University of Canterbury Courses

Supporting Employee Wellbeing

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Psychologically healthy workplaces are increasingly becoming a prerequisite for high performance. But how can organizations create workplaces that support and promote wellbeing among employees? Using psychological theories and the latest research, this course explores factors which promote wellbeing and create inclusive workplaces, where employees are able to perform at their best. We will start by defining wellbeing and how it links to other concepts that we’ve discussed in the course, like engagement. We’ll talk about what factors promote wellbeing at work and how organizations can ensure these factors are in place. Another key topic in this course is how to prevent stress and burnout, and we’ll spend our next section learning about what these concepts mean, how they are related to each other and to wellbeing, and how they can be prevented. The concept of work-life balance is often discussed in media as an important factor, and we’ll take a good look at what this is, how it relates to wellbeing, and how it can be supported by organizations.Next, we move on to psychological safety and inclusion, two related and increasingly important topics in the workplace. We’ll look at how to create psychologically safe workplaces and how this supports inclusion, and performance.Finally, we’ll spend some time exploring the role of meaningful work for wellbeing, how employees can be supported in feeling like their jobs matter, and what employees can do themselves to feel better about their work.This course is part of the UCx Micromasters in Organisational Psychology, each teaching key topics that will increase your knowledge about this exciting field. In order to qualify for the MicroMasters Credential you will need to earn a Verified Certificate in each of the five courses

Organizational Psychology

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Organizational psychology is a quickly growing field due to the importance of work in people’s lives. Given the amount of time most of us spend at work, it is important to create workplaces that have a positive impact on employees, and support productivity. This MicroMasters introduces this exciting and dynamic field, by presenting topics that are relevant to anyone interested in understanding working life better through learning more about the psychology of work and organizations. You will learn about concepts and skills that can be directly apply to your own work situation.This program will be useful for anyone with some background in psychology, human resource management, or related areas, or anyone who is working, perhaps in a team leader or managerial role, and want to add knowledge and skills to their toolbox.The topics covered in this MicroMasters are selected to give an overview of the most salient processes that organizations deal with, from the perspective of how employees are affected by these processes and how they respond to them. Each course combines the latest research evidence with our own research on leadership and employee wellbeing, brought to life by examples from our own experience working with organizations. We are bringing selected parts of the University of Canterbury’s well established and trusted organizational psychology program to you.Completing the five courses will give you a deeper understanding of people at work, and how organizations can get the best out of their people. These courses also give you solutions to common workplace issues; getting the right person and motivating staff, how to promote psychologically healthy workplaces and create an inclusive climate where people thrive.To get the most out of these courses, we recommend that you complete all five, since the topics are linked to each other, and you will gain a deeper understanding, and be able to see how the different topics connect as you go through the courses.First, we start by focusing on recruitment and selection. Our second course focuses on how we get the best out of employees. We explore contemporary challenges for organizations, starting with reviewing aspects of leadership and how leaders play an important role in shaping organizational success. Then we move onto the topic of recurring changes and how employees and organizations are best supported through initiatives to support innovation. Finally, we explore factors that promote psychologically healthy workplaces.

Statistical Analysis in R

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Applied Statistical Data Analysis Using R professional certificate is directed at people with limited statistical background and no practical experience who have to do data analysis, as well as those who are “out of practice”. The course is practice orientated, aiming to give learners an understanding of why the method works, how to implement it using R, when to apply it and where to look if the particular method is not applicable in the specific situation.

Exploring Volcanoes and Their Hazards: Iceland and New Zealand

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In this course, you will learn the scientific terminology and skills of a field volcanologist. Unlike most courses, we will be taking you outside of the classroom. These field experiences are where volcanologists get their hands dirty and really learn the tools of the trade. We will take you on an interactive tour around Icelandic volcanoes where we will be talking to experts on location, digging holes to discover past eruptions, and hearing amazing stories of survival. We will discuss how to better manage volcanic hazards, using examples in New Zealand drawing on Māori knowledge. You will also get to explore rocks and landscapes while navigating around 360° videos and 3D landscapes and rock samples. You will gauge your learning all along the way, building knowledge and skills, and thinking about why volcanoes matter to you.

Text Analytics 1: Introduction to Natural Language Processing

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Introducing Natural Language Processing is part one of the Text Analytics with Python professional certificate (or you can study it as a stand-alone course). This first course introduces the core techniques of natural language processing (NLP) and computational linguistics. But we introduce these techniques from data science alongside the cognitive science that makes them possible.How can we make sense out of the incredible amount of knowledge that has been stored as text data? This course is a practical and scientific introduction to natural language processing. That means you’ll learn how it works and why it works at the same time.On the practical side, you’ll learn how to actually do an analysis in Python: creating pipelines for text classification and text similarity that use machine learning. These pipelines are automated workflows that go all the way from data collection to visualization. You’ll learn to use Python packages like pandas, scikit-learn, and tensorflow.On the scientific side, you’ll learn what it means to understand language computationally. Artificial intelligence and humans don’t view documents in the same way. Sometimes AI sees patterns that are invisible to us. But other times AI can miss the obvious. We have to understand the limits of a computational approach to language and the ethical guidelines for applying it to real-world problems. For example, we can identify individuals from their tweets. But we could never predict future criminal behaviour using social media.This course will cover topics you may have heard of, like text processing, text mining, sentiment analysis, and topic modeling.

Performance and Motivation at Work

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High performing employees is one of the most important contributors to successful organizations. But how can high performance be supported?In this course we will cover topics relating to managing for high performance, including motivating employees through goal setting and coaching, measuring performance accurately and fairly, and developing performance to support organizational goals. We will start by defining performance. Students will be able to describe what performance is and key factors contributing to high performance. We will then move on to exploring how employees can be motivated to perform – one of the cornerstones of high performance described in our first section. Students will learn about some key models of motivation and how these can be used to motivate employees. Students will be able to describe important factors for a motivating work environment. Our next section will look at the key features of a good performance management system. Students will be able to describe what factors need to be in place, beyond motivation, and how organizations can design systems and processes to support performance. Students will also learn about the importance of leadership factors such as ongoing provision of feedback and coaching. Then we will look at performance measurement. Students will be able to describe different approaches, such as measuring results and behavior, and they will be able to describe how criteria and standards are formulated to capture performance. They will also learn about the importance of accuracy (validity) and fairness in performance ratings. The last section will focus on some recent developments and challenges to performance management. Students will learn about some of the ongoing debates in this area and get an idea of what some have suggested is the future of high performance in organizations.

Teaching Computational Thinking

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This course is designed to show you how to teach computational thinking to children aged 7-12+. The course will be valuable to you, whether you are new to this approach or an enthusiastic practitioner. It offers ways to explore computational thinking using simple tools readily available in classrooms and homes, such as cards, chalk and scales to engage with students.Based on the content in the popular open-source CS Unplugged website (csunplugged.org), this course demonstrates how to teach computational thinking from unplugged to plugging-it-in with programming. Each module will weave in the following: Connections to apply CS Unplugged into classroom programmes by structuring the modules to have suitable activities that lead on from each other.An explanation of why we value computational thinking in the classroomWhat is the big picture around computational thinking (especially, what is computation, and how does it fit with all the definitions of computational thinking that teachers may encounter),The “so what” about each concept, how it connects to people, and where you see it in everyday lifeStories of history – human connections

Antarctica in a Changing Climate

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This course introduces participants to the ecological and physical characteristics of the Antarctic environment and Antarctic governance. It has a particular focus on current environmental policies in place to protect Antarctica and future policy and governance needs. The exceptional nature of the Antarctic climate and ecosystems will be explored, along with the current state and predictions based on further human-induced climate change. A suite of potential future implications of environmental change for Antarctic governance will also be examined.

Basics of Statistical Inference and Modelling Using R

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Basics of Statistical Inference and Modelling Using R is part one of the Statistical Analysis in R professional certificate.This course is directed at people with limited statistical background and no practical experience, who have to do data analysis, as well as those who are “out of practice”. While very practice oriented, it aims to give the students the understanding of why the method works (theory), how to implement it (programming using R) and when to apply it (and where to look if the particular method is not applicable in the specific situation).

Leadership for Contemporary Organizations

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Leaders influence an organization’s strategic direction, culture, and day-to-day operations. In this course, we will highlight the complexity of leadership processes, and show that leader effectiveness is best understood by considering workplace dynamics and the organization’s external environment.The course will cover some of the big questions related to leadership. Why do organizations need leaders? Is there one ideal way to lead? How do leaders and leadership development contribute to organizational development? Exploring these questions will be of value to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of leadership and how to maximize its positive impact at work.We begin with a brief overview of leadership history, from the ancient world to the present day, which explains how we arrived at contemporary mainstream leadership frameworks.Our next section will focus on leadership traits and behaviors; students will learn about the traits and behaviors most commonly attributed to effective or ineffective leaders, and how context influences these relationships.We will then question what is expected from leaders, and why people choose to pursue leadership roles. Students will learn about the role of leader identity and emotions in leadership processes and organizational outcomes.Next, we will look at leadership development with a particular focus on coaching. Students will be able to explain the impact and limitations of coaching as a leadership development technique, and how to assess its effectiveness.Our final section describes how leaders foster engagement and sense of meaningful work among employees. This course is part of the UCx Micromasters in Organizational Psychology, and each key topic will increase your knowledge about this exciting field. In order to qualify for the MicroMasters Credential you will need to earn a Verified Certificate in each of the five courses.

Bayesian Statistics Using R

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Bayesian approach is becoming increasingly popular in all fields of data analysis, including but not limited to epidemiology, ecology, economics, and political sciences. It also plays an increasingly important role in data mining and deep learning.This program provides a practical introduction to applied Bayesian data analysis, combining theory, philosophy and computational facility with the emphasis on formulating and answering real life questions. The two courses provide a broad overview of the fundamentals of Bayesian inference via clear practical examples and may serve as a stepping stone towards any other, more specialized, topic in Bayesian statistics.

Sustainability: Energy Transition

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Explore sustainable energy with the experts at the University of CanterburyTo tackle the climate crisis, it’s important for us all to understand the complex problems we face and the significant transformational changes required.On this three-week course, you’ll identify how energy plays a substantial role in our ability to secure a sustainable future.Guided by the experts at the University of Canterbury (UC) College of Engineering (COE), this course will help you explore the relationship between energy and emissions, and the effects of climate change on the environment and our future.Understand the complexity of our current energy systemsYou’ll explore why our present energy systems are unsuitable as you identify the changes needed to work towards a sustainable future.You’ll learn about the complexities of these systems and the need to take into account different parameters, including economic viability, so you understand the many factors to consider in energy transition.Explore the limitations of renewable energyWith an understanding of our current energy systems, you’ll examine the limitations of renewable energy to help you explore solutions to tackle the challenges we face.You’ll also explore the principle of energy transition and the concept of Energy Return on Energy Invested (ERoEI) for a deeper understanding of energy systems.By the end of this course, you’ll have the knowledge to recognise the limitations of our current energy systems and identify the path to energy transition and sustainability.This course is suitable for anyone interested in contributing to building a sustainable future.It will be particularly of interest if you want to learn about the role of the energy transition in securing sustainability.

Smart Cities: Social Change Through Technology

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Gain insights into smart cities from the experts at the University of CanterburySmart cities harness the power of digital technology. Through innovative data collection, cities can use these insights to manage resources and operations more efficiently, and promote sustainable development.New Zealand is one of the world’s leading nations when it comes to implementing smart city design principles. This six-week course, presented by the University of Canterbury, gives you a detailed look at how this has been achieved, and how your city can do the same.Explore the infrastructure of New Zealand’s smart citiesThe course will take you on a journey across New Zealand, exploring smart city development in Christchurch in the south, the capital city of Wellington, and all the way up to Hamilton in the north.You’ll also see how smart life has the ability to drive social change as you explore real-life smart city projects such as solar-powered waste management and LED lighting.Understand how smart cities can address challengesYou’ll examine how smart city infrastructure can be used to overcome wicked problemsWith this understanding, and as you learn about the role of stakeholders and government in smart urban development, you’ll learn how you can apply smart life principles to your own city context.Explore the importance of citizens and communities to successful smart lifeYou’ll go beyond smart city principles to understand the value of the citizen in this infrastructure. This knowledge will help you explore how smart cities can tackle community challenges and improve the quality of life in these cities.By the end of this course, you’ll have the knowledge of smart city practices in New Zealand to understand how you can apply them closer to home.This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about smart cities, how they harness technology for social change, and the responsibility of citizens and governments in creating and maintaining them.

Introduction to Human-Robot Interaction

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Introduction to Human-Robot Interaction is part one of the Human-Robot Interaction professional certificate.This course provides a broad overview of the multidisciplinary topics central to modern Human-Robot Interaction research and introduces all the relevant background concepts; describing how robots work, how to design them, and the specifics of spatial and non-verbal interaction.

«Умные города» в Новой Зеландии

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Города. Возможно, Вы читаете это находясь в Мельбурне, Лондоне, Нью-Йорке, Шанхае, Сингапуре или, может быть, Окленде или Крайстчерче в Новой Зеландии.Бесспорно, что будущее – за городами. На сегодняшний день в городах проживает более 55% мирового населения, причем ожидается, что ближайшие десятилетия этот показатель увеличится до 70%, а города будут производить более 70% мировой экономической продукции. Но, признавая эту возможность, насколько хорошо мы понимаем, как функционируют города и городские сообщества?Рожденные на заре новой эпохи Интернета Вещей от слияния городской инфраструктуры, датчиков и приложений, «умные города» живут своей жизнью.Движимые желанием изменять жизнь к лучшему, такие компании, как SAP, Intel, Google, Siemens заинтересованы в создании «умных городов». Использование платформенных экосистем, основанных на взаимодействии и анализе данных, позволяет адаптировать ранее наработанный опыт для использования его локальными сообществами.Пользуясь достижениями технического прогресса, задумывались ли Вы когда-нибудь о том, как тесно связана наша жизнь с жизнью Города? Возможно ли решать проблемы, связанные с инфраструктурой, технологиями, ростом, устойчивостью и потребностями граждан, оставаясь верным принципам "умного города"? Какую роль играет правительство в координации, организации, проектировании, а также стимулировании поведения и действий, необходимых для превращения «умного города» в «умное сообщество»?Чтобы сформировать представление о том, как функционируют «умные города», в ходе этого курса Вы отправитесь в путешествие по Новой Зеландии, посетите Крайстчерч, город на юге, столицу Новой Зеландии – Веллингтон и завершите свой тур в г. Гамильтон на севере страны.Для нужд курса были взяты интервью у руководителей программы «Умный Город». Прослушав интервью, Вы узнаете, как местные городские советы Новой Зеландии реализуют на практике концепцию «умных городов».На примере уже реализованных проектов, таких как светодиодное освещение, использование солнечной энергии для утилизации отходов и многих других, Вы сможете лучше понять, как Новая Зеландия использует технологии для преобразования общества. Вы проанализируете роль всех заинтересованных сторон в поддержании стабильности экосистемы, а также узнаете, какие проблемы могут возникать в процессе создания и функционирования «умных городов». Наконец, Вы приобщитесь к делу развития Новой Зеландии, изучив возможности города, в котором проживаете. Взаимодействуя с другими участниками проекта, Вы сможете обсудить интересующие Вас вопросы, делиться мыслями и идеями.