Open2Study Courses

Entrepreneurship and Family Business

4.3

The course is divided into 4 modules, ‘Who is an Entrepreneur’, ‘Managing the Entrepreneurial Process’, 'Entrepreneurial Enterprises’ and ‘Family Business’. Each module is designed to explore and expand on key elements, assumptions and processes that are essential to the success of a business. Each module builds on the other, eventually painting an integrated picture of the commercial world, and highlighting the strategies that need to be applied to succeed in that world.What will I learn?Entrepreneurial characteristics and psychologyThe influence of national characteristicsMigrant entrepreneursEthicsIntrapreneurshipWhat is leadership/what is managementLeadership characteristicsThe role of power/politics and negotiationConflict and creativityCommunication theoryTypes of entrepreneurial businessesFunding strategiesBusiness plansManaging people and growthThe role of marketingWhat is a family businessThe roles of the incumbent, successor, and non-family employeesManaging the family while managing the businessSurviving successionWhere could this lead me?If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.Managerial positionsBoth community and business leadership rolesFamily business leaders

Mobile Robotics

4.3

From the surface of Mars to your living room floor, mobile robots can be found in some surprising places. Together we’ll explore how and why. We’ll look at how robots move, how they sense the world around them and how they make decisions. Then we’ll put all this together and apply what we’ve learned to build our own mobile robot.What will I learn?What is, and what is not a robot – and more specifically, a mobile robotWhy we need robotsWhat subsystems robots are made up ofDifferent ways that mobile robots can move themselves around, and which are most suitable for different environmentsHow a variety of sensors receive information about the environment around thenWays to classify sensors: proprioceptive vs exteroceptive; active vs passiveHow a feedback system works • That robots follow logical sequential instructions in order to functionTo create basic flow diagrams and pseudo code to program what a robot will doHow to develop a list of design requirements for a robotic systemHow to design, implement and troubleshoot a robotic systemWhere could this lead me?If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.Mechatronics EngineerComputer ScientistElectrical EngineerMechanical EngineerSoftware Engineer

Sociology

4

Sociology examines individuals in their social contexts and provides insights into factors such as class, gender and age shape societies at the individual and institutional levels. This introductory course introduces you to key concepts and theories used in examination of and for understanding social action, social institutions, social structure and social change. This course seeks to introduce you to some of sociology’s central concepts, that describe and analyse critically the social forces shaping human behavior and attitude in contemporary social life. This includes examining the ways in which the social, economic and cultural creation of social groups influence their local, national and global environment. This course provides a systematic and critical understanding of the essential components in the structure of society, and examines the main conflicting social processes that create social instability and promote social change.What will I learn?What is the sociological imaginationHow to connect your biography with societyWhat is social inequalityHow inequality impacts on both the individual and the societyThe institutions of our society and how they impact the individualThe social changes that are happening around usWhere could this lead me?If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.Policy developmentAdministrationTeachingPublic serviceHuman resourcesSales and marketingSocial research

Foundations of Psychology

4.2

One of the reasons we want to understand human nature is so we can help people with psychological disorders. This course lays a foundation for understandings and further study in psychology.You will learn how psychologists go about conceptualising and studying human nature, and how the brain works to produce thoughts, emotions and complex behaviour. We'll also look closely at how psychologists approach the diagnosis and treatment of the ‘common colds’ of psychopathology – anxiety and mood disorders.What will I learn?What psychology is essentially aboutThe basic philosophical and conceptual foundations of psychology, such as:The mind-body issueThe biopsychosocial perspectiveThe structure and functions of neurones, the smallest functional element of the nervous system, and how they communicate with each otherThe broad structural and functional organisation of the nervous system as a whole, and the important features which allow for complex behaviours to occur in humansThe general approach that psychologists take to understand abnormal behaviour, including:How they classify mental disordersThe essential diagnostic approachThe basic processes involved in experiencing and then coping with stress, and what happens when our coping strategies failWhat anxiety and mood disorders are, including:The various subtypesTheir general prevalence (epidemiology)How they are diagnosed and treatedThis course requires approximately 2 - 4 hours of study per week, but can vary depending on the student. This includes watching videos, and taking quizzes and assessments.If you pass this course you'll receive a Certificate of Achievement. While this certificate isn't a formal qualification or credit, you can use it to demonstrate your interest in learning about this area to potential employers or educational institutions.Where could this lead me?If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.Social worker

Food, Nutrition & Your Health

4

Ever wondered what really makes a healthy diet? In Food, Nutrition & Your Health you will learn the basic concepts of nutrition, as well as how to follow a diet that will protect you from various health problems.Starting with the building blocks of basic nutrition, you will learn how these can impact your digestion, energy and health. Find out how eating disorders develop, including the genetic, cultural and psychological factors involved. Finally, you will learn about various diets, including the social and biological factors that have contributed to their evolution.What will I learn?An outline of the chemistry of the basic nutrients, how they are ingested, digested, absorbed and finally egestedVarious ethnic and geographic factors relating to dietWhat metabolism is and how food is utilised to build up body tissuesHow the body is affected by:Under-nutritionOver-nutritionObesity, and how it contributes to morbidity and mortalityThe biological and psychological factors responsible for abnormal eating patternsThe characteristics of anorexia and bulimiaThe various other eating disorders commonly observedThe underlying nutritional fallacies of some of the fad dietsAn understanding of why some diets are good and what the nutritional and health benefits of these areHow to construct a healthful menuThis course requires approximately 2 - 4 hours of study per week, but can vary depending on the student. This includes watching videos, and taking quizzes and assessments.If you pass this course you'll receive a Certificate of Achievement. While this certificate isn't a formal qualification or credit, you can use it to demonstrate your interest in learning about this area to potential employers or educational institutions.Where could this lead me?If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.DietitianFood service managerMedical nutritional therapistNutritionistWorkplace health adviserCommunity health adviserHealth program managerHealth promotion practitionerPublic health nutrition policy adviserAllied health assistantFood service professionalDietary assistantNutrition assistant

Water in a Thirsty World

4.5

In this course you will take the journey of water - how it began, and its availability today in light of global warming and urbanization.You will see that the natural environment is reaching a threshold, and the impact that has for us and the water supplies that we rely on. We will answer the questions -what are organisations and policy makers doing to secure our water future? How is society working together towards climate resilience?We’ll look at examples from around the world, learn about a vast range of technologies like desalination, and you’ll understand what’s involved in sustainable thinking and decision making. We’ll also explore the world of wastewater, and how its treatment is vital to the protection of health and the environment; and how wastewater can be recycled into pure drinking waterWhat will I learn?You will learn about climate change and urbanisation and its impact on the water cycleWhat climate change means for people and the environment in terms of water, and what the world is doing about itWhat Renewable Energy means for the Water Cycle as a solution to Climate ChangeHow water and wastewater is piped and treated; and how to manage treated wastewaterHow to be climate resilient by using seawater and wastewater as new water sourcesWhat can be done to save drying damsYou will learn the following using the successes and failures of case studies from North America, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East:How to plan for water and wastewater infrastructureWhat’s involved in sustainable thinking and decision makingThe World Water Agenda, and how countries are meeting or falling short on their targetsWhy Stakeholder and Community Engagement is so vital to water goalsThe importance of sustainable Catchment Management, and what can happen if we cannot diversify the water supplyWhere could this lead me?If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.Planning engineerScientistPolicy advisorProject managerSafety coordinatorEcologist

Midwifery

4.3

This course will benefit those who are interested in doing midwifery as a career choice. This course will allow you to see the scope of practice of the midwife and understand that the focus of midwifery care is the woman. If you are considering a career in midwifery or a parent–to-be, this course will give you insight into the world of the midwife, pregnancy and childbirth.You will explore the role of the midwife in working with women and their families during pregnancy, labour and birth and the time following birth when the woman is supported in her new role as a mother.What will I learn?The origin and definition of the word ‘midwife’The  history of midwifery and how society impacts on contemporary midwifery practiceThe roles and responsibilities of the midwifeHow midwives are educated and practise around the worldHow partnership and woman-centredness are essential to midwifery workAbout the woman’s right to choose her birth options and be involved in care decisionsHow discourse impacts on midwifery and birthing practicesAbout the concept cultural safety in relation to midwifery careAbout the link between social disadvantage and poor birth outcomeHow midwives support socially disadvantaged womenThe aims of antenatal and postnatal careHow midwives support women through labour and birthThe importance of breastfeedingHow midwives support women and partners following birthWhere could this lead me?If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.Midwifery

The Art of Drawing and Painting

4.5

Through discussions and visual demonstrations, you will learn how art has been expressed through history, the basics of colour theory, and how to draw and paint flat images and perspectives. Further, you will be able to understand the principles and styles of assimilating visual compositions. You will produce paintings and collages influenced by famous school of arts and painters such as Pointillism, Cubism, De Stijl, Surrealism, and Constructivism. This course is open to everyone who wants to try. It will provoke your sense of creativity and allow you to express yourself in a way that fits within your skill level.What will I learn?Art expression through the agesColour theory and mixingBasic perspectives and illusionGrouping, proximity and closureRule of thirds and framingHow to create an illusion through shapes and collagesVisual balancesHow to effectively achieve contrast, harmony, dominance, and unityDifferent styles of art and how to construct themWhere could this lead me?If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.Art and DesignInterior DesignerProduct DesignerVisual CommunicationsArtist 

Big Data for Better Performance

3.5

In a digital world, data has gone ‘big’ – ushering in the age of the zettabyte. This course shows you how big data equals business opportunity. Find out what ‘big data’ means and where it comes from – including ordinary transactions and social interactions. See how smart businesses use data to target their offerings and get ahead of market trends. Consider how marketing data can be based on false assumptions such as the ‘last click myth’.Consider the promises and threats of big data for organisations and individuals, such as the capacity of data to track a customer along the pathway to purchase; and the issues of democracy and privacy that arise when data is collected and used.What will I learn?Define big data and outline ways in which it is remapping the future of marketing:Define the measurement units of big dataRecognise different types of dataProvide examples of where big data is createdIdentify the basic attributes of big data:Categorise data according to its level of refinementProvide examples of data analytics that achieve refinementOutline positive and negative social impacts of data proliferationOutline business challenges and opportunities in managing and using big data:Distinguish between brand-centric and customer-centric uses of dataIdentify the key stakeholders within organisations in data managementProvide examples of targeted data acquisition for marketing benefitOutline ways in which effective marketing can exploit big dataDefine media attribution and outline its importance to marketing strategyList some common tools in the marketing toolkit, and outline their purposesProvide examples of marketing strategies that can capture trackable data in order to improve the quality of attribution.This course requires approximately 2 - 4 hours of study per week, but can vary depending on the student. This includes watching videos, and taking quizzes and assessments.If you pass this course you'll receive a Certificate of Achievement. While this certificate isn't a formal qualification or credit, you can use it to demonstrate your interest in learning about this area to potential employers or educational institutions.Where could this lead me?If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.Business or Commercial analystLearning analystAnalytics and Customer insightsAnalytics consultantMarketing & Analytics manager

Sports and Recreation Management

3.8

Take the first step to exploring a career in sport and recreation by gaining an understanding of the different job roles within this industry. Pick up leadership and management skills and learn how to manage risks appropriately. You will also learn to plan and deliver a simple sport and recreation session focussed on your clients' needs.What will I learn?The types of jobs available in the Sport, Fitness and Recreation industry, and the qualifications required for these rolesHow groups function, and leadership skills you can use to help a group function more effectively, including:Understanding the stages of group development and how they apply to the Sport and Recreation industryThe importance of giving and receiving feedbackThe basics of risk management theory and how to develop a risk management plan to suit a program or organisationHow to plan and deliver a sport, fitness or recreation sessionThis course requires approximately 2 - 4 hours of study per week, but can vary depending on the student. This includes watching videos, and taking quizzes and assessments.If you pass this course you'll receive a Certificate of Achievement. While this certificate isn't a formal qualification or credit, you can use it to demonstrate your interest in learning about this area to potential employers or educational institutions.Where could this lead me?If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.Manager (Amusement, Fitness, and Sports Centre)Recreation officerSports centre managerCoach educatorDirector of coachingElite athlete coachSports association managerSports development officerAssistant sporting coachAthlete management officerSports administration professionalAerobics instructor

Financial Literacy

3.7

You will be shown how to set your goals and how to achieve those goals using an established, working savings plan.You will then learn the basic skills to get you started on building your wealth and then you will be shown the common mistakes people make with managing their money.What will I learn?The difference between lifestyle goals and financial goalsHow the two are interconnectedHow to construct a savings plan using your income and your expensesHow to use that savings plan to achieve your financial goalsThe basics steps to starting to investThe 10% ruleThe difference between savings and investmentsThe basic risks involved with debtHow compound interest worksYou will be introduced to three forms of investment or asset classesHow to identify and avoid financial scamsHow to avoid some of the common mistakes people make with their financesThis course requires approximately 2 - 4 hours of study per week, but can vary depending on the student. This includes watching videos, and taking quizzes and assessments.If you pass this course you'll receive a Certificate of Achievement. While this certificate isn't a formal qualification or credit, you can use it to demonstrate your interest in learning about this area to potential employers or educational institutions.Where could this lead me?If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.Business journalistFinancial analystStatisticianStockbrokerFinancial plannerInvestment analystManagement consultantFinancial advisorFund managerRisk managerTreasury analyst

Early Childhood Education

4.4

You will discover the world of children in the early years. Though child development patterns are reasonably universal, every child is unique, has individual potential and will learn differently from their peers.By exploring many aspects of child development and learning you will gain insight into how to support infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers during this critical stage of life.What will I learn?The stages of child development from birth to five years and some important milestonesThe different domains in which children develop, and how care givers can support the development in each domainLaws and regulations that guide the care and education of children in Australia and internationallyThe belonging, being and becoming framework for understanding children’s developmental needsHow children’s brains develop, and the importance of interactions with care givers in this processThe importance of play in child development and learningThe concepts of attachment and reciprocity, and their importance in early childhood educationWhy taking risks is a essential part of children’s learning and developmentPositive forms of behaviour guidance, especially for toddlersThis course requires approximately 2 - 4 hours of study per week, but can vary depending on the student. This includes watching videos, and taking quizzes and assessments.If you pass this course you'll receive a Certificate of Achievement. While this certificate isn't a formal qualification or credit, you can use it to demonstrate your interest in learning about this area to potential employers or educational institutions.Where could this lead me?If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.Early childhood teacherChild care coordinatorChild care worker

Teaching Adult Learners

4.9

Despite all the changes in teaching and learning over the last 30 years, there has been one constant for both the teacher and learner, and that is the importance of working in a safe and accountable learning environment.We’ll look at how to engage our learners through collaborative learning, instructional skills and design, as well as looking at the role technology is playing in terms of promoting engaged learning environments. We’ll explore the importance of creating a safe and accountable learning environment; observe an experienced teacher who works with instructional skills and tactics to promote safe and accountable learning environments.What will I learn?How to define and create a safe and accountable learning environmentExamine the working factors of teachingIdentify instructional skills & tactics that promote a safe and accountable learning environmentIdentify elements of instructional designReflect on the role technology is playing in the learning environmentDemonstrate reflective practice as a teacher or facilitator, and a learnerThis course requires approximately 2 - 4 hours of study per week, but can vary depending on the student. This includes watching videos, and taking quizzes and assessments.If you pass this course you'll receive a Certificate of Achievement. While this certificate isn't a formal qualification or credit, you can use it to demonstrate your interest in learning about this area to potential employers or educational institutions.Where could this lead me?If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.Teacher

The Art of Photography

4

You will learn about photography as a visual art practice, and how this can help you to become an engaging and active photographer. You will explore the work and concepts of contemporary photographic artists, which may trigger a new interest in what you photograph. In addition to this, you will also learn some of the practical skills required to further explore photography in exciting and creative ways. Finally, we look at the idea of a “digital darkroom” and explore ways that you can further your interest in photography through post-production knowledge and techniques.What will I learn?How to understand exposure and digital captureThe “language” of creative expression and how this can improve your own photographyIdentify pixels and levels and how they construct a photographic imageHow to use key features on your digital cameraWhat is RAW, and the reasons why you should use itThe key contemporary photographic narratives, and ways in which they can help you think about your own photographyHow a lens draws the image, and how this can help you make more effective compositionsHow aperture and shutter speed worksHow to understand some of the tools and functions of image editing softwareHow to navigate some of the hardware choices available to contemporary photographersWays to consider what kind of photographer you might be, and ways this can help you to determine subject matterWhere could this lead me?If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.ArtistProfessional photographerCreative professional

Leadership: Identity, Influence and Power

4.5

Leadership; Identity, Influence and Power, examine the recent research in social psychology and business to provide you with the practical guidelines and actions that will help you develop and sustain your leadership.To understand why leadership is so popular a topic we begin with a close examination of the “Romance of Leadership” – the myths of leadership and the tendency to misattribute organisational outcomes to great leadership. We’ll also look at the history and underpinnings of much leadership theorising to understand the ideas of power, authority and charisma.In later modules we explore the dominant leadership theories and the need for a new approach to leadership. Under this new psychology of leadership – also known as the Social Identity theory of Leadership - we uncover 4 rules for leadership built upon an understanding of group psychological processes rather than the individual psychology of leaders.We conclude with the key skills and practices of leadership – skills and practices that you can learn and perfect. To help you with this, you will work on your own leadership development plan.What will I learn?Describe the problem of attribution error in discussing leadershipExplain the key differences and similarities between the major leadership theoriesDescribe the relationship between leaders and followersExplain the differences between having power through others and power over othersExplain the 4 rules for effective leadershipUnderstand how to apply the 3 practices of leadershipDescribe when, how and why leadership failsWhere could this lead me?If you're wondering what your future could look like in this area, here are some potential careers you could head towards.Leadership and supervisory roles in public and private sectorsSports leadershipSocial work