University of Otago

The course examines the molecular aspects of viral entry, replication, and assembly in host cells. It also covers mechanisms by which viruses manipulate the hosts to multiply and cause disease.

This course examines the psychological dimensions of prominent literary texts and looks at the complex relationship between literature and psychology from a broad range of perspectives. Students will read a range of literary texts with a view to understanding—both analytically and empathetically—problems and adaptations, focusing particularly on trauma in its various manifestations. Further, instead of simply considering the resulting post-traumatic "pathologies" the property of individuals, the course adopts a psychosocial lens to emphasise the broader social dimensions underpinning maladaptive psychological formations, as well as their (frequently unconscious) transgenerational transmission. It concludes with a reflection on the little or big "madnesses" that may lie hidden within the very fabric of what is considered to be "sane" and "normal" in Western society.

The course examines plant and fungal diversity with an emphasis on New Zealand species, the processes that drive species diversification, and methods for exploring and describing evolutionary relationships among species.

The course explores theories of drug use and abuse, the neurobiological effects of drugs, and drug policy and law in New Zealand and the world. 

The course examines microbes in human disease and the contribution of microbiomes to our health. It also covers the role of microbes in food preparation or spoilage, and the detection and control of food-borne pathogens.

The course offers a detailed study of one or more media genres, such as film noir, science fiction, horror, or the musical. It introduces theories of genre and methods of genre analysis. 

The course examines theoretical and research perspectives on gender in education, with particular attention to the intersections of gender, race, class, and sexualities. It investigates how educational policies and practices address gender issues and introduces discourse analysis as a critical analytical tool. The course explores the role of feminist thought in understanding gender in educational contexts in Aotearoa New Zealand, engaging with contemporary feminist debates and questions such as: Does feminism still matter? Are we in a post-feminist phase? Or does feminism matter more than ever? Topics include gender-inclusive curriculum, pedagogy, and policy; the critique of popular gender-normative advice literature; and approaches to queering the curriculum, with opportunities for discussion and engagement with current media debates.

This course is an introduction to research in environmental sociology with an emphasis on the social processes, dynamics and institutions that are influential in contemporary environmental crises. It looks at the social dimensions of our natural world and considers how our social life shapes our ecological life (and vice versa!). It will focus particularly on how environmental problems are created by social drivers and experienced unequally. Topics include production and consumption and its environmental effects, inequality and environmental risk, and social movements for environmental justice. 

The course examines, integrates, and applies theories of human development, learning, and assessment to educational practice. It introduces the theoretical and research foundations of educational psychology as they relate to classroom teaching. The course explores concepts such as well-being, self-efficacy, constructivism, digital technology, motivation, talent development, and assessment, while addressing questions including: Should well-being be taught in schools? Is self-control more important than self-esteem? Can digital technology transform learning? Is positive thinking overrated? Is there too much emphasis on measurement in assessment?

This course examines ecological theory and methods to contemporary issues in society. It looks at how to apply ecological methods and theory to deepen our understanding of pressing societal issues and identify management and policy solutions that may be valuable to society.