enhance your property throughout the year, with emphasis on native species.


Every day, starting on 08/12/25 and ending on 08/12/25, TBD - UR Campus
Over the past few decades, many different kinds of astrophysical observations have provided strong confirmation of the Big Bang theory of the origin of the Universe and have allowed us to construct detailed models of the history of the Universe from its earliest moments to the present. It now appears that the Universe is filled with mysterious dark matter.


Friday, June 6, TBD - UR Campus
Come learn about the exciting new technology advancement in the field of neurosurgery. MRI guided focused ultrasound is an incisionless treatment option for individuals with Essential Tremor or Tremor-Dominant Parkinson's disease


Wednesday, June 11, TBD - UR Campus
Energy is essential for both national and economic security, underpinning all aspects of life. Yet discussions of energy security often reduce complex issues to simplistic narratives like 'Green is Good' or 'Oil is Evil,' which provide little actionable insight. Let's engage in a comprehensive examination of energy's role in human development.


Wednesdays; July 9, 16, 23, 30, Aug 6, 13 , Synchronous Online
Historians, beer enthusiasts, and curious minds alike will enjoy this exploration of the history of brewing. We will begin in the distant past with the invention of beer around 4000 BCE. Then we will journey through time to the modern rise of craft brewing.


Tuesdays; July 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12 , Synchronous Online
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.


Thursdays, July 24 and 31, TBD - UR Campus
Keeping your data secure is always a top priority. Let's delve into the do's and don'ts of creating and storing passwords, as well as saving your data safely.


Tuesday, July 29, Synchronous Online
What's your game: pickleball, golf, piano, tennis, swimming, public speaking, or physical rehab? Experience the power of imagery as you practice proven techniques used by athletes and musicians to enhance performance. Identify your interest and learn how you can train your brain to take your 'game' to the next level.


Monday, June 30, TBD - UR Campus
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?


Thursdays, Aug 7 and 14, TBD - UR Campus
The UR Computer/Technology Help Desk is available to Osher members, but do you really know what services it provides? Join this session to find out how to take full advantage of this great benefit of Osher membership.


Thursday, July 24, Synchronous Online
Everyone has possessions they want to make sure are preserved for the next generation. Learn how conservators can help you make your treasures last. This lecture will help you learn more about conservators and what to expect when you work with one.


Tuesday, July 1, TBD - UR Campus
Join Diane and Maggie of Truckle Cheesemongers for a Wine and Cheese pairing. The cheeses are always interesting, and the pairings with various wines makes them even more so. Class may run over/under the allotted time. Fees are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your vacated slot.


Thursday; June 5, The Kitchen Classroom
Alcohol remains among the most heavily regulated consumer products in the US, governed by laws passed after Prohibition. Learn all that happens just to get a favorite wine into your glass.


Wednesday, Aug 6, TBD - UR Campus
Words of Veterans is a platform that helps US Veterans write down their military stories with the help of AI technology. AI provides a unique opportunity to help younger and older generations sharpen their writing, technical, and storytelling skills. Come learn how it's done!


Monday, Aug 18, Synchronous Online