University of Melbourne

This course provide students with basic training on modern financial mathematics methods, which covers an overview of data analysis, principles of actuarial modelling and financial transactions, the understanding of real and nominal interest rates, the time value of money methods, bond pricing methods, assets replication methods, the equation of value methods, and project appraisals methods. This course focuses on applying the above methods to the mathematical modelling of financial markets.

This course examines the economic, technological, historical and social aspects that have led to the development of distinctive styles of beer. Students will gain an understanding of what contributes to each style and how sensory assessment of beer is conducted. In addition students will learn about health impacts of alcohol and the responsible service of alcohol.

This course examines a range of contemporary environmental challenges in Australia and globally, with particular emphasis on climate change, energy transitions, and the role of resources. Through case studies, students will examine the history and emergence of these issues, the key actors involved, and the dynamics that shape their governance. Special attention will be given to the environmental and social impacts of the problems of resource extraction and climate change, as well as the strategies used to manage these two conjoined problems. The subject covers multiple dimensions (scientific, socio-cultural, economic, political) of environmental challenges and highlights the forms of knowledge and power that mediate human-environment relationships. Students will gain insights into the drivers of environmental conflicts and the mechanisms for their resolution, situating these discussions within broader questions of environmental governance, sustainability, and the global shift toward low-carbon energy systems.

This course examines how sex, gender and sexuality are entangled with science and technology. How are our understandings of sex and sexuality informed by a history of scientific investigation? How do gender and location shape the production of scientific knowledge? How is science mobilized in claims that binary sex and gender have a natural and biological basis? And how can we use science and technology in the pursuit of feminist and queer goals? The course examines these questions from the perspective of feminist, queer and decolonial theories of science and technology. Key topics include: feminist objectivity; the false binary of nature vs nurture; the construction of biological sex; postcolonial science studies; reproductive technologies; and feminist and queer interfaces with biomedicalization.

This course examines race and racism in contemporary Australia. It introduces theoretical tools from sociology to assist us in understanding how race and racism operate in Australia, who benefits from racism, and why racism is difficult to change. It looks at situations faced by First Nations people in their fight for sovereignty and justice, anti-migrant racisms, and how race, a social construction, is constantly shifting. The course also explores anti-racism efforts, why most are ineffective, and what might be more effective.

This course examines an elegant unified theory that includes the estimation of model parameters, quadratic forms, hypothesis testing using analysis of variance, model selection, diagnostics on model assumptions, and prediction. Both full rank models and models that are not of full rank are considered. The theory is illustrated using common models and experimental designs.

This course examines the complex interplay between politics and the media. This interplay shapes public discourse and political outcomes as political actors strategically leverage media platforms to influence public opinion, while the media frames and reports on political events. Students will focus on examining theories of political communication, the media’s influential role in agenda-setting, and the critical examination of phenomena such as misinformation, fake news, censorship, propaganda, the rise of celebrity politicians, political advertising, satire, citizen journalism, and permanent campaigning. 

This course examines big ideas in sociology that help to explain the key changes and challenges facing contemporary societies. It covers social change, power and conflict, inequality, identity, risk, individualization, and networks. 

This course examines surfing's history, culture, and science with a unique practical immersion. Students will uncover the multifaceted nature of surfing in Australia, which will include examining surfing’s Polynesian roots in the First Nations cultures, its development by the modern surfing industry, as well as delving into the science that shapes the perfect wave. Students will examine the distinct surfing culture which has emerged and is still evolving through Australian music, film and literature. Students will also examine the effects of large businesses such as Billabong and Rip Curl on Australia’s surfing culture.