New Courses from Athabasca University

ARCH 526 - Architectural Design: Acoustics

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:16:38 MDT

This course examines both the theoretical and practical aspects of architectural practice in Canada. The focus of this course is on acoustic theory and practice as it pertains to architecture and design. This course will explore the physics and perception of sound, the characteristics of sound and vibration in spaces, and their place in the development of holistic design concepts.

CLST 201 - Cultural Studies and Everyday Life

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:16:38 MDT

Cultural Studies 201: Cultural Studies and Everyday Life is a junior-level, three-credit course that takes as its organizing metaphor, Raymond Williams's remark that "culture is ordinary." This course will provide an introduction to cultural studies by exploring, reflecting on, and evaluating how, on a daily basis, we are immersed in culture.

COMP 494 - Research Methods

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:16:38 MDT

Computer Science 494: Research Methods is a three-credit, senior-level course designed to introduce research-the systematic investigation that attempts to establish facts on a scientific basis. Students will review a published article; conduct a literature review; identify a research problem; and undertake activities relating to sampling, measurement, reliability, validity, data collection, statistics, data mining, simulation, optimization, graphical modeling, research ethics, survey research, correlational research, experimental research, research methods specific to information sciences, action research, research management and qualitative research.

HRMT 300 - Human Resource Planning

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:16:38 MDT

HRMT 300 is a three-credit course for senior undergraduate students. It examines the practice and theory of human resource planning in Canadian workplaces. Students will develop a general understanding of human resource planning, and use common techniques to work through case studies.

HSRV 491 - Offender Rehabilitation

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:16:38 MDT

HSRV 491: Offender Rehabilitation will focus on current issues in offender rehabilitation from both a Canadian and international perspective. You will have the opportunity to examine the theoretical literature about offender rehabilitation and the practical application of that literature as we explore "what works ". Rehabilitation will be considered across a variety of areas that contribute to offender recidivism including interventions for people who have drug addictions and those who perpetrate property offences, sexual crimes and domestic violence. This course will also consider offender rehabilitation with men and women of different ages and ethnic/cultural background and relevant professional ethics issues.

HSRV 422 - Being Online

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:16:38 MDT

This course is organized to lead in concentric circles outward from the self. It begins with an exploration of the intrapersonal-how people construct and represent themselves on the Internet. It then moves to the interpersonal-how people relate to one another and form communities on the Internet. It ends by examining the transpersonal-how people use the Internet for spiritual purposes. The course relies on recent research to explore issues and concerns about this new medium of technology. Questions about ethics on the Web, about the gendered use of technology, about Web addiction, and about the changing nature of work and play are among those considered in this exploration into the complex relations between human beings and communication technology.

HRMT 323 - Injury Compensation and Disability Management

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:16:38 MDT

Workers’ compensation systems are the way Canada chooses to compensate workers for the effects of work-related injuries. This course examines the compensation of workplace injuries and the management of disability in Canadian workplaces. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a broad grounding in the practice and research literature in these fields. This course emphasizes understanding the experience of workers as they move through injury compensation and disability management processes, as well as understanding the political economy of injury compensation and disability management.

ECOM 425 - Security, Legal Issues, and Ethics

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 08:16:38 MDT

ECOM 425: Security, Legal Issues, and Ethics is a three-credit, senior-level course that focuses on principles of e-commerce security, law, and ethics from a business perspective. It is aimed at providing you with a broad understanding of the major legal, security, and ethical issues and risks related to e-commerce. Module 1 focuses on security issues and threats pertaining to e-commerce operations. Module 2 addresses the major legal issues related to e-commerce, in particular the challenges in protecting privacy and issues related to intellectual property, consumer protection, international regulations, and cyber torts. The last part of the course focuses on major ethical issues in the information age.

HSRV 363 - Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Governance

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:16:38 MDT

Human Services 363: Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Governance is a senior-level, three-credit course that provides an overview of the nonprofit and voluntary sector. The goal of the course is to develop a deeper understanding of the nature of governance, leadership and management in the nonprofit sector in an increasingly complex environment. The course provides students with knowledge of the major conceptual and theoretical perspectives on the voluntary sector, and encourages them to apply what they are learning in a very practical way to understanding and dealing with challenges currently faced by voluntary sector leaders and managers.

COMP 683 - Introduction to Learning and Knowledge Analytics

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:16:38 MDT

The growth of data overwhelms those who try to make sense of it. This concern is particularly evident in complex knowledge-intensive organizations. Learning institutions and corporations often don't pay attention to the data trails that learners create in the process of accessing learning materials, interacting with educators and peers, and creating new content. In an age where institutions are under growing pressure to adjust and adapt rapidly, learning and knowledge analytics hold opportunities for improved decision-making and planning at institutions levels.

Advances in knowledge modeling and representation, the semantic web, data mining, analytics, and open data form a foundation for new approaches of knowledge development and analysis. The technical complexity of this field is paralleled by a transition within schools and organizations to consider the full spectrum of learning (education, work place learning, informal learning) while transitioning to social and networked learning models. These technical, pedagogical, and social domains are amplified when they are considered in relation to one another - a foundational philosophy of this course.

Introduction to Learning and Knowledge Analytics 2011 is an overview course detailing the role of analytics in learning and knowledge development. Most of the topics do not require advanced statistical methods or technical skills.