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, 2024!
What you’ll be studying: This course offers you the opportunity to engage in an organised out-of-country activity aimed at broadening your educational experience and cultural awareness. You will participate in activities such as cultural immersion tours, workshops, master classes, or lectures from recognised institutes, which enhance your theoretical knowledge and skills in an international context. Through this experience, you expand your cultural awareness and gain valuable insights that can enrich your future career prospects.
Who this course is for: The course is suitable for you if you’re seeking to expand your educational and cultural horizons through international experiences. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge and skills in real-world settings, gain cultural awareness and sensitivity and enhance your employability.
Requisite: This course is open to students who have completed and submitted the SCIE3600 International Study (EOI) survey prior to enrollment (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCIE3600) and who have successfully completed at least 80 units at the 1000/2000 level. More details will be available in the course outline provided by the School. Admission to the course depends on academic merit, and there may be limitations on the number of available spots. Students should inquire through the Course Coordinator or Program Convenor.
What you’ll be studying: This course explores the profound relationship between Aboriginal Australians and their environment, exploring their capacity to adapt and thrive among significant environmental changes, including the last Ice Age. Through the lens of Aboriginal peoples’ philosophies and cultural perspectives, you will examine the ways in which Aboriginal peoples have historically interacted with and adapted to environmental shifts, from ancient times to contemporary challenges like global warming. The course also investigates the impacts of colonisation on the environment and how Aboriginal communities continue to navigate these changes.
Who this course is for: This course is open to all students who have studied ABOR1110 or equivalent introductory Aboriginal Studies course. It is designed for those interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of Aboriginal perspectives on the environment and environmental change. ABOR2243 provides students with cultural insight into Aboriginal peoples’ philosophies and perspectives on the environment, a historical overview Aboriginal peoples’ interaction with the environment and environmental awareness including global warming and challenges.
What you’ll be studying: This course offers you the opportunity to embark on a pre-approved global experience while earning credit towards your degree. By participating in international study tours, virtual or physical internships, language programs, short courses, summer schools, or volunteering for international NGOs or community projects, you can add an international dimension to your academic profile. The course allows you to apply your acquired skills and knowledge in a real-world international setting, enhancing your global competence and cultural awareness.
Who this course is for: This course is suitable for all students who are interested in gaining international experience and expanding their academic and personal horizons. HUMA2001 provides you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in an international setting, gaining firsthand experience and understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Enhance your professional skills by applying your academic knowledge and skills in a real-world international context and engage and connect with diverse cultures and communities.
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.
What you’ll be studying: This course explores the complex interaction between consumption, technology, and consumer culture, drawing on contemporary theories from the social sciences. You will explore consumer theories, identity formation through consumer choices, material culture, Data-fication, McDonaldization and financialisation. Additionally, the course will examine critical engagements with gaming, pop culture, and digital platforms, as well as the environmental and waste implications of consumer culture. By engaging with these topics, you will gain a deeper understanding of how the shift from a ‘production’ to a ‘consumption’ society shapes social relations and individual identities.
Who this course is for: The course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of key concepts, theories, and issues related to consumerism and consumer culture. It will enable you to gain insight into the complexities of modern consumption practices, their implications for social relations and individual identities, and equip you with the tools to navigate and critically evaluate the role of consumption in contemporary society. 40 units of study at 1000 level is required. 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.