In this accessible, discussion‑led course, we explore the brain, technology and nature. Through short videos and practical activities, we learn how the brain can grow and change at any age - and why this matters for how people think and learn differently.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Explore the intersection of neuroscience, technology and ecology in this accessible and discussion‑based introductory course. Using short videos, guided activities and real‑world case studies, we investigate neurogenesis - the brain’s lifelong ability to grow new neurons - as a foundation for understanding human adaptability and neurodiversity.
Through a series of tutor-led explanations and collaborative group tasks, you will compare biological learning with the static nature of current AI systems, examine how environment and lifestyle shape the brain and reflect on how these ideas relate to everyday experiences, workplaces and sustainable futures.
The course is highly participatory but does not require any prior scientific or technical knowledge. All concepts will be introduced gently, using plain language and interactive exercises to build understanding step by step
What will we cover?
Each theme will be introduced with a short prompt (video, image, news story or guided question) to make complex ideas accessible and to support group participation.
The Biological Self: What neurogenesis is, how it was discovered and how small everyday behaviours influence it.
The Digital Mirror: How AI systems learn; guided comparison with biological plasticity using concrete examples rather than theory.
Neurodiversity in Context: Activities exploring different thinking styles and their links to adaptability, creativity and the future of work.
Environmental Enrichment: A practical look at how ecological, urban and social environments affect the brain, using case studies and group reflection.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Explain the fundamental process of adult neurogenesis and its role in cognitive plasticity and lifelong learning, using examples explored in class.
Evaluate, through guided discussion and simple visual models, the differences between biological neural growth and AI learning systems.
Analyse how neurodivergent thinking patterns can be understood through the lens of neural plasticity and adaptation.
Identify environmental and lifestyle factors (e.g., green spaces, novelty, learning environments) that promote brain health and “cognitive sustainability.”
Apply a “neuro‑inclusive” and sustainable growth lens to real workplace or social case studies discussed in small groups.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course suitable for complete beginners. No prior knowledge of biology, neuroscience, AI, or philosophy is expected. All complex concepts will be broken down using clear explanations, practical examples and group activities. A curious mind, a willingness to participate in discussion, and fluency in English are all you need.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is a highly interactive course designed to support all learners. You will learn through:
Short, accessible tutor mini‑talks introducing key ideas in plain language
Small‑group and pair discussions (“think-pair-share”) to ensure everyone contributes comfortably
Case‑study analysis using simple, real-life examples rather than technical literature
Guided reflection prompts to help you connect ideas to your own life
Short videos, diagrams and visual models to support understanding
Collaborative tasks, where groups create brief summaries or insights to share back with the class
Resources and optional materials will be shared via Google Classroom. No homework is required.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional course or material costs. You may wish to bring notetaking material to the sessions.
Vina Theodorakopoulou teaches at the intersection of technology, business and society, helping learners connect big ideas on economics, innovation and human behaviour to real-world decisions and practical outcomes. With a background in financial and professional services and a PhD in behavioural economics, she brings practical insight into how decisions are made under uncertainty and how systems -from markets to organisations- affect everyday life and work. At City Lit, her courses span topics such as AI and ethics, global capitalism, innovation, sustainability and communication. Across all subjects, she focuses on connecting ideas to practice, encouraging learners to apply what they learn in meaningful and tangible ways. She has a strong interest in global cultures and communication, reflected in her teaching of languages and cultural forms, including Greek dance. She believes learning should open up new ways of thinking about work, culture and how we live — and offer practical value beyond the classroom.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-plastic-mind3052642The Plastic Mindhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/History-and-culture-tn.jpg8989GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Online courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Cultural studies/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Cultural studies/Cultural studies228511771731120120641228511771201<p>In this accessible, discussion‑led course, we explore the brain, technology and nature. Through short videos and practical activities, we learn how the brain can grow and change at any age - and why this matters for how people think and learn differently.</p>003052633The Plastic Mind8989https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/History-and-culture-tn.jpgInStockEveningTueOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-10-20T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allOct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC3638989The Plastic Mind895889Vina Theodorakopoulouthe-plastic-mind/hpc363-2627<p>In this accessible, discussion‑led course, we explore the brain, technology and nature. Through short videos and practical activities, we learn how the brain can grow and change at any age - and why this matters for how people think and learn differently.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-20 00:00:00<p>Explore the intersection of neuroscience, technology and ecology in this accessible and discussion‑based introductory course. Using short videos, guided activities and real‑world case studies, we investigate neurogenesis - the brain’s lifelong ability to grow new neurons - as a foundation for understanding human adaptability and neurodiversity.</p><p>Through a series of tutor-led explanations and collaborative group tasks, you will compare biological learning with the static nature of current AI systems, examine how environment and lifestyle shape the brain and reflect on how these ideas relate to everyday experiences, workplaces and sustainable futures.</p><p>The course is highly participatory but does not require any prior scientific or technical knowledge. All concepts will be introduced gently, using plain language and interactive exercises to build understanding step by step</p><p>In this accessible, discussion‑led course, we explore the brain, technology and nature. Through short videos and practical activities, we learn how the brain can grow and change at any age - and why this matters for how people think and learn differently.</p><p>Each theme will be introduced with a short prompt (video, image, news story or guided question) to make complex ideas accessible and to support group participation.</p><p> </p><ul><li><strong>The Biological Self:</strong> What neurogenesis is, how it was discovered and how small everyday behaviours influence it.</li><li><strong>The Digital Mirror:</strong> How AI systems learn; guided comparison with biological plasticity using concrete examples rather than theory.</li><li><strong>Neurodiversity in Context: </strong>Activities exploring different thinking styles and their links to adaptability, creativity and the future of work.</li><li><strong>Environmental Enrichment:</strong> A practical look at how ecological, urban and social environments affect the brain, using case studies and group reflection.</li></ul><ul><li>Explain the fundamental process of adult neurogenesis and its role in cognitive plasticity and lifelong learning, using examples explored in class.</li><li>Evaluate, through guided discussion and simple visual models, the differences between biological neural growth and AI learning systems.</li><li>Analyse how neurodivergent thinking patterns can be understood through the lens of neural plasticity and adaptation.</li><li>Identify environmental and lifestyle factors (e.g., green spaces, novelty, learning environments) that promote brain health and “cognitive sustainability.”</li><li>Apply a “neuro‑inclusive” and sustainable growth lens to real workplace or social case studies discussed in small groups.<br> </li></ul><p>This is an introductory course suitable for complete beginners. No prior knowledge of biology, neuroscience, AI, or philosophy is expected. All complex concepts will be broken down using clear explanations, practical examples and group activities.<br>A curious mind, a willingness to participate in discussion, and fluency in English are all you need.</p><p>This is a highly interactive course designed to support all learners. You will learn through:</p><ul><li>Short, accessible tutor mini‑talks introducing key ideas in plain language</li><li>Small‑group and pair discussions (“think-pair-share”) to ensure everyone contributes comfortably</li><li>Case‑study analysis using simple, real-life examples rather than technical literature</li><li>Guided reflection prompts to help you connect ideas to your own life</li><li>Short videos, diagrams and visual models to support understanding</li><li>Collaborative tasks, where groups create brief summaries or insights to share back with the class</li></ul><p>Resources and optional materials will be shared via Google Classroom. No homework is required.</p><p>There are no additional course or material costs. You may wish to bring notetaking material to the sessions. </p><p>You may also be interested in:</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/neurodivergence-as-a-fact-of-society-a-brief-introduction" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Neurodivergence as a fact of society: a brief introduction</a></p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/neurodiversity-and-the-future-of-work-a-policy-perspective" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Neurodiversity and the Future of Work: A Policy Perspective</a></p>Cultural studiesCultural studiesvirtual898958HPC363NONETue20/10/26 - 10/11/2618:00 - 19:3018:0019:304 sessions (over 4 weeks)41 to 4 weeksWeekdayOnlineOnlineVina TheodorakopoulouBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-10-20T00:00:00+00:00EveningOct 2026Culture, history & humanities8989The Plastic Mindthe-plastic-mind/hpc363-2627<p>In this accessible, discussion‑led course, we explore the brain, technology and nature. Through short videos and practical activities, we learn how the brain can grow and change at any age - and why this matters for how people think and learn differently.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-20 00:00:00<p>Explore the intersection of neuroscience, technology and ecology in this accessible and discussion‑based introductory course. Using short videos, guided activities and real‑world case studies, we investigate neurogenesis - the brain’s lifelong ability to grow new neurons - as a foundation for understanding human adaptability and neurodiversity.</p><p>Through a series of tutor-led explanations and collaborative group tasks, you will compare biological learning with the static nature of current AI systems, examine how environment and lifestyle shape the brain and reflect on how these ideas relate to everyday experiences, workplaces and sustainable futures.</p><p>The course is highly participatory but does not require any prior scientific or technical knowledge. All concepts will be introduced gently, using plain language and interactive exercises to build understanding step by step</p><p>In this accessible, discussion‑led course, we explore the brain, technology and nature. Through short videos and practical activities, we learn how the brain can grow and change at any age - and why this matters for how people think and learn differently.</p><p>Each theme will be introduced with a short prompt (video, image, news story or guided question) to make complex ideas accessible and to support group participation.</p><p> </p><ul><li><strong>The Biological Self:</strong> What neurogenesis is, how it was discovered and how small everyday behaviours influence it.</li><li><strong>The Digital Mirror:</strong> How AI systems learn; guided comparison with biological plasticity using concrete examples rather than theory.</li><li><strong>Neurodiversity in Context: </strong>Activities exploring different thinking styles and their links to adaptability, creativity and the future of work.</li><li><strong>Environmental Enrichment:</strong> A practical look at how ecological, urban and social environments affect the brain, using case studies and group reflection.</li></ul><ul><li>Explain the fundamental process of adult neurogenesis and its role in cognitive plasticity and lifelong learning, using examples explored in class.</li><li>Evaluate, through guided discussion and simple visual models, the differences between biological neural growth and AI learning systems.</li><li>Analyse how neurodivergent thinking patterns can be understood through the lens of neural plasticity and adaptation.</li><li>Identify environmental and lifestyle factors (e.g., green spaces, novelty, learning environments) that promote brain health and “cognitive sustainability.”</li><li>Apply a “neuro‑inclusive” and sustainable growth lens to real workplace or social case studies discussed in small groups.<br> </li></ul><p>This is an introductory course suitable for complete beginners. No prior knowledge of biology, neuroscience, AI, or philosophy is expected. All complex concepts will be broken down using clear explanations, practical examples and group activities.<br>A curious mind, a willingness to participate in discussion, and fluency in English are all you need.</p><p>This is a highly interactive course designed to support all learners. You will learn through:</p><ul><li>Short, accessible tutor mini‑talks introducing key ideas in plain language</li><li>Small‑group and pair discussions (“think-pair-share”) to ensure everyone contributes comfortably</li><li>Case‑study analysis using simple, real-life examples rather than technical literature</li><li>Guided reflection prompts to help you connect ideas to your own life</li><li>Short videos, diagrams and visual models to support understanding</li><li>Collaborative tasks, where groups create brief summaries or insights to share back with the class</li></ul><p>Resources and optional materials will be shared via Google Classroom. No homework is required.</p><p>There are no additional course or material costs. You may wish to bring notetaking material to the sessions. </p><p>You may also be interested in:</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/neurodivergence-as-a-fact-of-society-a-brief-introduction" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Neurodivergence as a fact of society: a brief introduction</a></p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/neurodiversity-and-the-future-of-work-a-policy-perspective" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Neurodiversity and the Future of Work: A Policy Perspective</a></p>Cultural studiesCultural studiesconfigurable
20641201Cultural studieshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/culture/culture-11/2/285/1177/1201/2064/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Cultural studies/Cultural studies
