Table O - Open Learning Enviroment Descriptions
Errata
| item | Errata | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1. |
The table introductory text has been updated. It should now read: Table O - Open Learning Environment |
6/2/2018 |
| 2. |
OLET1610 GIS: Geographic Information Systems: Session availability has changed from Semester 1 to Intensive April. |
19/2/2018 |
| 3. |
OLET2612 GIS: Thinking Spatially: Session availability has changed from Semester 2 to Intensive August. |
19/2/2018 |
| 4. |
OLET2614 GIS: Problem Solving: Session availability has changed from Semester 2 to Intensive August. |
19/2/2018 |
| 5. |
OLET1632 Shark Bites and Other Data Stories: Session availability has changed. No longer available in February Intensive |
19/2/2018 |
| 6. |
OLET1630 Symmetry: Session availability has changed. No longer available in February Intensive |
19/2/2018 |
| 7. | OLET1625 Reading and Writing Mathematics: Session availability has changed. No longer available in February Intensive | 19/2/2018 |
| 8. | The name of the following unit has changed: OLET180 Digital Communication: Sound is now called OLET180 Digital Skills: Sound |
6/4/2018 |
| 9. | OLET2117 Power and Identity in a Global Era: Assessment has been changed. It should now read: Assessment: 4x 300wd Discussion board posting (45%), 1x 800wd Long answer quiz (45%), Tutorial participation (10%) | 23/4/2018 |
| 10. |
The following unit is now available: OLET1504 Health Challenges: Diabetes |
9/8/2018 |
| 11. |
The sessions have changed for the following unit: OLET1105 Cultures of Food: Europe Now available Session: Intensive April, Intensive August |
13/8/2018 |
Access the two and six credit point units below; the zero credit point units are available in Canvas.
Table O - Open Learning Environment
This table lists all units available as Open Learning Environment (OLE) units of study.
OLE units can be 0, 2, or 6 credit points.
All of the OLE units below have a matching 0 credit point version available. The 0 credit point units are free for any enrolled students and their online resources and learning activities are available throughout the year. They are self-contained modules and also offer a taste of the for-credit versions. The 0 credit point versions of the OLE units below, and additional 0 credit points units, are available to enrolled students through Canvas.
2 and 6 credit point units must be taken in their defined session.
All OLE units will comply with the University's [[i||Learning and Teaching Policy 2015]] as regards appropriate assessment and hours of student effort.
Units of study
The units of study available in the Open Learning Environment are listed below, arranged by the faculty of offer.
Arts and Social Sciences
OLET1101 Aboriginal Sydney
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 hour per week online material, 1x 3 hour seminar per semester Assessment: 3x300wd reflective exercises (60%), 1 x1000wd report (40%) Mode of delivery: Online
Sydney is a city rich in diverse pre-colonial, colonial and contemporary sites of significance to Aboriginal Peoples. Too often though perceptions about Aboriginal Peoples consign them to an ancient past or perpetuate stereotypical imaginations that Aboriginal Peoples live predominantly in remote communities. Consequently Aboriginal narratives are commonly hidden or marginalised. The development of cultural competence capabilities helps to uncover and examine these hidden and marginalised narratives and experiences. This course explores some of the key themes and capabilities of cultural competence by exploring Aboriginal experiences and narratives of Sydney which are often invisible to non-Aboriginal eyes. Key elements of practicing cultural competence include being able to understand and interrogate context, which in the case of Sydney includes not only learning about the peoples, places and histories of Aboriginal Sydney but to also understand issues about how knowledge is created and how dominant narratives can exclude diverse knowledges and experiences. This unit will develop students' capacity to productively, collaboratively and openly in diverse groups and across cultural boundaries
OLET1103 Cultural Competence: Fundamentals
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 hour per week online material Assessment: 5 x self-assessed quizzes(100%) Mode of delivery: Online
This unit is delivered in a module format and is designed to encourage students to learn about who they are and how they relate to the world around them. It aims to serve as a starting point in an individual's journey towards being respectful of diversity and encouraging open and inclusive behaviour. The unit will examine the meaning of culture and cultural competence; examine social and emotional wellbeing in a cultural competence context as well as identity formation, worldview, socialisation. The unit will address the importance of building cultural competence capabilities to recognise and address racism. The unit will also help build critical self-reflection skills and a greater understanding of diverse knowledges. The unit helps students explore the implications of being part of a University community that is located on Aboriginal land. The unit will help the development of cultural competence in order to develop students' capacity to productively, collaboratively and openly in diverse groups and across cultural boundaries.
OLET1105 Cultures of Food: Europe
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr online lecture/week for 4 weeks, 2 x 2hr face-to-face seminars Mode of delivery: Online
This unit explores the cultural significance of food in Europe. It introduces the history of food in major European countries. Students will have the opportunity to explore in depth the food culture of one European country and its manifestation in Australia.
OLES2107 Digital Influence through Social Media
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr online lecture/week, 1x2hr online seminar/week, 4x3hr face to face intensives/semester Mode of delivery: Online
This unit explores social media as an increasingly important space across a broad and diverse range of industries and organisations. It will highlight developments within this communication space, while also providing a wide range of new and exciting employment contexts that include specific social media communication skills. The unit offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to provide theoretically informed and up-to-the-minute training in social media communication.
OLET2109 Global Ethics: Migration and Nation
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6hrs of online work/week, plus a 5hr Saturday intensive Assessment: 1x 500 wds Critical reflection (25%), 1x 500 wds Short answer exercise (35%), 1x 1000 wds Critical/Conceptual short essay (40%) Mode of delivery: Online
This unit examines the global movement of people, animals and things to Australia. Australia's landscapes, peoples, animals, food cultures and diseases have been shaped by migratory flows. This unit equips students working in diverse fields to understand the challenges and uncertainties of a rapidly changing, diverse and complex world.
OLET2111 Global Ethics: Philosophy
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2 x 1hr flipped lecture/week (for four weeks), 2 x 2hr intensive seminars Assessment: 1x 1250wd Short answers (35%), 1x 750wd Critical analysis (55%), 1x Participation in intensives (10%), 1x Quiz (0%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit addresses ethical questions that arise in a globalised world. Should we care for all humans equally, or give priority to people from our own culture or nation? Should we tolerate people who are intolerant? What do we owe to future generations? Why protect the environment? If one person can't make a difference, do my actions matter?
OLET2113 Global Ethics: The Great Barrier Reef
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2x1hr online lecture/week for 4 weeks, 1x1hr tutorial/week for 4 weeks Mode of delivery: Online
This unit explores how communities past and present have intersected with the Great Barrier Reef and how the effects of climate change, and policies designed to ameliorate its effects, impact both the reef and its communities. It will also introduce students to the idea of the Anthropocene as a framework for understanding our ethical responsibilities in a globalised world.
OLET1115 (Im)Politeness in Global Society
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr flipped lecture/week Assessment: 5x equivalent to 100wds online quiz (30%), 1x 500wd self-reflection paper (30%), 1x 500wd final report (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
In a multicultural environment, it is easy to come across as rude, or to misunderstand others' behaviour if we don't know their culture. Showing how politeness and behaviour norms function in different cultures, this unit will provide you with skills that give competitive edge in any professional area. The unit does not require any previous knowledge of foreign language.
OLET2117 Power and Identity in a Global Era
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr flipped lecture/week for 4 weeks, 1x1hr tutorial/week for 4 weeks Assessment: 4x 1200wd Discussion board posting (45%), 1x 800wd Long answer quiz (45%), x Tutorial participation (10%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This intensive unit of online video lectures and in-person tutorials will explore how thinkers in a contemporary global era have analysed forms of domination and have sought to theorise pathways for change. It will focus on key theories of power and identity including feminism, disciplinary power, hegemony, and post-colonialism.
OLET2119 Professionalism in the Workplace
Credit points: 2 Session: Intensive April,Intensive September Classes: 1x1hr/week online lectures for 4 weeks, 1x1hr/week flipped lecture for 4 weeks, 1x1hr/week live tutorial for 4 weeks Mode of delivery: Online
This OLE teaches research-based, practical strategies for improving the persuasiveness of key self-promotion documents, and successful interview strategies. You will learn to write credible online profiles for professional networking sites such as Linked-in, and effective applications for scholarships, grants, and employment opportunities.
OLET2123 Understanding the Arab World
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1 hr/week (online) Assessment: 3x 250wds online quiz (20%), 1x 500wd online report (40%), 1x 500wd self-reflection paper (40%) Mode of delivery: Online
What should I know about the Arab world, as a young professional who aspires to a global career? Who are the Arabs? What is Islam? What the main political debates in the Arab World? This Unit answers to these and other questions, promoting an up-to-date understanding of the relation between the Arab world and Australia.
OLET2125 Understanding Europe
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 1hr flipped lecture/week Assessment: 4x equivalent to 1000wds quizzes (50%), 4x equivalent to 1000wds discussion board activity (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit introduces you to the European Union. Individual modules cover 1) History and Institutions; 2) Trade and Foreign Policy; 3) Security and Human Rights; 4) Diversity and Integration. Modules must be completed consecutively within one semester.
OLET2127 Writing with Wikipedia
Credit points: 2 Session: Intensive August,Intensive March Classes: 1x1hr online lecture/week for 4 weeks, 1x2hr online seminar/week for 4 weeks Mode of delivery: Online
Using Wikipedia as a writing platform, you will learn to write for a global readership that constitutes a large proportion of the world's population. Your digital and critical literacies will improve as you proofread and copy edit, and evaluate the quality and reliability of information and sources.
OLES2129 Writing for the Digital World
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr flipped lecture/week, 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x 250wd Quiz: Editing and Referencing (10%), 1x 250wd Quiz: Creative Commons (10%), 2x 1000wd equivalent Editing Exercises (40%), 1x 2000wd equivalent Article Creation (40%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
In this unit you will produce knowledge for Wikipedia audiences around the globe. You will write across networks, negotiate various discourse communities, and contribute to and draw from creative commons resources while increasing the number of diverse voices that contribute to networked knowledge.
OLET1231 Community Engagement for Change
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3 x 1 hr on-line seminars; 1 x 1 hr blog participation; 1 x 5 hr independent study; 1 x 3 hr face to face seminar Assessment: participation (30%); individual presentation (70%) Mode of delivery: Online
Interested in understanding how you might work with communities to bring about social change? This unit, offered in an Open Learning Environment, provides the opportunity for students to gain theoretical and practical tools to support community-based social change. Students will identify, undertake and reflect on social action in community settings. Completion of the unit will build students graduate qualities of influence, interdisciplinarity and cross-cultural competency. This unit challenges the historical tendency of professions to work 'on' rather than 'with' communities which has contributed to ineffective policies, poor outcomes and professional frustration. It seeks to expand students' knowledge and skills in relation to working with the interactions, networks, structures and processes at the community level.
OLET1133 Understanding Critical Reflection
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Online Assessment: 1x2000wd assignment (100%) Mode of delivery: Online
Employers have provided clear information about the qualities and skills they require of university graduates to be successful. These include broad skills and knowledge of critical thinking, superior communication, disciplinary expertise, working collaboratively and with diverse groups, while working with integrity, to name a few. This OLE provides students with the knowledge of reflective practices to articulate the development of their graduate qualities. It provides students with the opportunity to create a repository of evidence of their graduate qualities in their ePortfolio thereby commencing their webfolio which they can build on across their course and in future employment.
OLET1135 Disability Awareness and Inclusivity
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Online Assessment: Video assignment (equivalent 2,000 words) Mode of delivery: Online
Disability is part of the human condition, and people with disability are an integral part of society. Being able to appropriately communicate and consult with people with disability is an important graduate quality. This unit of study introduces students to issues of language, communication with people with disability, collaboration and consultation, inclusive social and physical environments and spaces. By undertaking this unit, students will increase their understanding of attitudinal and environmental barriers and their impact on the full participation of people with disability in society. The video assignment (2cps) provides students the opportunity to put into practice the core concepts of this unit and relate them to their field of study.
OLES2137 Experience China
Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive December,Intensive July Classes: 52 hours in country (classroom and excursion) 5 hours pre-departure (online) 3 hours return (classroom and online) Assessment: 3 x pre-departure quiz, 1 x 3500wd equiv in country assessment (80%), 1 x 1000wd equiv project report (20%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The in-country study unit introduces students to Chinese language and culture through an intensive program at a partner university in China. It places particular emphasis on understanding cultural differences in authentic contexts. Students will have practical language lessons and receive an introduction to contemporary culture and society. They will participate in cultural activities such as visits to museums, theatres and memorial sites and have the opportunity to interact with local people. The units will develop skills in cross-cultural communication through direct contact.
OLES2139 Experience Germany
Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive December,Intensive July Classes: 52 hours in country (classroom and excursion) 5 hours pre-departure (online) 3 hours return (classroom and online) Assessment: 3 x pre-departure quiz, 1 x 3500wd equiv in country assessment (80%), 1 x 1000wd equiv project report (20%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The in-country study unit introduces students to German language and culture through an intensive program at a partner university in Germany. It places particular emphasis on understanding cultural differences in authentic contexts. Students will have practical language lessons and receive an introduction to contemporary culture and society. They will participate in cultural activities such as visits to museums, theatres and memorial sites and have the opportunity to interact with local people. The units will develop skills in cross-cultural communication through direct contact.
OLES2141 Experience Indonesia
Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive December,Intensive July Classes: 52 hours in country (classroom and excursion) 5 hours pre-departure (online) 3 hours return (classroom and online) Assessment: 3 x pre-departure quiz, 1 x 3500wd equiv in-country assessment (80%), 1 x 1000wd equiv project report (20%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The in-country study unit introduces students to Indonesian language and culture through an intensive program at a partner university in Indonesia. It places particular emphasis on understanding cultural differences in authentic contexts. Students will have practical language lessons and receive an introduction to contemporary culture and society. They will participate in cultural activities such as visits to museums, theatres and memorial sites and have the opportunity to interact with local people. The units will develop skills in cross-cultural communication through direct contact.
OLES2143 Experience Italy
Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive December,Intensive July Classes: 52 hours in country (classroom and excursion) 5 hours pre-departure (online) 3 hours return (classroom and online) Assessment: 3 x pre-departure quiz, 1 x 3500wd equiv in-country assessment (80%), 1 x 1000wd equiv project report (20%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The in-country study unit introduces students to Italian language and culture through an intensive program at a partner university in Italy. It places particular emphasis on understanding cultural differences in authentic contexts. Students will have practical language lessons and receive an introduction to contemporary culture and society. They will participate in cultural activities such as visits to museums, theatres and memorial sites and have the opportunity to interact with local people. The units will develop skills in cross-cultural communication through direct contact.
OLES2145 Experience Korea
Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive December,Intensive July Classes: 52 hours in country (classroom and excursion) 5 hours pre-departure (online) 3 hours return (classroom and online) Assessment: 3 x pre-departure quiz, 1 x 3500wd equiv in-country assessment (80%), 1 x 1000wd equiv project report (20%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The in-country study unit introduces students to Korean language and culture through an intensive program at a partner university in Korea. It places particular emphasis on understanding cultural differences in authentic contexts. Students will have practical language lessons and receive an introduction to contemporary culture and society. They will participate in cultural activities such as visits to museums, theatres and memorial sites and have the opportunity to interact with local people. The units will develop skills in cross-cultural communication through direct contact.
OLES2147 Experience the French-speaking World
Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive December,Intensive July Classes: 60 hours in total: 52 hours in country, 5 hours pre-departure, 3 hours return. Assessment: 3 x pre-departure quiz, 1 x 3500wd equiv in-country assessment (80%), 1 x 1000wd equiv project report (20%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The in-country study unit introduces students to French language and Francophone culture through an intensive program at a partner university in France or a Francophone Country. It places particular emphasis on understanding cultural differences in authentic contexts. Students will have practical language lessons and receive an introduction to contemporary culture and society. They will participate in cultural activities such as visits to museums, theatres and memorial sites and have the opportunity to interact with local people. The units will develop skills in cross-cultural communication through direct contact.
OLES2149 Experience the Spanish-speaking World
Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive December,Intensive July Classes: 60 hours in total: 52 hours in country, 5 hours pre-departure, 3 hours return. Assessment: 3 x pre-departure quiz, 1 x 3500wd equiv in-country assessment (80%), 1 x 1000wd equiv project report (20%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The in-country study unit introduces students to Spanish language and Spanish or Latin American culture through an intensive program at a partner university in Spain or a Latin American country. It places particular emphasis on understanding cultural differences in authentic contexts. Students will have practical language lessons and receive an introduction to contemporary culture and society. They will participate in cultural activities such as visits to museums, theatres and memorial sites and have the opportunity to interact with local people. The units will develop skills in cross-cultural communication through direct contact.
OLES2151 Experience the Arab World
Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive December,Intensive July Classes: 60 hours in total: 52 hours in country, 5 hours pre-departure, 3 hours return Assessment: 3 x pre-departure quiz, 1 x 3500wd equiv in-country assessment (80%), 1 x 100wd equiv cultural learning project (20%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The in-country study unit introduces students to Arabic language and culture through an intensive program at a partner university in an Arab country. It places particular emphasis on understanding cultural differences in authentic contexts. Students will have practical language lessons and receive an introduction to contemporary culture and society. They will participate in cultural activities such as visits to museums, theatres and memorial sites and have the opportunity to interact with local people. The units will develop skills in cross-cultural communication through direct contact.
OLES2153 Experience Japan
Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive December,Intensive July Classes: 52 hours in country (classroom and excursion) 5 hours pre-departure (online) 3 hours return (classroom and online) Assessment: 3 x pre-departure quiz, 1 x 3500wd equiv in-country assessment (80%), 1 x 1500wd equiv cultural learning project (20%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The in-country study unit introduces students to Japanese language and culture through an intensive program at a partner university in Japan. It places particular emphasis on understanding cultural differences in authentic contexts. Students will have practical language lessons and receive an introduction to contemporary culture and society. They will participate in cultural activities such as visits to museums, theatres and memorial sites and have the opportunity to interact with local people. The units will develop skills in cross-cultural communication through direct contact.
Business School
OLET1201 Business Entrepreneurship: Business Models
Credit points: 2 Session: Intensive July Classes: 1x 8hr intensive workshop over one or two days Assumed knowledge: OLEO1200 Assessment: Individual assignment (100%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Note: Students may wish to pursue related OLE units, OLET1202 and/or OLET1203.
Where the 0 credit point Business Entrepreneurship unit provides students with a theoretical perspective on business entrepreneurship, this for-credit upgrade provides an opportunity for students to apply this knowledge, and to refine their understanding. To this aim, students are presented with entrepreneurial challenges, and are assisted to develop viable prototypes of services or products that address the challenges. With the help of research-based entrepreneurship literature, students analyse the market potential of the prototypes, formulate a suitable value proposition for their prototypes, and develop a business model that enables them to progress from idea to venture. Through this experiential exercise and the accompanying literature on business models and prototyping, students develop relevant prototyping and analytical skills, an understanding of the role and nature of business models, and learn how to combine both toward the goal of venture growth.
OLET1202 Business Entrepreneurship: Guerrilla Tactics
Credit points: 2 Session: Intensive July Classes: 1x 8hr intensive workshop over one or two days Assumed knowledge: OLEO1200 Assessment: Individual assignment (100%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Note: Students may also wish to pursue related OLE units, OLET1201 and OLET1203.
In this second upgrade to the 0 credit point Business Entrepreneurship unit students learn how to take a minimally viable product or service to market, while drawing on the ubiquitous digital environment to develop customer insights. These guerrilla tactics prove valuable in a business environment where a new venture may appear to possess little legitimacy and credibility among established organisations and customers. This intensive module uses problem-based learning, practical examples, and academic literature to ensure students acquire knowledge and develop skills to overcome the challenges of novelty.
OLET1203 Business Entrepreneurship: Bootstrap Finance
Credit points: 2 Session: Intensive July Classes: 1x 8hr intensive workshop over one or two days Assumed knowledge: OLEO1200 Assessment: Individual assignment (100%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Note: Students may also wish to pursue related OLE units, OLET1201 and OLET1202.
In the third upgrade to the 0 credit point Business Entrepreneurship unit, students learn about bootstrap finance. Colloquially, the term 'bootstrap finance' describes the feat of pulling yourself up by your shoelaces, by obtaining rudimentary funding from friends and family for a new business venture, and creating the conditions that might allow the venture team to later obtain business angel or venture funding. In this upgrade, students acquire theoretical knowledge of the valuation of a new business idea and venture, learn how to analyse a case, and formulate a perspective on the structure of the financial sources and models available. This intensive unit employs experiential learning, and provides students with a business case, and hands-on tasks to develop the necessary skills and insights into early venture funding.
OLET1205 Business Ethics: Interactive Cases
Credit points: 2 Session: Intensive July Classes: 1x 8hr intensive workshop over one or two days Assumed knowledge: OLEO1204 Assessment: Individual assignment (100%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Where the 0 credit point Business Ethics unit provides a theoretical perspective on business ethics, this for-credit upgrade provides the opportunity for students to practise and expand their understanding in a problem-based, intensive mode. Students work interactively to resolve a staged ethical dilemma. This format, which is frequently used in business organisations for the ethics training of staff, allows students to unpack the different roles, rules, norms, politics, and power relationships in companies, to appreciate the intricacies of human interaction and decision making, and to search for an ethically satisfying resolution of the staged dilemma. Additional literature on the types of dilemmas faced helps students further refine their understanding.
Engineering and Information Technologies
OLET1301 Managing and Analysing Data with SQL
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1 Prohibitions: INFO2120 OR ISYS2120 OR DATA2001 Assessment: through semester assessment (100%) Mode of delivery: Online
Data is the gold of the 21st century. Across all disciplines it is crucial to be able to effectively share and analyse large data collections. Managing data in spreadsheets however only works for small data sets and easily ends in 'Excel Hell'.
This OLE introduces databases for scientists and other non-IT disciplines, and will teach the SQL database query language with a focus on developing practical skills for data analysis. Database systems (for example SQL Server or MySQL) are widely used in industry and academia, and are essential for effective sharing of large data collections. The SQL language is a powerful tool for analysing big data without the need to programming.
The OLE will be delivered using an interactive online tutorial platform with auto-grading support, and (for 2CP students) online guidance from a human tutor. It is complementary to other OLEs about data-focused computation and programming for data analysis.
This OLE introduces databases for scientists and other non-IT disciplines, and will teach the SQL database query language with a focus on developing practical skills for data analysis. Database systems (for example SQL Server or MySQL) are widely used in industry and academia, and are essential for effective sharing of large data collections. The SQL language is a powerful tool for analysing big data without the need to programming.
The OLE will be delivered using an interactive online tutorial platform with auto-grading support, and (for 2CP students) online guidance from a human tutor. It is complementary to other OLEs about data-focused computation and programming for data analysis.
OLET1303 Understanding Web Skeletons and Skins
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1 Assessment: through semester assessment (100%) Mode of delivery: Online
This OLE unit provides an opportunity to learn the basic structure of a web. It has the emphasis of separating content from display. Hence, students will use HTML, a markup language, to structure the content and CSS, a style sheet approach, to format and to decorate the content. The end result is a static website with a single source of formatting rules to ensure the consistency of presentation of a web system.
OLET1305 Coding Literacy
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1 Classes: lectures, tutorials Prohibitions: INFO1103 OR INFO1110 OR INFO1903 Assessment: through semester assessment (100%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Computer programming (aka coding) in digital era has been increasingly as important as literacy and numeracy. This OLE unit is designed for students who do not have any background of coding, but want to gain fundamental knowledge and skills of coding. It covers core coding concepts including statement, variable, flow control, and functions through digital media, such as graphics, animation, and sound, and interaction. Students are able to unleash their creativity through coding in this unit.
OLET1307 Beginner Programming for Data Analysis
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1 Prohibitions: INFO1903 OR DATA1002 Assessment: through semester assessment (100%) Mode of delivery: Online
This OLE will provide the fundamentals of computer programming with a focus on developing skills for data ingesting, quality/format validation, format conversion, and summarization. It will teach these skills in Python, an easy-to-learn yet powerful, general-purpose scripting language used widely in industry and academia, especially for data science projects.
OLET1309 Interactive Web Pages with JavaScript
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1 Assessment: through semester assessment (100%) Mode of delivery: Online
Students have the opportunity to learn writing simple (scripts) programs using Javascript. It is one of the scripting languages used in web pages to enable a more interactive experience for a web user. Students will start with learning basic programming skills. The unit moves on to focus on the specific issues to write scripts that link to different elements in the source code of a web page.
OLET1311 Managing Your Project
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1 Classes: E-Learning Assessment: through semester assessment (100%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Students in this OLE must be enrolled in and nominate another Unit of Study in which they are required to undertake a project based assessment.
This Project Management OLE is designed to provide foundational knowledge, practical guidance and basic planning templates to support and monitor the work flow of project based and interdisciplinary units of study. The OLE provides guidance for students to assist them in effectively scoping out their project, managing engagement with internal and external stakeholders in a planned and professional manner and developing team participation and leadership skills that encourage effective contribution from all team members.
The OLE is designed to be completed by students engaged in project based and interdisciplinary assignments in other Units of Study.
The OLE is designed to be completed by students engaged in project based and interdisciplinary assignments in other Units of Study.
Health Sciences
OLET1401 Radiological Interpretation: the Chest
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Three online modules, 2 x 2-hr seminars, 2 x online tutorials, 1 x 1-hr in-class assessment Prohibitions: MRTY2102, MRTY2106 Assessment: online anatomy assessment (20%), online quiz (20%), in-class test (60%) Mode of delivery: Online
Students will gain an insight into Radiological anatomy of the chest through x-rays and CT, their understanding of anatomical relationships as visualised with modern imaging. This unit blends online and in-class learning to facilitate students learning how to interpret radiological images of the chest. The anatomy, search skills and problem solving necessary for interpretation of chest radiographs will be taught using a case based approach. Students will demonstrate radiographic interpretation skills by completion of a summative and graded online assessment based on the knowledge learned.
OLET1403 Student Leadership: Community Engagement
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2-hr online lecture/week, 1-hr online tutorial/week for 4 weeks, and self-paced online modules Assessment: student leadership: core - mastery auto-marked quiz (pass/fail), critical reflection assignment 500wds (70%), quiz (30%) Mode of delivery: Online
This OLE aims to give students theoretical and practical underpinning for their leadership aspirations and provide students with the opportunity to develop and practise relevant skills. The curriculum includes provision of foundational areas to support and inform study into leadership skills, the opportunity to broadly apply leadership skills and a strong focus on personal development and communication. The UoS comprises of a core 0 CP UoS called Student Leadership: Core and a 2 CP UoS called Student Leadership: Community Engagement, whereby the focus is on leadership in the community, workplace and industry and with different groups of people including clients, organisations and patients. Students wishing to extend their leadership knowledge can undertake related Student Leadership OLEs in Representation and Peer Mentoring, each of 2 credits points, to scaffold student achievement.
OLET1404 Student Leadership: Peer Mentoring
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2-hr online lecture/week, 1-hr online tutorial/week for 4 weeks, and self-paced online modules Assessment: student leadership: core - mastery auto-marked quiz (pass/fail), critical reflection assignment 500wds (70%), quiz (30%) Mode of delivery: Online
This OLE aims to give students theoretical and practical underpinning for their leadership aspirations and provide students with the opportunity to develop and practise relevant skills. The curriculum includes provision of foundational areas to support and inform study into leadership skills, the opportunity to broadly apply leadership skills and a strong focus on personal development and communication. The UoS comprises of a core 0 CP UoS called Student Leadership: Core and a 2 CP UoS called Student Leadership: Peer Mentoring whereby the focus is on students building effective leadership skills to lead a peer group or facilitate peer activities. Students wishing to extend their leadership knowledge can undertake related Student Leadership OLEs in Representation and Community engagement, each of 2 credits points, to scaffold student achievement.
OLET1405 Student Leadership: Representation
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2-hr online lecture/week, 1-hr online tutorial/week for 4 weeks, and self-paced online modules Assessment: student leadership: core - mastery auto-marked quiz (pass/fail), critical reflection assignment 500wds (70%), quiz (30%) Mode of delivery: Online
This OLE aims to give students theoretical and practical underpinning for their leadership aspirations and provide students with the opportunity to develop and practise relevant skills. The curriculum includes provision of foundational areas to support and inform study into leadership skills, the opportunity to broadly apply leadership skills and a strong focus on personal development and communication. The UoS comprises of a core 0 CP UoS called Student Leadership: Core and a 2 CP UoS called Student Leadership: Representation whereby the focus is on leadership in representative scenarios such as committees, networking groups and education organisations. Students wishing to extend their leadership knowledge can undertake related Student Leadership OLEs in Community Engagement and Peer Mentoring, each of 2 credits points, to scaffold student achievement.
Medicine and Charles Perkins Centre
OLET1501 Health Challenges: Cardiovascular Disease
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Simone Schoenwaelder Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Mode of delivery: Online
Science
OLET1601 Analysing and Plotting Data: R
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Willem Vervoort Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Two hours per week of workshops and consultation Prohibitions: ENVX1002 or LWSC2002 or AFNR5512 or STAT5003 or MATH1005 or MATH1905 or MATH1015 or OLET1603 Assessment: Four on-line quizzes (50%), 2-hour final exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Online
This unit is a gentle OLE introduction into coding using the popular script language R for students who do not receive these skills in junior units of study. Through working through examples in on-line exercises and regular assessment and support hours, the students will develop hands-on skills. In particular the unit will teach analysis of text based data, numerical data and categorical data, constructing plots and developing summaries.
OLET1603 Analysing and Plotting Data: Python
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Willem Vervoort Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Two hours per week of workshops and consultation Prohibitions: INFO1903 or COMP5310 or DATA1002 or OLET1601 Assessment: Four on-line quizzes (50%), 2-hour final exam (50%) Mode of delivery: Online
This unit is a gentle OLE introduction into coding using the popular script language Python for students who do not receive these skills in junior units of study. Through working through examples in on-line exercises and regular assessment and support hours, the students will develop hands-on skills. In particular the unit will teach analysis of text based data, numerical data and categorical data, constructing plots and developing summaries.
OLET1605 Communication in STEM
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Manjula Sharma and Dr Alice Williamson Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: online module 1hr/week for 4 weeks distributed throughout the semester Assessment: 4 x short multiple choice quiz (10%),1x draft of STEM communication activity (10%),1x final summative STEM communication activity (60%) and 1x peer review of final summative STEM communication activity (20%) Practical field work: Workshops 2hr/week for 2 weeks distributed throughout the semester Mode of delivery: Online
What is STEM? Why is it essential that scientists learn to communicate effectively about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics to a variety of audiences? What makes for engaging communication about STEM? How does the style of communication need to change for different audiences? What styles, techniques and approaches can be used to greatest effect for each communication activity? What are the nuts and bolts of good STEM communications? This OLE will first introduce you to the fundamentals, definitions and techniques of STEM communication. You will learn that good communication is essential both within the sciences and for our broader society. Complex topics, concepts and issues need to be communicated effectively in order to promote an understanding of science, an appreciation of its strengths and limitations, and to avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications. You will be introduced to various forms of STEM communication appropriate to different audiences. You will outline, develop and present examples of STEM Communication. You will also be asked to critically evaluate and identify examples of effective communication of STEM ideas.
OLET1607 Cultural Competence in Natural Science
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Jaime Gongora Session: Intensive September,Semester 2 Classes: Face to face: a single block consisting of lectures - two hours; tutorials two hours; and group work hour hours, total 8; online work -10 hours Prohibitions: AVBS4003 Assessment: Assignment, quiz Mode of delivery: Block mode
Cultural competence is a congruent set of values and principles that are reflected in behaviours, attitudes, policies, structures, and practices in a system, organisation, professional or researcher and facilitate work and effective interactions with clients and environments in cross-cultural situations (modified from Kiefer et al 2013). The unit will introduce undergraduate students to general principles in cultural competence awareness and provide a learning space to reflect on some overall values, behaviours, attitudes and practices that will enable them to work and interact effectively with their clients, co-workers, communities and environments crossculturally during their research, placements and professional practice. Part of this OLE will also be tailored to the student's interests by providing an opportunity for reflection on the impact of some cultural competence aspects on the research, professional placements and extramural rotations/practice of their disciplines when applied to cross cultural settings.
OLET1610 GIS: Geographic Information Systems
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Eleanor Bruce Session: Semester 1 Classes: podcast lectures (10 x 10-20 mins) Assumed knowledge: A general awareness and understanding of human and environmental interactions is assumed. Assessment: quizzes, skills-based assessment, assignments Practical field work: Computer based practicals x 10 (90-120 mins) Mode of delivery: Online
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has a critical role in addressing major challenges facing humanity, including our environmental futures (applications involve the measurement of biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, land degradation, natural hazards planning); our future social lives ('smart' and 'digital' cities); water, food and energy security, and the role of local environments for population health, (e.g. in debate on healthy neighbourhoods and epidemiology) and in corporate responsibility. GIS is an emergent technological platform with broad application across natural and social sciences. It involves the practices of producing and negotiating geographic knowledge through the representation, manipulation and analysis of geospatial data using digital technologies. In this foundation level OLE, students will examine GIS based methods to investigate spatial patterns in social, environmental and health data and query the processes underlying these trends. The technologies behind GIS, geospatial data structures, map projections and different methods for querying and analysing geographic data will be introduced through multidisciplinary case studies.
OLET2612 GIS: Thinking Spatially
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Eleanor Bruce Session: Semester 2 Classes: lecture podcasts (10-20 mins x 9) Assumed knowledge: It is assumed students already have an understanding of basic GIS concepts and analysis methods which can be acquired through OLEO1609 GIS: Geographic Information Systems (0 cp). Assessment: quizzes, assignments Practical field work: Computer based practicals (90-120 mins x 9) Mode of delivery: Online
Rapid advances in space and aerial-borne remotely sensed technologies and the proliferation of geo- referenced data, through location-enabled devices, have dramatically transformed the way geographic information is produced and shared. This presents exciting opportunities for exploring geographical pattern in environmental and social landscapes. This growing 'geocyberspace' of information comprises diverse aspects of society and the environment. As this information is often utilised in understanding processes and addressing critical social and environmental problems there is an increased demand for modelling and advanced analysis approaches that handle geospatial data. This unit will provide the conceptual background to more advanced GIS analysis applications and spatial reasoning methods in the context of contemporary environmental and social issues. The course is designed to provide an introduction to spatial analysis techniques available within a GIS environment, explore a diversity of both social, health, business and environmental applications. In addition the unit aims to address key issues currently emerging from GIS applications including spatial data analytics, techniques for managing data uncertainty, GIS ethics and participatory GIS.
OLET2614 GIS: Problem Solving
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Eleanor Bruce Session: Semester 2 Classes: podcast lectures (2 hrs); online tutorial (5 hrs); blackboard collaborate focus group sessions (4 hrs) Assumed knowledge: It is assumed students already have an understanding of basic GIS concepts and analysis methods which can be acquired through OLEO1609 GIS: Geographic Information Systems (0 cp). Assessment: 2 assignments Mode of delivery: Online
This OLE unit explores the role of GIS as a cross-disciplinary 'enabler' for solving environmental and societal problems and recognising future alternatives. Spatial thinking as a framework for understanding complex social and environmental system interactions involves concepts of space, tools of representation and processes of reasoning. Material presented in this unit will encourage research enquiry through multidimensional visualization, analysis and modelling of empirical data that is informed by deep subject-specific knowledge and spatial reasoning. Example topic themes: Sustainability GIS; GIS in Archaeology; Social GIS; Land management GIS; Marine GIS
OLET1616 The Science of Health and Wellbeing
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Margaret Allman-Farinelli Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: online unit Assessment: Quizzes, assignments Mode of delivery: Online
This Open Learning Environment unit of study is designed to increase students' knowledge and skills regarding personal and community health and wellbeing. In this unit of study, students will learn about the latest health research and scientific evidence across the key domains of wellbeing: nutrition; physical activity; sleep; mental wellbeing; alcohol and other drugs. This unit of study will also allow students to develop skills in critical thinking relating to health information and how to implement healthy behaviours. The unit has been developed by eminent researchers in each domain to ensure the most up-to-date evidence is incorporated. This unit of study is multidisciplinary and designed to stimulate students' thinking about issues relating to physical and mental wellbeing. The knowledge is to benefit students in their own wellbeing for maximising academic performance and university experience as well as to give them skills to demonstrate leadership in health in their future work environments.
Textbooks
Online resources available
OLET1618 Data Science in Astronomy: Algorithms
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Tara Murphy Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assumed knowledge: Students need to have some basic familiarity with programming in a language such as Python or similar. Assessment: online quizzes (4 weeks x 10%), computational exam (60%) Mode of delivery: Online
Science is undergoing a data explosion, and astronomy is leading the way. Modern telescopes produce terabytes of data per observation, and the simulations required to model our observable Universe push supercomputers to their limits. To analyse this data scientists need to be able to think computationally to solve problems. In this course you will investigate the challenges of working with large datasets. How to implement algorithms that work and how to think about scaling to large datasets. The focus is on practical skills - all the activities will be done in Python 3, a modern programming language used throughout astronomy. This will be run as a 0 cp + 2 cp unit of study.
OLET1620 Data Science in Astronomy: Analysis
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Tara Murphy Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 4 x weekly sets of online lectures (videos); online tutorials; online programming/calculating activities; in-person tutorial support; final exam Assumed knowledge: Students need to have some basic familiarity with programming in a language such as Python or similar. Assessment: online quizzes (4 weeks x 10%), computational exam (60%) Mode of delivery: Online
Science is undergoing a data explosion, and astronomy is leading the way. Modern telescopes produce terabytes of data per observation, and the simulations required to model our observable Universe push supercomputers to their limits. To analyse this data scientists need to be able to think computationally to solve problems. In this course you will learn how to manage your data with databases, and use the SQL language to ask questions about your data. You will also learn how to explore your data with machine learning tools. The focus is on practical skills - all the activities will be done in Python 3, and modern programming language used throughout astronomy. This will be run as a 0 cp + 2 cp unit of study.
OLET1622 Numbers and Numerics
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Tara Murphy Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 4 weeks of tutorials and online video lectures Prohibitions: COSC1003 or COSC1903 Assumed knowledge: HSC Mathematics Assessment: online quizzes (4 weeks x 10%), computational exam (60%) Mode of delivery: Online
Computational science underpins modern science, engineering and finance. It provides numerical solutions to problems that can't be solved analytically, and explores problems that are not amenable to experiments. This unit focuses on the foundation of numerical computing: how numbers are represented and manipulated by computers. Understanding the representation of integers and real numbers, and their fundamental limitations is critical for accurate numerical calculations. For example, if you add the value 0.1 a total of one million times, the exact answer is 1,000,000 x 0.1 = 100,000. However, when you do this on a computer the answer might be 100,958.3. This is a limitation of the floating-point representation of numbers in every modern computer - but most people are unaware of it! In this Unit you will learn about number systems and binary, two's complement representation for integers; fixed and floating-point representations for real numbers; precision and overflow, rounding and truncation errors. We will illustrate these with practical examples, and show how mistakes in computational calculations can result in catastrophes such as the explosion of the Ariane 5 rocket. All activities will be done in Python 3, a widely used modern programming language.
Textbooks
None
OLET1625 Reading and Writing Mathematics
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Oded Yacobi Session: Intensive February,Intensive July Classes: online; 2x3-hr workshop Assessment: quizzes, assignments, presentation Mode of delivery: Online
In the modern world it is increasingly important to be able to read and write logically and coherently. Whether one is designing computer algorithms, writing a legal argument, advocating for social or environmental causes, or doing research in basic sciences, clear and effective communication is critical. The aim of this unit is to identify and practice logical argument through mathematical writing. Key components of good writing and common pitfalls will be identified, and students will contribute writing samples and engage in peer-review. Students will be exposed to elegant writing samples and beautifully simple mathematical gems. For instance we read an essay on the notion of dimension: What is a 26 dimensional space? What does it mean for a fractal to have dimension 1.2619? Or we might read about Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem, which has bearing on the limits of attainable knowledge. In the process students will also learn how to write and read mathematical proofs.
OLET2628 Research Data Management
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Floris van Ogtrop Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: One 1-hour Introductory lecture; one 3-hour workshop; 12 online modules Assessment: Video assessment, quizzes, final exam Mode of delivery: Online
This unit will give you an insight into the exciting world of data. More and more we are bombarded with concepts like big data, open source data, and sensitive data. Data management is what links these concepts. Much of the development in data management has come from research in the physical, biological, and social sciences, research in languages, finance, law, and medicine, and many more. In all cases it is critical to ensure that data is safe and accessible. Importantly, lessons learnt from research are also applicable to managing our own data. Therefore, this unit introduces key concepts of data management delivered through 12 interactive online modules. The modules will initially define research data and explore the various flavours of research data. Then you will discover what can go wrong when you don't manage your data and explore ways which you can best store your data. You will look at using open source data, and how to best access and share data. And finally you will look at how to manage sensitive data and explore what big data is.
OLET1630 Symmetry
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Stephan Tillmann Session: Intensive February,Intensive July Classes: online; 2x3-hr workshop Assessment: quizzes, assignments, presentation Mode of delivery: Online
The principle of symmetry appears in architecture, in the arts, in nature. It is often understood as harmony of proportions. But what is the philosophical or mathematical significance of the idea of symmetry? This unit will help clarify this significance by developing the geometric concept of symmetry and by conveying the sensibility to recognise and categorise symmetries in different contexts. The richness, diversity, connectedness, depth and pleasure of the systematic study of symmetry, and indeed of mathematical thinking, is central to this unit. It will not involve grinding through formulas, but instead emphasise the process of thinking, comparing, analysing, understanding and inventing.
OLET1632 Shark Bites and Other Data Stories
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Diana Warren Session: Intensive February,Intensive July Classes: online; 3x3-hr labs Assessment: quizzes, case study, report Mode of delivery: Block mode
This OLE gives students a simple, transferable approach to the exploration of multivariate data in everyday life. You will investigate the relationship between variables in spreadsheet like data, learning what questions to ask, what techniques to use, and what mistakes to avoid. Focused on concepts, not formulae, the OLE is accessible for students from any discipline. You will focus on three main case studies: How does the Australian public respond to shark bites? Is mobile phone usage related to higher incidence of brain tumors? How is the unemployment rate changing?
Sydney College of the Arts
OLET2701 Understanding Creativity
Credit points: 2 Session: Semester 1b Assessment: project proposal (20%) and project presentation (60%) and peer to peer feedback (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Understanding Creativity is geared towards those actively seeking to learn new creative skills or assess and improve creative approaches to their life and work challenges. The course offers experience in the range of creativity you can develop - from everyday creative thinking and actions to deep creative practice using skills and discipline expertise. We begin by stepping through the creative process in workshop style learning sessions called creativegrounds. In these workshops you are guided towards choosing the right tools to design, construct, compose or produce creative outcomes for professional, personal or social interests. Together, your creative capacity will develop through a series of exercises designed to expand your comfort zone, not take you out of it. We will conclude by a group survey of project results.
Sydney Conservatorium of Music
OLET1801 Music Theory and Notation Essentials
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr James Humberstone Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: up to 3hrs of video lectures and online interactivity/week including 1hr online support Mode of delivery: Online
This Online Learning Environment unit (OLE) provides a means by which music notation, and thus music theory, can be taught to those without a background in these areas. The basic music theory covered in this unit relates to our contemporary western music notation system (s). An understanding of how music theory works is extermely useful to a range of diverse disciplines that engage with music. Examples include games and user interface designers, film and drama studies students and those who have learnt musical practice from an aural rather than notated tradition, such as contemporary popular musicians and singers.
OLET1803 Digital Communication: Sound
Credit points: 2 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr James Humberstone Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: up to 2hrs of video lectures/week, 1 x 1hr problem based learning/week Assessment: 4 x peer reviews to the equivalent of 250wds (40%), 1 x presentation (10%), 1 x project (50%) Mode of delivery: Online
This unit focuses on how sound can be used to present information effectively. It deals with audio recording techniques, and the creation of original music to add emotional weight to presentations, using sampling and synthesis techniques.