University of Canterbury

This course examines the chemical and biological basis of the material properties of wood, how forestry can control these and the concept of wood quality. It also covers various wood processing industries, ranging from sawmilling over engineered wood products to pulping and biofuels. Reference will be made to the most suitable resource for individual products and how forest management can impact on the value of the timber.

This course examines the Treaty of Waitangi to frame examinations of contemporary New Zealand society. In addition, the course looks at the importance of this document in the maintenance of Crown and Maori relations. Topics covered range from the signing of the Treaty, and historical developments, to the protest movements and activism of the continuing Maori renaissance period, race relations and one law-for-all.

This course examines theories and principles from across psychology to explain the causes of environmentally destructive behavior, and generate solutions for a sustainable future. It examines principles of behavior change, and how students can apply them in their home, workplace, and community. 

This course examines selected topics in the theory of knowledge and of reality. For example: What is a physical object? Are you the same physical object now that you were 10 years ago? What makes the black squiggles you're now reading mean something? Are meanings ideas? Do deep metaphysical statements, such as ‘I am the only conscious being in the universe’ or 'Everything is fated', really say anything? Do males and females have different ways of knowing? What is time? Do humans have free will? Is cause-and-effect real, or just a way of looking at things? 

This course examines topics in physical and inorganic chemistry. It covers atoms and the periodic table; chemical bonding; reduction and oxidation reactions; properties of gases; introduction to thermodynamics; kinetics; chemical equilibrium; Gibbs energy and the second law of thermodynamics; aqueous chemistry; acid-base equilibrium.

This course examines identity as a lived experience for Maori and non-Maori and how it shapes our thinking at individual, organization and systemic levels in this country. The course also focuses on contemporary issues arising from identity tensions. 

This course provides an introduction to Maori knowledges and metaphysics through a study of topics such as voyaging, art and aesthetics, warfare, conflict and peace. It also looks at how approaches to Maori knowledges and their impacts are critiqued.

This course examines our changing environment, driven largely by our linear economy (take-make-dispose). Particular emphasis is given to the ‘carbon currency’ and how carbon drives environmental change. There is an emphasis on developing solutions to environmental issues, especially to climate change adaptation and development of a circular economy. Tikanga Maori aspects of environmental change will be covered.

This course examines the processes of geological hazards and how they impact on society, with some attention given to techniques and strategies for hazard mitigation. It covers earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, liquefaction, rockfall, and flooding.

This course examines the mythological origins of Māori performing arts, the form, style and performance of mōteatea (traditional song and poetry), waiata-ā-ringa (action songs), poi and haka, the renaissance of kapa haka and its place in Māori culture and society.