University of Auckland

This course examines the human dimension of disasters which covers crucial concepts and theories, vulnerability and the causes of disasters, disaster risk reduction and management, post-disaster recovery and transversal issues such as culture and gender. The discussions encompass not only theoretical but also policy and practical materials and draw on examples and case studies from throughout the world with a particular focus on the most vulnerable and marginalized areas and communities.

This course examines principles and best practices for effective communication within workplaces and organizations. It focuses on students’ skills in key areas including: professionalism in communication; listening skills; conflict resolution; and negotiation skills. Particular emphasis is given to the skills required for developing coherent and consistent communication strategies.

The course provides students with experience in designing and executing a research project. Students will undertake a supervised project in collaboration with other students. Emphasis is placed on research design, including the scientific context of the project, logistics, and ethical considerations; application of appropriate methods and techniques; data collection, including field research and other information sources; data analysis and interpretation; and research communication.

This course introduces students to descriptive and analytical methods in structural geology. Geological maps are used to help students analyze structural features (e.g., folds, faults, contacts). 

This course examines the dynamic microfoundations of macroeconomics, and demonstrates how we can utilize these foundations to understand the trends and fluctuations of macroeconomic aggregates like national output, unemployment, inflation and interest rates, and to predict the outcome of alternative government policies related to current economic problems of New Zealand and the rest of the world.

This course considers the environmental factors that control and modify human and non-human behavior. Generally, an experimental laboratory approach is taken, and quantitative theories are stressed. Topics include: classical and operant conditioning, theories of reinforcement, the stimulus control of operant behavior, behavioral analysis of problem solving, concept and language learning, choice, self control, memory, and experimental design. 

This course examines stochastic processes, including generating functions, branching processes, Markov chains, random walks.

This course examines contemporary geospatial technologies such as web-mapping, GPS and tracking devices (such as your phone), Remote Sensing and GIS. It covers key concepts and principles behind these tools and their use, along with practical experiences through laboratories. Critical and theoretical perspectives on the tools, their use, and their social impacts will be discussed.

This course examines the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the criminal justice systems of settler colonial countries. It draws case examples from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States of America. Key concepts covered include indigeneity, gangs, racialization, racialized policing, Indigenous jurisprudence, restorative justice, over-representation, criminality, mass and hyper incarceration, settler colonialism, decoloniality and historical trauma.

This course develops students’ skills in communicating effectively and ethically to promote positive social change. Students will produce communication relating to real-world social issues, where possible in partnership with an external organization working to promote social change. The course also looks at processes for carrying out stakeholder consultation and audience testings