Introduction to Health Studies

Social, economic, cultural, environmental and psychological factors affect the health of people living in Aotearoa New Zealand. In this course, students develop strategies for gathering information about causes of ill health, investigate effects of ill health, and evaluate the effectiveness of health-related policies and interventions. During the second part of the course expert guest lecturers introduce their research on mental well-being, adolescent health, and problematic substance use. Students use local and international research to investigate a health problem and present that research in a well-structured, well-referenced report.

15 points

Te Wero - Maori Health Issues and Opportunities

This course introduces students to a selection of historical and contemporary Maori health content within a Treaty of Waitangi framework, to support robust analyses of Maori population health issues. Exploring what Maori health was and is, students will be challenged to consider the promise of Maori health and its significance for current and future Aotearoa New Zealand.

15 points

People, Places and Environments

This course draws on the insights of human geography to deepen your understanding of how people make places and shape environments. We examine the economic, social and cultural processes that create contemporary places and also consider their possible futures. Through practical work, you will learn some of the key methods and techniques available for describing and analyzing how places change.

15 points

GEOG107

Global Health

Global health challenges cross international borders and responses require international cooperation. In this course we explore (1) the key and emerging challenges and opportunities facing global health, (2) major public health developments that have improved health outcomes for all and (3) identify how economic and political processes have shaped responses to global health problems.

15 points

Health and Society: Applied Research for Aotearoa

This course introduces students to social and political changes shaping health and health care in Aotearoa. Through applied research, students will develop introductory skills in social science research methods to understand major population health challenges facing Aotearoa.

15 points

Any 60 points at 100 level from any subject.

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Science

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide the tools for gathering, managing, analysing and presenting spatial information in an intuitive and graphical way. This course provides students with an introduction to the fundamental concepts, principles and techniques of GIS.

15 points

45 points at 100-level or above, from any degree schedule.

DIGI205 and GISC422

Places for Wellbeing and Flourishing

An examination of how places shape human wellbeing and flourishing, in both positive and less than positive ways. With a focus on settler colonial nations, we will examine the significant variations that exist between places in terms of the housing, work, education and support opportunities available within them. We consider the impact of these variations for local wellbeing and flourishing, noting the uneven experiences of particular social groups. We also examine place-based interventions that may support local wellbeing and flourishing, and selection of methods to evaluate these interventions. The course draws on the insights of human geography and engages with the contemporary lived experience of places in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

15 points

Any 30 points at 100 level from any subject, normally including GEOG110 or GEOG106.

Geospatial Analysis in the Social and Environmental Sciences

This course provides an introduction to spatial analysis, an important tool for exploring, analysing, modelling and visualising geospatial data. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to investigate and understand spatial patterns resulting from social and physical processes operating on the surface of Earth, such as epidemics, crime and pollution. A variety of software packages will be introduced and used to explore different aspects of spatial analysis. A number of issues inherent to dealing with spatial data, such as the ecological fallacy and modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP), will also be highlighted.

15 points

30 points of 200-level Geography, including GEOG205, or in special cases with approval of the Head of Department.

Web GIS and Geoinformatics

This course builds on GEOG205 Introduction to GIS, delving deeper into the nuts and bolts of how GIS work and advancing students' knowledge and skills in geographic data management, geographic information systems design, geographic information visualisation, and human computer interaction from a geoinformatics perspective. GEOG324 is a technical, largely lab- and project-based course, where students will use a mix of proprietary and open source GIS software to gain advanced skills in GIS, focusing on Web GIS applications. Students will learn how databases are used to store geographic information, and gain practice in the creation of dynamic web maps and Internet-based spatial analysis. There is also a research component to the course in order to ensure students are aware of the research landscape in geographic information science (GIScience) and are able to critically analyse work undertaken in GIScience.

15 points

30 points of 200-level Geography, including GEOG205, or in special cases with approval of the Head of Department. Recommended preparation: COSC121, or equivalent introductory programming course.