3.5 Course Overviews: "N"
To speed your search, click on the appropriate alphabetical course reference:
NATIVE STUDIES (NTST)
Contact course coordinators for information about the development of home-study
offerings in Native Studies courses.
NTST 111
Introductory Cree I
3—Humanities
Delivery Mode: Paced study.
Prerequisite: None.
This is a beginners level course intended for students with no previous
knowledge of the Cree language. Through reading and speaking Cree, students will
develop an awareness and appreciation of the precision and immense vocabulary of
this highly expressive language. The course is designed to provide a solid
foundation for students intending to acquire fluency and university-level
writing ability in Cree.
Note: Only students who have not obtained credit in senior matriculation Cree
may take NTST 111 for credit towards a degree program.
NTST 112
Introductory Cree II
3—Humanities
Delivery Mode: Paced study.
Prerequisite: NTST 111. A senior high school Cree course is an acceptable
equivalent.
This course is intended for students with some previous knowledge of the Cree
language. Together with NTST 111, this course is designed to provide a solid
foundation for students intending to acquire fluency and university-level
writing ability in Cree.
Note: Only students who have not obtained credit in senior matriculation Cree
may take NTST 112 for credit toward a degree program.
NTST 200
Introduction to Native Studies I
3—Social Science
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced.
Prerequisite: None.
This course introduces the historical, anthropological, sociological, and
political science perspectives on the origins and implications of the major
federal and provincial government policies bearing on Native peoples. It
analyses, in broad terms, the history of indigenous-European relations from the
beginning of contact between the two groups to the present.
NTST 201
Introduction to Native Studies II
3—Social Science
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced.
Prerequisite: NTST 200 (I).
This course surveys the concepts of internal colonialism and decolonization that
are operative in the Canadian society. It analyses an internal colonial
relationship that exists between Canada's Native people and the Canadian federal
government. It specifically examines the Canadian federal government's policy of
Native self-government and how such a policy affects indigenous people
politically, socially, and economically. The course also brings a comparative
perspective to the analysis and evaluation of the process of decolonization
undertaken by indigenous peoples in Australia, New Zealand, and Greenland.
NTST 211
First Year University Cree
3—Humanities
Delivery Mode: Paced study.
Prerequisite: NTST 112 or knowledge of Cree as a first language. A senior high
school Cree course is an acceptable equivalent.
This course is intended for students with a working knowledge of Cree. It is
designed to help students feel comfortable and confident when conversing in Cree
with First Nations elders, Council members, family members, and friends while
also promoting an awareness of the spiritual dimension of the Cree culture. The
course starts off with a major review of Cree grammar and syllabics before
proceeding into a variety of oral exercises designed to build up the confidence
level of students who will be expected to do a number of oral presentations to
their peers.
NTST 212
First Year University Cree II
3—Humanities
Delivery Mode: Paced study.
Prerequisite: NTST 211.
This course is designed as a sequel to NTST 211. It is intended to consolidate
and expand the command of spoken and written Cree achieved by students who have
completed first year university Cree. Particular attention is given to the study
of the language in an appropriate social and cultural context.
NTST 342
Issues in Native Education
3—Humanities
Delivery Mode: Paced study.
Prerequisite: None.
This course examines historical attempts to mould the lives of Native peoples
through "Christianization and Civilization." Course topics examine the impact of
the contact experience of Native peoples and the results of their attempts to
adapt to a system that has been benevolent, yet has alienated them.
NTST 357
Contemporary Aboriginal Issues in Canada
3—Social Science
Delivery Mode: Paced study.
Prerequisite: None. NTST 200 (I) is strongly recommended but not required.
This course explores selected contemporary social, economic, and political
issues surrounding the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. The course examines five
main themes: 1) historical background related to the traditional Aboriginal,
social, economic, and political institutions; 2) Canadian federal government
"Indian Policy of Assimilation" based on the BNA and the Indian Act; 3)
self-government as perceived by Aboriginal peoples; 4) fiscal arrangement and
the delivery of programs and services in indigenous communities; and 5) the
implementation of the federal and provincial governments' policy of economic
development in Aboriginal communities.
NTST 358
Aboriginal Women in Canadian Contemporary Society
3—Social Science
Delivery Mode: Paced study.
Prerequisite: None.
This course examines the social, political, economic, and psychological
situations of Aboriginal women in relation to Aboriginal communities and the
dominant society. It deals with issues such as roles of Aboriginal women in
their communities, the experience and effects of residential schooling, patterns
of abuse, the context of colonial systems, women's spirituality in First Nations
traditions, paths to reclaiming self-efficacy, and other current issues
affecting Native peoples of Canada.
NTST 368
History of Canada' s First Nations to 1830
3—Humanities
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in either Canadian history or Native studies are
strongly recommended but not required.
This course provides an introduction to the history of First Nations peoples of
Canada from earliest times to 1830. (A related course, NTST 369, deals with the
period after 1830.) The course examines First Nations peoples' early history,
development of agriculture and permanent settlements, civilizations in the
Americas, and the character of the societies of the First Nations peoples and
Europe on the eve of European contact.
NTST 369
History of Canada's First Nations from 1830
3—Humanities
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in either Canadian history or Native studies are
strongly recommended but not required.
This course provides an introduction to the history of Canada's First Nations
peoples from 1830 to the present day. It begins with the development of the
reserves system, and then examines the origins and assesses the outcomes of
British and Canadian government policies towards First Nations peoples. Also
studied are the development of various forms of resistance by First Nations
groups, and the growth of modern First Nations political movements.
NTST 370
The Métis
3—Humanities
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in either Canadian history or Native studies are
strongly recommended but not required.
This course traces the historical development of Canada's Métis from the period
of the fur trade to the present. It includes discussion and debates about the
origins of Métis nationalism, the validity of Métis land claims, and the
character of Métis struggles for social justice from the Seven Oaks rebellion of
1816 through the two Northwest rebellions to the present. Throughout there is an
attempt to examine the evolving character of Métis societies and the impact of
Euro-Canadian government policies on these societies.
NTST 390-391
Individual/Group Research Projects in Native Studies
3 each—Humanities
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced.
Prerequisite: 3 credits in Native studies are strongly recommended but not
required.
This courses enables students to focus their research activities or project
development on a specific area related to Native studies. Students provide a
research proposal of sufficient intellectual rigour, academic potential, and
detail for feedback for acceptance by the academic. The student must identify
research and objectives and attempt to achieve them with review and feedback
from the academic. Suggested topics include: Aboriginal Economic Development,
Health, Law, Politics, Education, and Justice.
NURSING (NURS)
Students are strongly encouraged to register in HLST 320 as the first course in the program. If an equivalent course to HLST 320 has been completed previously, you should register in ENGL 255 or NURS 322.
All 200- and 300-level courses are to be completed, or be in progress, before
you enrol in 400-level courses. To maximize your learning, the nursing and
non-nursing courses should be integrated and taken in sequence as outlined in
the "Suggested Seven-Year Plan" presented under 4.7 Bachelor of Nursing Post-RN
degree program. The agencies participating in practicum courses may request
students provide proof of a criminal record check at the students' expense. You
must be actively registered with the professional association of the
jurisdiction where you want to complete a practicum to be eligible to register
in practicum courses.
NURS 322
Introduction to Nursing Informatics
3—Applied Studies
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced. Computer access required.
Prerequisite: A regulated health professional (regulated by
Bill 22: The Health Professions Act).
Precluded course: NURS 322 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been
obtained for NURS 491.
NURS 322 is designed to introduce the many applications of information systems
and management to nursing practice, education, research, and administration.
Hardware, software, databases, communications applications, computer
developments, and associated legal and ethical issues are addressed. This course
is applicable to all health care professionals.
NURS 324
Concepts and Theories in Nursing Practice
3—Applied Studies
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced.
Prerequisite: RN diploma and ENGL 255.
Precluded: NURS 324 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been
obtained for NURS 444.
NURS 324 is an introduction to concepts and theoretical frameworks used in
nursing and to the contributions of selected nurse theorists. The concepts of
health, determinants of health, and health promotion are introduced. Students
are encouraged to develop a theoretical basis for their nursing practice.
NURS 326
Health Assessment and Health Promotion with Individuals
3—Applied Studies
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced.
Prerequisite: RN diploma: HLST 320 is recommended but not required. For BN
students: BIOL 230 or BIOL 235 is required. NUTR 330 or NUTR 331 is recommended
but not required.
Precluded: NURS 326 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been
obtained for NURS 450.
NURS 326 builds on previous health assessment skills emphasizing the
significance of health assessment in health promotion activities. Physical
assessment techniques are presented and the student's skill in performing a
head-to-toe physical assessment is evaluated. In partnership with a healthy
adult volunteer, the student develops nursing diagnoses and plans strategies to
achieve identified health promotion goals.
Note: There is an additional
equipment and examination fee of $45 to be paid directly to the Centre for
Nursing and Health Studies before the final exam.
NURS 327
Home Health Nursing
3—Applied Studies
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced.
Prerequisite: Permission of the professor; current nursing registration; proof
of immunization.
Precluded course: NURS 327 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been
obtained for NURS 493.
NURS 327 provides nurses with the knowledge to address complex health needs
within home settings. Concepts and principles of home and community-based care
are discussed. Short-term health needs, long-term health needs, and palliative
care needs are addressed. An analysis of trends and issues related to the
independent and interdependent roles nurses assume in home-based nursing
practice is included. Specific trends, issues, and needs of clients and families
living with HIV/AIDS in home settings are addressed throughout the course.
Students learn how, in partnership with individual clients and their caregivers,
to utilize the nursing process to provide primary, secondary, or tertiary level
client-centred care in a home setting.
Note: NURS 327 is a required course for the UC:HHN program, and an option course
for the BN program.
NURS 328
Understanding Research
3—Applied Studies
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced.
Prerequisite: A regulated health professional (regulated by
Bill 22: The Health Professions Act); HLST 320, NURS 322, and MATH 215.
Precluded course: NURS 328 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been
obtained for APST 325 or NURS 425.
NURS 328 is an introduction to the research process. Both the methods and the
analytical tools to evaluate research reports are presented. Students will
develop an ability to critically examine and review research literature. Both
quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry are addressed.
NURS 427
Issues in Home Health Nursing: Guided Independent Study
3—Applied Studies
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced.
Prerequisite: Permission of the professor; active RN registration; proof of
immunization; and transfer equivalency for all other UC:Home Health Nursing (UC:
HHN) program courses.
Precluded: NURS 427 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been
obtained for NURS 485.
NURS 427 provides a guided independent learning experience in home health
nursing, with the focus chosen by the student following discussion with the
tutor. The student develops a learning contract outlining learning strategies to
address an issue, problem, or topic of interest in home health nursing. A plan
to address these strategies is implemented and evaluated in relation to the
chosen field of study.
Note: This course is restricted to Athabasca University Home Health Nursing
(HHN) students who have received transfer credit for all the courses in the HHN
program. Students must discuss possible topic areas with the course professor
before registering.
NURS 432
Management and Leadership in Nursing Practice
4—Applied Studies
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced.
Prerequisite: Permission of the professor; active RN registration; proof of
immunization, and all required 200- and 300-level courses (except options).
NURS 432 is an introduction to the theory and practice of nursing management. A
practicum component is included. The emphasis is on understanding the critical
responsibilities of nurse managers, and the development of leadership skills.
The practice component is designed to increase the student's knowledge about the
activities, roles, and responsibilities of nurse managers and to enable the
student to practice conceptual, technical, and interpersonal management and
leadership skills.
NURS 434
Community Health Promotion
4—Applied Studies
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced.
Prerequisite: Permission of the professor; active RN registration; proof of
immunization, and all required 200- and 300-level courses (except options).
Precluded: NURS 434 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been
obtained for NURS 478.
NURS 434 is an introduction to the process of health promotion with population
groups. A practicum component is included. Students will complete a community
assessment and develop a health promotion-focused plan with a selected community
group using the nursing process based on a primary health-care model.
NURS 436
Family Health Promotion
4—Applied Studies
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced.
Prerequisite: Permission of the professor; active RN registration; proof of
immunization.
For BN program students: All required 200- and 300-level courses (except
options) and NURS 434.
For UC:HHN students: All required 200- and 300-level courses.
Precluded: NURS 436 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been
obtained for NURS 479.
NURS 436 builds on the concepts of health promotion and primary health care
introduced in NURS 326 and NURS 434.
A practicum component is included. The conceptual framework of the course is the
McGill model of nursing, and the implementation framework is the nursing process.
During the practicum students have the opportunity to promote health with
selected families in the community.
NURS 438
Trends and Issues in Nursing and Health Systems
3—Applied Studies
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced.
Prerequisite: All required 200- and 300-level courses except options.
Precluded: NURS 438 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been
obtained for NURS 489.
In this course students examine personal and professional values that influence
their conceptualization of issues in health care. Trends and issues in nursing
and health care are explored. Students choose an issue and apply a four-step
process that serves as a framework for achieving issue resolution. This process
includes strategies (political, ethical, marketing, and clinical) that nurses
can use to recognize trends and to address issues.
NURS 440
Senior Focus: Guided Independent Study
3—Applied Studies
Delivery Mode: Home study.
Prerequisite: Permission of the professor and all other program required courses;
active RN registration; proof of immunization.
Precluded course: NURS 440 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been
obtained for NURS 490.
Corequisites: Option courses.
NURS 440 provides a guided independent learning experience with the focus chosen
by the student following discussion with the tutor. The student develops a
learning contract outlining learning strategies to integrate professional
nursing concepts, health promotion activities, teaching, research, and
management knowledge. Strategies are implemented and evaluated in relation to
the chosen field of study.
Note: This course is restricted to Athabasca University Bachelor of Nursing
students and must be taken as the last course in the BN program. Students must
discuss possible topic areas with the course professor before registering.
NUTRITION (NUTR)
NUTR 330
Introductory Nutrition
3—Science
Delivery Mode: Home study. Computer access required.
Prerequisite: Permission of the professor. A senior-level high school chemistry
course is recommended but not required.
Precluded course: NUTR 330 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been
obtained for NUTR 331.
This a survey course that provides the scientific fundamentals of the current
understanding of nutrition. The course discusses the characteristics of the
major nutrients—carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals—and
describes their dietary roles. Also addressed are the topics of energy balance
and the evaluation of nutritional status. Students will use various resources,
including a computer program, to evaluate their own diets. (A computer disk for
an IBM-compatible computer is supplied in the course package.) As a senior level
science course, NUTR 330 may not be suitable for the general interest student.
It is intended primarily for students who plan to also take NUTR 405. General
interest students are advised to take NUTR 331.
NUTR 331
Nutrition for Health
3—Science
Delivery Mode: Home study or paced. Computer access required.
Prerequisite: A senior-level high school chemistry course is recommended but not
required.
Precluded courses: NUTR 331 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already
been obtained for NUTR 330 and NUTR 405.
This general course covers both the scientific fundamentals of nutrition and the
role of diet in the causation and prevention of major lifestyle-related diseases
(Western diseases). It combines much of the material from NUTR 330 and NUTR 405
but in a condensed form. Characteristics and dietary roles of the major
nutrients are covered and the same computer resource requirements are included.
(A computer disk for an IBM-compatible computer is supplied in the course
package.)
NUTR 405
Nutrition in Health and Disease
3—Science
Delivery Mode: Home study. Computer access required.
Prerequisite: NUTR 330.
This course focuses on the role of diet in the causation and prevention of the
major lifestyle-related diseases (Western diseases). Areas covered include heart
disease, hypertension, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and colon disease. The course
also includes nutrition at different stages of the life-cycle and its role in
exercise. It emphasizes the research evidence and methods on which our present
understanding of nutrition is based. (A computer disk for an IBM-compatible
computer is supplied in the course package.)
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