Artificial Intelligence is transforming every part of our economy — from how we work and create, to how we make decisions. This four-week course cuts through the hype to explain AI in plain, practical language. Through real-world examples and interactive demonstrations, you’ll discover how AI is being used in business, health, education, and everyday life — and what it means for your own future. We’ll also tackle the big questions about jobs, ethics, privacy, and power. No tech skills needed — just curiosity and a willingness to explore how AI is reshaping the world and the opportunities within it.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• The Ezra Klein Show, Sam Altman on the Future of AI
• The Last Economy, Emad Mostaque (2024)
• Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence, Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans & Avi Goldfarb (Harvard Business Review Press, 2018)

COURSE OUTLINE

• Understand what “artificial intelligence” really means: Learn how AI systems are trained to recognise patterns and predict outcomes; Identify where AI already appears in daily life (maps, phones, online tools); Discuss how these technologies connect to productivity and the economy.
• Recognise where AI is being used across major industries: Understand how AI increases efficiency and cuts costs; Discuss both the benefits and risks for businesses and workers; See how governments and companies are responding to AI disruption.
• Learn how to use simple AI tools like ChatGPT or image generators: Practice writing better prompts for clearer answers; Identify everyday tasks that AI can help with; Discuss how AI is changing the skills people need at work.
• Explore ethical questions like bias, data, and accountability: Discuss how AI could affect jobs, income, and education; Understand the global impact of AI on economies and societies; Develop your own informed view about where AI is taking us.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Explain what AI is and how it works in simple terms.
2. Identify how AI is used in the economy and in everyday life.
3. Use basic AI tools confidently and responsibly.
4. Discuss the ethical and social issues around AI.