An online course with Dr Robin Carhart-Harris covering the science behind LSD, magic mushrooms, and other psychedelics. It explores how psychedelics work in the brain, the history of psychedelic research, and current therapeutic and legal debates.
Idler
English
6 lectures
The Science of Psychedelics with Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris is an engaging online course offered by the Idler Academy that dives deep into the world of psychedelics. Students will explore the scientific basis behind substances like LSD and magic mushrooms, guided by the expertise of Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, (then) Head of the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London. This course aims to comprehensively understand the history, effects, and potential therapeutic applications of these fascinating substances.
Throughout six lessons, Dr. Carhart-Harris will cover various topics, beginning with the basic pharmacology of psychedelics and progressing through the history of psychedelic science, brain imaging techniques, and first-hand accounts of psychedelic trips. The course will also delve into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in treating depression and other conditions and the contemporary debate surrounding legalization.
The Science of Psychedelics online course provides a multimedia learning experience, offering students video lessons, audio recordings, printable notes with additional resources, and access to an exclusive course forum for discussion and interaction with fellow students and the tutor.
Learners interested in the science of psychedelics, including their effects in the brain, research history, therapeutic potential, and legal status.
The Idler is a UK magazine and learning academy founded by Tom Hodgkinson in 1993, championing philosophy, liberal arts, and the good life through online courses — including an exclusive multi-part psychedelics course by Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris of Imperial College London. The Idler Academy's 80+ digital courses make cutting-edge psychedelic science accessible to curious non-specialists worldwide.
By Atma Journey
This course is made for mental health professionals (in Canada) who want to learn how to work with psychedelics. The course staff includes Mark Haden Anthony Bossis, and many more.
By Therapsil
A 106-hour live online training in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy with an Aotearoa New Zealand-specific curriculum, delivered in partnership with PsyTrain. It is designed to support clinical practice with supervised learning and expert faculty input.
Next cohort: Jun 1, 2026
By Synthesis
An 8-day immersive apprenticeship retreat in the Netherlands focused on ethical psychedelic facilitation and group space-holding. Participants observe, support, and reflect within a clinically informed, somatically intelligent training structure.