2025 online SUMMER SCHOOL

Structural Engineering for Climate Resilience

Join our intensive Oxford 5-daysonline summer school on Fundamentals of Structural Engineering within the frame of Global Warming

MORE DETAILS

11-14 August '25

INTENSIVE 5 DAYS // OXFORD ONLINE

REGISTER NOW!

2025 ONLINE Summer school

Structural Engineering 
for Climate Resilience

Welcome to this intensive Online Summer School 2025 in Sustainable Structural Engineering and learn to measure, analyse, and make the right decisions in a warming world.

About this event

Each day, you’ll engage in 2 to 4 hours of live sessions followed by 3 hours of guided independent research work. 
The live sessions comprise:  

Each of the daily live session is followed by 3 hours of guided independent research work. This work is graded by assistants, with regular feedback and solutions provided throughout the week. Complete solutions are shared to support learning and self-correction. This structure enhances your analytical abilities and fosters continuous improvement through personalised critique. 
By course end, you will have: 

Join us and be inspired by like-minded individuals, gain valuable knowledge, and discover how you can contribute to a more sustainable future. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and grow with experts from Oxford!  

INTENSIVE 5 DAYS // OXFORD ONLINE

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Additional information

The theoretical part of the course, given by University of Oxford Professor, will introduce the fundamentals of structural engineering. It responds to four main questions: 

  1. What an environmental impact is (e.g., Global Warming Potential),   
  2. How to compute the environmental impact of materials via lifecycle assessment
  3. What the main impacts of common materials are, e.g. for Steel and Aluminium, and   
  4. How to address sustainability of simple systems.  

In addition to technical and research activities, students will participate in essential sessions designed to enhance their communicationskills and career preparation. These include guidance on writing and structuring an early-career Curriculum Vitae, understanding the differences between a “personal statement” and a “research statement,” and strategies for seeking support from international supervisors for MSc and DPhil applications. The programme also features an overview of undergraduate and postgraduate studies within Oxford’s Department of Engineering Science. 
Oxford Sustainability strives to deliver an intensive teaching and research experience, ensuring that students are enriched across multiple dimensions: technical expertise, communication abilities, English proficiency, and soft skills. Alongside these comprehensive academic pursuits, this course offers coaching designed to leave a lasting impact.
The programme concludes with an online poster presentation where students summarize and showcase their research findings. Each poster, in digital format, represents the student’s individual work. Oxford Sustainability celebrates excellence by publishing a selection of the best posters on its website.    

INTENSIVE 5 DAYS // OXFORD ONLINE

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Prerequisites & Preparation

Who Can Join?

High‑School Students (16+) comfortable with Basic physics (vector notation, Newton’s laws and Basic mathematics (scalar & vector algebra, basic trigonometry) 
College/Undergraduate Students with undergraduate‑level physics & mathematics
Recommended prep:

Language & Equipment

Suitable for non‑native English speakers—great way to boost your academic English. You’ll need a laptop, reliable internet connection, and earphones to minimize background noise.  

Detailed Agenda

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Pre-Lecture
Tools For Success (1h30)

Introduction (30min): Presentation of the course, including all sessions and expectations of the week ahead.
 Lecture (1h): Introduction to communication, academic expectations, and study skills.   

Outcomes

This preliminary session helps participants prepare for the course by developing soft skills such as interview techniques, email etiquette, and networking strategies. It also ensures students are familiar with the digital tools and expectations of the week ahead.

Day 1
Foundations of Statics and Research (3h30)  

Lecture (2h): Deadlines & Milestones in Research + Statics of structures and equilibrium principles
Guided Practical (1h): Step-by-step equilibrium problems, live assisted by our teaching assistant 
Q&A & Feedback (15min): Review solutions, time‑management strategies for academic projects 
Wrap‑up (15 min): Key takeaways & Preparation for Day 2  

Independent Work (3h)

Exercises on statics
Peer‑reviewed paper hunt (tailored topic of your choice)
Research starts

Outcomes

Students gain a solid grasp of mechanical equilibrium and learn how to apply theory through practical examples. They also begin to engage with academic research by identifying relevant literature for their poster work.

DAY 2
Structural Design & Materials (4h)  

Lecture (2h): Structural design concepts and material behaviour
Practical Demo (1h): Poster-building process and analysis
Peer Session (30 min): Guidance and feedback on early poster drafts and Homework
Feedback & Discussion (30 min): Public‑speaking tips; collaborative research

Independent Work (3h)

Equilibrium + simple design problem set
Table of Content of posters and applying design principles

Outcomes

Students deepen their understanding of how structures respond to forces and begin constructing their research posters. Peer interaction fosters collaboration, while feedback guides their academic presentation skills.
Hard skills: structural analysis to poster creation, research structuring
Soft skills: presentation poise, creativity in teamwork, networking in an online setting  

DAY 3
Environmental Impact Metrics (4h)  

Lecture (2h): Global Warming Potential, Eutrophication, and Acidification
Practical Exercise (1h): Environmental impact calculations for case-studies 
Guest Demo (30min): PhD student presents finite‑element vs. real‑world data 
Group Debrief (30min): Problem-solving discussion; resilience in research

Independent Work (3h)

Literature review & poster TOC development
Research synthesis and content planning  

Outcomes

Students learn to quantify environmental impact and interpret scientific data. Exposure to guest-led demonstrations helps them connect theoretical knowledge to experimental research and real-world engineering tools 
Hard skills : data interpretation, lab‑methodology comprehension, scientific writing 
Soft skills: teamwork in analysis, participative communication, adaptability

DAY 4
Standards and Professional Insights (4h)  

Lecture (2h): Environmental Product Declarations & CO₂ equivalent metrics
Hands‑On (45min): Comparative impact analysis of structural elements 
Guest Speaker (45min): Expert on sustainable materials or real-world engineering decisions 
Feedback Session (30 min): Discipline in full‑day academic pace; focus tips
  
Independent Work (3h)

Poster finalisation and application of impact standards

Outcomes

Participants understand how sustainability standards are applied in engineering decisions. They develop the ability to evaluate and justify material choices based on environmental metrics 
Hard skills: EPD interpretation, guest‑led insights, independent academic work 
Soft skills: self‑discipline, applying theory to research, time prioritization  

DAY 5
Personal & Research Statements + Poster Finale (4h)  

Post‑Lecture Workshop (1h): Understanding the difference between Personal and Research Statements 
Poster Presentations (2h): Student presentations with Q&A 
Peer & Instructor Feedback (30 min): Constructive critique on content & delivery 
Certificate Ceremony (1h): Awards for best poster; closing remarks 
Next‑Steps Q&A (30min): Guidance on MSc/DPhil applications, career tips, and networking  

Outcomes

Students gain public speaking and academic presentation experience. They complete a tangible research product and receive feedback that helps them reflect on their learning. Final sessions equip them with tools for their academic journey ahead
Hard skills: final delivery of academic work, real‑world sustainability insights
Soft skills: confidence in public speaking, professionalism, reflective learning

INTENSIVE 5 DAYS // OXFORD ONLINE

REGISTER NOW!

Frequently asked questions

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for high school students (16+) and undergraduate students with an interest in engineering, sustainability, and global challenges—no prior technical knowledge required.

Do I need to have studied engineering before?

Not at all. Basic high school-level math and physics are sufficient. We’ll guide you step by step, and provide optional materials if you want to prepare in advance.

What if I’m in a different timezone?

We will adapt the daily schedule based on participants’ timezones to ensure it’s accessible and convenient for all.

What language is the course taught in?

English. But don’t worry—students with intermediate English can follow along. This is also a great opportunity to improve academic English skills.

Do I need a fast computer or special software?

You just need a laptop with a good internet connection and earphones to reduce background noise. No engineering software is required.

Is there homework or a final project?

Yes—students will prepare a mini research poster throughout the course, with guidance from instructors. The week ends with a fun and supportive poster presentation.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes! All participants receive a certificate of completion. Outstanding posters may be selected for online publication by Oxford Sustainability Ltd.

What’s included in the course fee?

Your fee includes access to all live sessions, materials, feedback from instructors, guest lectures, and the final certificate.

What’s the teaching style like?

The course blends Oxford-style academic rigor with interactive, practical sessions and friendly guidance from postdocs and researchers.

Can I ask questions during the course?

Absolutely—students are encouraged to ask questions during live sessions, in the chat, or via follow-up email.

What happens if the course is cancelled due to low enrolment?

That has never happened. However, in the unlikely event that the course is cancelled because of too few participants, all registered students will be fully reimbursed. We will notify you in advance and process the refund promptly through the same payment method used for registration

2025 online SUMMER SCHOOL

Structural Engineering for Climate Resilience

Join our intensiveOxford 5-days online summer school on Fundamentals of Structural Engineering within the frame of Global Warming

11-14 August 2025

Register here

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