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5 interesting electives you didn’t know you could study in Winter Term

Whether you’re nearing the end of your degree and have a few elective spaces to fill or you’re just starting out at university and want to kick off your year with an interesting course – the University of Newcastle offers a range of unique electives beyond HUBS, LEGL or NURS courses already in your program plan.

There are so many hidden gems just waiting to be added to your transcript that you may not even realise are on offer. Below you’ll find a list of some of Navigator’s favourite electives on offer at University of Newcastle campuses and online in Winter Term, 2022!

  1.  International Study Experience (SCIE3600)

What you’ll be studying: This course provides you with the opportunity to broaden your educational experience and cultural cognisance through participation in an organised out of country or virtual activity. In this course you can enhance your education, future career prospects, and cultural awareness. SCIE3600 is aligned with the following two virtual opportunities that you can apply for an Australian government grant to fund participating in!

1. Fiji Virtual Internship Program: This internship opportunity will connect you with real life businesses operating in the Fiji islands. You will be supported by one-on-one mentoring, coaching and local support to help you develop your skills and boost your employability. (For more information, visit our partner’s website: ​Think Pacific).

2. 6 Week India Virtual Study Tour: Across an absorbing 6 weeks, you will explore India’s past, present and future with a focus on growth and opportunity. You will gain an overview of Indian history, geography, business and culture including customs, religions, languages, festivals, foods and performing arts. (To find more information, and to see student testimonial videos, check out the Indogenius website HERE).

Who this course is for: This course is perfect for any student interested in undertaking a Global Internship without having to leave Australia! How can you apply? Complete the SCIE3600 EOI by 22 May 2022. If approved, you will then be instructed to apply to Indogenius or Think Pacific directly. If you have any questions about this experience, please contact the Global Experience team at global-experience@newcastle.edu.au

  1.  Communicating with Aboriginal People Across Genres (ABOR1420)

What you’ll be studying: This course is designed to increase the base level knowledge and understanding of the most effective means of communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities. The course covers an introduction of communication processes from traditional to contemporary situations. The course also extends its exploration into the images of Indigenous people in contemporary media.

Who this course is for: Open to all students to improve communication practices with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. ABOR1420 provides students with an introductory understanding of the diversity of communication styles, furthermore enriching the understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communication protocols.

  1.  Vocal Fundamentals and Techniques (CAPA1030)

What you’ll be studying: This course is designed to build awareness, understandings and frameworks for skills development in the qualities and attributes of presentational formats that involve the voice and the body when used together with technologies to present ideas and concepts that not only inform but also seek to persuade and motivate.

Who this course is for: This course is for students wanting to learn the foundational vocal techniques that enhance oral communication skills. CAPA1030 introduces strategies for dynamically engaging presentation skills, valuable to any student.

  1.  Molecules, Cells and Organisms (BIOL1001)

What you’ll be studying: This course introduces the basic principles and concepts of cell and molecular biology to explore the nature of life’s molecular building blocks and systems and how these interact to form functional cells and ultimately organisms. You will discover some of the principles behind how cells work and explore ideas about how biological complexity and life itself may have originated. This knowledge underpins our ability to combat disease, to harness solar energy to feed the world, to sustainably power human industry and to recycle our waste efficiently using microbial systems.

Who this course is for: This course has assumed knowledge inclusive of HSC level Chemistry and HSC Mathematics Advanced or HSC Mathematics Standard. This course  also has similarities to BIOL1040 and BIOL1050. If you have successfully completed either of these courses you cannot enrol in this course.

  1.  Consumption, Technology and Everyday Life (SOCA3666)

What you’ll be studying: This course will introduce you to the key issues in consumerism and consumer culture. It will explore social, cultural, political and economic factors, all whilst providing you with a reflexive understanding of your relationship to broader social structures.

Who this course is for: It is advisable for students to undertake sufficient study in entry level SOCA courses to develop a robust understanding of the field of sociology before they undertake this course.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on the University of Newcastle Students Facebook Page for information about when Enrolments open and make sure to contact your Student Program Advisor if you’re not sure what you should be enrolling in.

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