Training

Attending a live training course can develop your skills and knowledge, and provide opportunities for you to network and learn from others. Below is a list of the RSB training topics, subject to confirmation. 

Online courses

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Biological Application
• Introduction to Ecology
• Introduction to Reproducible Analyses in R
• Laboratory Health and Safety and COSHH
• Leadership in a Laboratory Environment
• Programming for Biologists using Python

In the laboratory

• Aseptic Techniques
• Cell Culture: The Basics
• Microscopy & Microbiology
• Enzyme Linked Immunoabsorbant Assay (ELISA)

Please see our upcoming training courses on our events page.

To register your interest in any topics above not currently listed on the events page, please email training@rsb.org.uk.

The RSB can organise training courses for your staff in a range of areas within the biosciences. We can also take bulk-bookings for our training courses. If you have staff or students in your organisation who would benefit from up-skilling, then please contact us at training@rsb.org.uk.

The RSB's online courses, on our myLearning platform, are highly interactive, containing exercises, videos, and an area for taking notes. Online, on demand training provides a flexible option to train in your own time, for those who may be unable to attend our face-to-face courses.

Our online training courses currently include:

• Gopher Science Lab, aimed at teachers and educators of science
• Introduction to Trusteeship and Governance
• Core Business Skills for Biologists
• Writing for Non Specialist Audiences
• Persuasive Scientific Writing
• Introduction to Project Management for Biologists
• Plant Health Professional Register – Associate Training

There are more courses in development and will be coming soon. Visit myLearning to find out more.

We are committed to supporting and encouraging the study of biology at primary, secondary, and higher levels across the UK, working in coordination with our member organisations and with the broader scientific community. In the ever-changing world of biosciences, we have identified the need for further biology-specific training and CPD for science teachers.

We can offer tailored, subject-specific teacher training for GCSEs/A-level qualifications (or equivalent). Training courses can be delivered in-person within your place of work, or via video conferencing. The RSB’s network of experienced teachers, professionals, and academics can work with you to tailor the event to suit your specific needs.

To begin planning this training and receive a quote, please contact us at training@rsb.org.uk providing an overview of your requirements. You may want training on how to deliver a GCSE or A-level required practical, a deeper knowledge of epigenetics, or on how ecology and protein structure might be linked together on an exam paper. Dates for training courses can be flexible to suit your organisations needs and availability. Whatever your requirements, just ask.

• Discounts of up to 50% are available to our individual members.
• Discounts of up to 30% are available to our Full and Supporting Member Organisations, HUBS members and SCAS members.
• Group-booking discounts are available, for members and full and supporting Member Organisations who would like to send multiple staff on the same course. Please email training@rsb.org.uk to find out more.

For individual course fees, please see our events page and filter for training courses.

The Royal Society of Biology training approval scheme is an independent process which reviews and provides recognition for organisations offering high quality training relevant to the bioscience community. Please visit our CPD webpage for more information. To enquire about training approval, please contact us at training@rsb.org.uk.

Approved courses have included:

• Marine Fish ID Skills, Marine Biological Association
• Introduction to Plankton, Marine Biological Association
• Introduction to Image Analysis, Francis Crick Institute
• CBIAS Napari Workshop, Francis Crick Institute
• Colony Management, Francis Crick Institute
• Microscopy: Multidimensional Image Analysis, Francis Crick Institute
• High-dimensional Data Analysis for Cytometry, Francis Crick Institute
• Mouse Necropsy and Tissue Processing, MRC Harwell
• Practical Laboratory Skills, MRC Harwell

Courses are approved for CPD purposes only; approval does not imply they will fulfil any regulatory requirements. The RSB is not responsible for course delivery and, as such, will not be held liable in the event of any dispute between the course provider and attendees.

Industry Skills Certificate

The Industry Skills Certificate is an initiative by the Royal Society of Biology, designed to increase the employability of scientists into industry, either for the first time or from academia. The certificate aims to provide a set of industry specific skills and knowledge gained through the participation in online and in-person training courses. For further details please see below or contact training@rsb.org.uk.

Technical Skills Certificate

The Technical Skills Certificate is an initiative by the Royal Society of Biology, designed to support the professional development of technical staff working in higher education, industry, or in a private laboratory. For further details, please see below or contact training@rsb.org.uk.

RSB partners With HEaTED

HEaTED is the leading organisation for Higher Education and Technician Educational Development, delivering skills, training, and networking for all specialisms and disciplines of the technical workforce. As the National Technician Development Centre’s (NTDC) training arm, HEaTED offers CPD courses and networking opportunities specifically designed for individuals in the technical community, aiming to develop technical staff, no matter their discipline or stage of their career. As a partner of the RSB, HEaTED offer a 50% discount on all their training courses to RSB members. For more information on their training courses please visit the HEaTED website.

The Industry Skills Certificate is a RSB initiative, designed to support the employability of scientists into industry, either for the first time or from academia. The certificate will recognise a set of skills and knowledge gained through the participation in online and in-person training courses, which in addition to existing qualifications, can support a career move into industry.

Extensive research and advice from the RSB's Employer Advisory Network (EAN) has determined the courses we have selected for this certificate. EAN is a direct interface between employers/industry and the Royal Society of Biology, which allows us to understand industry requirements better.

The Industry Skills Certificate supports applicants working towards Registered Scientist (RSci) status by supporting development in one or more of the following competency areas:

• Application of knowledge and understanding
• Personal responsibility
• Interpersonal skills
• Professional practice
• Professional standards

Participants can register with the RSB’s CPD scheme to further develop their skills and keep a record of their progress. If you are a PhD student, early career researcher, or postdoctoral researcher, then this is the perfect programme to learn new skills or to upskill in areas you have an interest in.

Certificate requirements

To achieve the certificate, you must undertake a minimum of five courses within a 24-month period. If this time period has been delayed by the availability of courses, then this can be flexible. You can begin at any time by enrolling in your first course. Once you have completed your chosen courses you will be required to contact training@rsb.org.uk to verify your participation and to be awarded your Industry Skills Certificate.

Some courses are currently in development — please register your interest to complete these at a later date.

At least five courses must be taken from:

In-person courses

• Programming for Biologists
• Leadership in a Laboratory Environment
• Introduction to Reproducible Analyses in R
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Biological Application
• Laboratory Health and Safety (& COSHH)
• Research Ethics

View our current in-person courses.

Online courses (via myLearning)

• Core Business Skills for Biologists

View our online courses via myLearning.

Fees

Fees will vary based on the courses you select and whether or not you are a member of the RSB.

If you are an organisation and would like to register staff in bulk for this certificate, or require any further information, please email us at training@rsb.org.uk or call +44 (0)20 3925 3457.

The Technical Skills Certificate is a RSB initiative, designed to support the career development of technical staff working in higher education, industry, or in a private laboratory.

The courses which make up the certificate have been selected based on the results of a survey circulated among the technical community. The key skills identified were reinforced by advice from the RSB’s Employer Advisory Network (EAN). The EAN is a direct interface between employers/industry and the RSB, which allows us to understand industry requirements better.

We know that technical staff make it happen and facilities would struggle to function effectively without their expertise and experience. The RSB fully supports the Technician Commitment, and this certificate aims to support the career development and recognition of technical staff. The Technical Skills Certificate is also an objective in the RSB Technician Action Plan.

The Technical Skills certificate supports applicants working towards Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) status by supporting development in one or more of the following competency areas:

• Application of knowledge and understanding
• Personal responsibility
• Interpersonal skills
• Professional practice
• Professional standards

Participants can register with the RSB’s CPD scheme to further develop their skills and keep a record of their progress. If your role is technical or you are an aspiring technician, then this is the perfect programme to learn new skills or to up-skill in areas you have an interest in.

Certificate requirements

To achieve the certificate, you must undertake a minimum of five courses within a 24-month period. If this time period has been delayed by the availability of courses, then this can be flexible. You can begin at any time by enrolling in your first course. Once you have completed your chosen courses you will be required to contact training@rsb.org.uk to verify your participation and to be awarded your Technical Skills Certificate.

Some courses are currently in development — please register your interest to complete these at a later date.

At least five courses must be taken from:

In-person courses

• Leadership in a Laboratory Environment
• Cell Culture: The Basics
• Laboratory Health & Safety (and COSHH)
• Microscopy & Microbiology
• Aseptic Technique
• ELISA
• Research Ethics 

View our current courses that are available to book.

View our online courses via myLearning.

Fees

The fees will vary based on the courses you select and whether or not you are a member of RSB, or a member of a Member Organisation.

If you are an organisation and would like to register staff in bulk for this certificate, or require any further information please email us at training@rsb.org.uk or call +44 (0)20 3925 3447.

Here are a few quotes from people who have attended our training courses:

• "Really interactive and fun."
• "In depth, good use of practical work."
• "Well structured. There were a lot of opportunities for practice which was good."
• "Great facilitator; clearly very knowledgeable and approachable. Very hands-on. Good balance of theory and practice."
• "Enjoyed how practical it was and that we received lots of genuine and useful feedback from the trainer."
• "Fascinating subject matter, very well covered. Right amount of detail, easy to follow and engage with. Like the incorporation of group work."
• "Very clear and concise material, very knowledgeable course leader, very inclusive and happy to talk through experiences with everyone, good open atmosphere, good examples and nice to talk about own experience."