Bite-Sized Learning

Venue: Ebbw Vale Institute
Time: Thursday 16th & Friday 17th February 2012, 10.00am-4.00pm (10 credit module)

If you have ever wanted to plan an event but didn’t know where to begin, then this course is for you. You will learn the principles of designing, planning and running a multi-disciplinary event, as well as understanding how events have developed and grown, and now play a major role in today’s society.

To assist you with your own idea development and planning, you will be introduced to examples of existing events, helping you to apply these principles of success in relation to your own communities, organisations or interest areas. Practical examples as well as existing theory will help you to explore event staging, logistics and how to shut down and evaluate an event. 

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Venue: Ebbw Vale Institute
Time: Thursday 10th & Friday 11th May 2012, 10.00am–4.00pm (10 credit module)

This course aims to introduce you to what is required to set up and run a community sport/physical activity enterprise, as well as familiarising you with potential sources of funding to support your ideas, and also helping you to develop enterprise ideas based on sport and physical activity.

You will be introduced to examples of existing community sport projects and good practice to help you to develop new ideas in relation to your own communities, as well as learning about all the elements that need to come together to make your own project sustainable and successful.

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Venue: Learning Action Centre, Brynmawr
Time: Tuesday 10.00am–12.00pm (12 weeks)

Throughout our lives we all have to deal with issues of loss, change and transition. The issues are especially relevant in the South Wales community, particularly in the valleys, where the loss of the major heavy industries and a changing economic climate has had a profound impact on community and family life. This course will give you an insight into the ways we deal with these changes as a community and on a personal level.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: Learning Action Centre, Brynmawr
Time: Thursday 10.00am–12.00pm (12 weeks)

Are you interested in gothic fiction? Would you like to create your own piece of writing? This course will help you develop an understanding of the history of gothic fiction, along with its themes and trends. There will be an opportunity to analyse, draft, edit and produce a piece of your own work.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: 11, Gwent Shopping Centre, Tredegar
Time: Tuesday 12.45pm–2.45pm (12 weeks)

This course will look at the huge field of popular fiction and its relationship with literature. You will explore a range of texts, identifying themes and trends while looking at use of plot, character and literary technique. There will be an opportunity to analyse, draft and edit your own work with a view to producing a piece of creative writing.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: Learning Action Centre, Abertillery
Time: Tuesday 1.00pm-3.00pm (5 weeks)

Through the medium of film you will aim to identify key themes in the popular history of the First World War, as well as changing attitudes towards the First World War. During this course you will be introduced to a range of films about the First World War, including early documentary, the disillusionment genre, and satire. 

Each session will see you study a different film; you will be given the historical background to the making and production of each film, and will watch films/clips with specific questions in mind, providing you with material for reflective writing. Films to be studied include The Battle of the Somme, La Grande Illusion, All Quiet on the Western Front, Paths of Glory, and Oh What a Lovely War!

Course starts Tuesday 6th March 2012 (10 credit module) 

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Venue: The Gwent Archives, The Works, Ebbw Vale
Time: Tuesday 10.00am–12.00pm (12 weeks)

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Venue: 11, Gwent Shopping Centre, Tredegar
Time: Tuesday 10.00am–12.00pm (12 weeks)

E-crime is a reality: the annual financial losses are counted in millions of pounds. The last line of defence for the Information Security Officer is Forensic Computing and being able to investigate an e-crime is as important as being able to prevent it. This course will introduce the tools and techniques that are used by the police for identifying computer criminals, otherwise known as threat agents, once an e-crime has been realised and reported. You will also examine the legal and ethical responsibilities of the Computer Forensic Investigator.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: 11, Gwent Shopping Centre, Tredegar
Time: Thursday 10.00am–12.00pm (12 weeks)

This course will help you develop the skills and proficiency needed in building effective, cost efficient computers. You will increase your ‘hands on’ practical experience of hardware and software, while widening your understanding of the issues surrounding computer maintenance in the small organisation. The course will also help you to make competent decisions around designing, purchasing, upgrading and troubleshooting a modern computer system to suit a variety of situations. Ideally you will have previously studied computer maintenance and repair.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: 11, Gwent Shopping Centre, Tredegar
Time: Thursday 1.00pm–3.00pm (12 weeks)

This course will trace the development of the internet and look at how the process of producing web content has become an everyday activity that is so much a part of our lives. You will discuss the technical and aesthetic considerations involved in web design and have the practical experience of using a variety of tools to develop your own web site.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: Learning Action Centre, Ebbw Vale
Time: Wednesday 1.00pm-3.00pm (12 weeks)

This course will give you a general introduction to the work of philosophy through the ages and how you can apply this to the mysteries and challenges of everyday life. You will look particularly at Post Greek Philosophy and The Age of reason.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: 11, Gwent Shopping Centre, Tredegar
Time: Thursday 1.00pm–3.00pm (12 weeks)

To what extent is it true that a child is a ‘blank slate’ that we can, with the correct teaching, turn into anything we want? This course will look at scientific research around child development and try to find answers about the effects a child’s early development might have on its future.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: 11, Gwent Shopping Centre, Tredegar
Time: Friday 9.45am–11.45am (12 weeks)

This course will look at the psychological development of the child and the importance of love in normal development. It will also examine the effects of poor bonding and nurturing for children, adults, parents and step parents. You will also gain an insight into the causes and consequences of mistreatment of children and young adults.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: Hospice of the Valleys, Tredegar
Time: Starting February 2012 (10 credits)

This course is an introduction to palliative and end of life care and is therefore suitable for all registered health care practitioners working in either hospital or community care environments. The principles and practice of the palliative care approach are explored, along with developments in end of life care and its utilisation into everyday practice. The course will help you to develop knowledge and skills necessary to effectively care for clients and families receiving palliative care, as well as focussing on the important role of the multi-disciplinary team and interagency collaboration. 

The patient and family journey will be explored from diagnosis to end of life care recognising that death is an inevitable part of the palliative care process and issues pertinent to this will be explored. You will be introduced to the principles and practice of caring for individuals faced with life threatening, life limiting illnesses irrespective of their diagnosis. The importance of using evidence based practice whilst acknowledging the wide diversity of patients will be examined.

*At time of going online this course is subject to approval

**Employment in a social care setting is required. 

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Venue: Learning Action Centre, Ebbw Vale
Time: Monday 1.00pm–3.00pm (12 weeks)

‘Healthy Living’ is currently a hot topic for most of us and this module will introduce you to the various factors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Topics covered include; food related illnesses (diabetes, cancer, allergies, cardio vascular diseases), the links between stress and lifestyle, body image and exercise as elements of a healthy lifestyle.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: Learning Action Centre, Brynmawr
Time: Wednesday 5.00pm–7.00pm (12 weeks)

What do you think of as a social problem? This course will look at social problems, the role of the family in today’s society and the influence of the mass media.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: The Octagon, Caerphilly Business Park
Time: Duration: 5 days - Starts 2nd February 2012

This course will be provided as a bite-sized, 20 credit module for anyone working or aspiring to be a middle manager in any sector. You will develop an understanding of the role leaders and managers have in ensuring that business goals and outcomes are achieved in organisations. UHOVI is partnering with Acorn to provide Leading to achieve business goals. Download the leaflet for more information

Dates of course:

2nd February, 16th February, 1st March, 15th March and 29th March 2012.

Download an application form

Venue: The Octagon, Caerphilly Business Park
Time: Duration: 4 days - Starts 26th April 2012

This course is aimed at practicing or aspiring middle managers to develop and take responsibility for their own professional and personal development, leadership skills, knowledge and behaviours. UHOVI is partnering with Acorn to provide Managing personal and professional development and will be delivered as a 20 credit bite-sized module. Download the leaflet for more information

Dates of course:

26th April, 10th May, 24th May and 7th June 2012

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Venue: The Library, Bargoed
Time: Monday 10.00am–12.00pm (12 weeks)

This course will help you to communicate and develop effective interviewing skills. It will assist you in using the correct strategy in order that you can support individuals in the right way. Topics covered include; personal and professional boundaries, listening skills, building trust, sensitive use of language, use of questioning and negotiating goals.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: The College @ Aber Valley (Abertridwr)
Time: Monday 1.00pm-3.00pm (5 weeks)

This practical writing module will help you to develop a good knowledge and range of writing skills and will introduce you to some of the elements of storytelling You will learn to write in a variety of genres, including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and scriptwriting. This course will help you to begin your story writing, developing structure and characters; poetry writing, non-fiction work (e.g. travel, autobiography), and a short introduction to writing for film will also be covered.

Throughout this course you will be encouraged to read widely and write independently. Participation in workshops as both a writer and a critic is essential, as you will also learn how to develop your basic skills in critical reading from a writer's perspective.

Course starts Monday 6^th February 2012 (10 credit module)

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Venue: Blackwood Miners' Institute
Time: Friday 10.00am - 12.00pm (12 weeks)

Are you interested in gothic fiction? Would you like to create your own piece of writing? This course will help you develop an understanding of the history of gothic fiction, along with its themes and trends. There will be an opportunity to analyse, draft, edit and produce a piece of your own work.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: The Twyn Centre, Caerphilly
Time: Friday 9.30am–11.30am (12 weeks)

This course will introduce you to travel writing, both fiction and non-fiction and its history. It will look at forms, themes and strategies while helping you, through a series of workshops, to write creatively about place and travel.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: The Twyn Centre, Caerphilly
Time: Friday 9.30am–11.30am (12 weeks)

This course will give you a general introduction to the work of philosophy through the ages and how you can apply this to the mysteries and challenges of everyday life. You will look particularly at Post Greek Philosophy and The Age of reason.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: Oxford House, Risca
Time: Tuesday 9.30am–11.30am (12 weeks)

Are our personalities all but decided by the time we are aged six as suggested by Freud? This course will give you an overview of important developmental stages that we, as human beings, pass through during birth, infancy, adolescence, adulthood and into our golden years. It will examine issues that arise during different stages of our lives and how we cope with these.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: White Rose Information & Resource Centre, New Tredegar
Time: Friday 12.30pm–2.30 pm (12 weeks)

Why do jurors who hear the same evidence frequently disagree about the proper verdict? What influences jurors’ decisions? How are they persuaded to believe certain evidence? Join the ‘Psychology of the Courtroom’ course and find out!

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: The Twyn Centre, Caerphilly
Time: Thursday 9.30am–11.30am (12 weeks)

What is stress and how does it affect the human body? This course will look at the psychological nature of stress, its management and the links between stress and ill health.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form

Venue: Blackwood Miners' Institute
Time: Monday 9.30am-12.30pm (6 weeks)

This course has been designed to help you to investigate what work related or voluntary opportunities are available to you. You will be asked to investigate relevant options that will develop your skills, qualifications and ultimately to develop and ensure your future employability and professionalism in the world of work. We will look at possible personal, societal and geographical barriers that may hinder your career choice and develop an action plan to overcome these.

By the end of this course you should have the skills to compile a career action plan; identify relevant career opportunities, potential employers and/or education opportunity, and be able to confidently ‘sell’ your personal package of skills and experience.

Course starts Monday 27th February 2012 (10 credits)

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Venue: Blackwood Miners' Institute
Time: Tuesday 9.30am-12.30pm (6 weeks)

If you are thinking of embarking on Higher Education study, this course could provide you with the skills needed to enhance your competence and confidence in practical study skills, as well as developing critical and reflective thinking about your studies. It will help you to apply these aspects of skill, knowledge and understanding to enhance your learning and to assess your strengths and weaknesses and develop appropriate response strategies.

During this course you will be guided through the process of researching for, planning, writing and editing an academic report or essay related to a chosen topic. Finally, you will gain the confidence and ability to adapt your written material in order to design and deliver short oral presentations.

Course starts Tuesday 3rd April 2012 (10 credits)

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Venue: The College Rhymney
Time: Tuesdays 7pm-9pm Starts November 2011 (20 credit module)

If you are fascinated by the Universe, this hands-on course is right for you! You will learn to ‘do’ astronomy as well as learn the science behind observing the sky. The course will develop your understanding of our place in the cosmos by practical observation under the night sky. Through it you can learn how to recognize the constellations, find the planets, watch meteor showers and use telescopes and cameras to observe and image various celestial objects. Students will have the opportunity to see some of the wonders of the universe on field trips to the Brecon Beacons, which has one of the darkest night skies in the UK.

Exploring the sky includes practical demonstration and personal development in recognising the constellations, the moon and planets, deep sky objects and other phenomena. You can create beautiful colour images of star clusters, nebulae or galaxies and learn how to use various software programmes to take and create images, learn about the lunar surface or find your way around the sky. This course emphasizes practical astronomy rather than physics and maths. There are no exams!

Your observational skills shall be augmented by practical work with telescopes and imaging instrumentation and software. You will also develop an appreciation of our astronomical heritage, tying modern astronomy to its mythical and cultural roots.

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Venue: Crownford House, Merthyr Tydfil
Time: Monday 6.00-8.00pm

This course aims to introduce you to the practice and skills of counselling in our contemporary society. Through a series of lessons, role-play and video workshops we will explore the concept and context of counselling from a basic skills perspective whilst also introducing wider related topics including supervision, self disclosure, self awareness, therapeutic relationship and personal development. This course will expand your knowledge of the multi-dimensional topics surrounding the counselling process.

Starts Monday 5th March 2012 (10 credit module)

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Venue: Crownford House, Merthyr Tydfil
Time: Monday 11.00am-1.00pm (6 weeks)

This course will focus on discussions around a range of different texts written by women, including a selection of poems; the collection of short stories edited by Jane Aaron, ‘A View Across the Valley: Short Stories by Women from Wales’; Jane Austen's ‘Pride and Prejudice’; and Helen Fielding's ‘Bridget Jones's Diary’. Using a variety of questions to help us, we will then as a group discuss these texts by asking a number of questions: What am I reading? What kind of text is it (e.g. prose, poetry, novel, classic, chick lit)? How do I make sense of this text? How does it relate to my experience? And finally, how does gender fit into this text?

Course starts: Moday 5th March 2012 6pm-8pm

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Venue: Crownford House, Merthyr Tydfil
Time: Weds. 25th & Thurs. 26th April, Weds. 2nd & Thurs. 3rd May, 10.00am -2.00pm (4 days)

During this course you will explore and learn to interpret, via visits and discussion, the historical area of your locality; you will analyse and discuss local sites and monuments of historical importance as well as historical texts and images. You will also discover the importance of digital resources when researching the history of your region, and within the group will work together to design and produce a digital resource relevant to your community, and to the local heritage and tourism sector.

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Venue: Crownford House, Merthyr Tydfil
Time: 5 weeks

The Sixties is a piece of historical shorthand that has remained enduringly influential. It informs everyday culture and plays a major role in structuring popular views of recent historical change. This course seeks to challenge the cliches of the 1960s and explain why we possess a particular vision of that decade. This course will look at the key changes in both politics and culture that occurred in this ‘iconic’ era, using film, TV and music as evidence, we will also look at whether these changes varied depending on social class and region.

This course is worth 10 credits. It has currently been deferred till May 2012. Further details will follow.

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Venue: Crownford House, Merthyr Tydfil
Time: Starts 26th April 2012

The aim of this course is to equip you with the skills and knowledge to practice in the field of safeguarding children in a safe and effective manner; not only understanding the principles of protecting children from harm and abuse, but also being able to demonstrate a knowledge of the appropriate theory, law and policy in practice, and knowing the appropriate actions to be taken when child abuse is suspected. This course will also cover the nature of childhood and vulnerability; social construction of the family and family functioning, as well as the nature and origin of mistreatment of children and young people. We will also look at the philosophy and principles of safeguarding children, covering also the legal and ethical perspectives.

Course Dates: Thursday 26th April, Friday 27th April, Thursday 31st May and 1st June 2012.

*Students need to be in a relevant place of work or practitioners (10 credit module)

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Venue: Crownford House, Merthyr Tydfil
Time: Monday 6.00pm-8.00pm (10 weeks)

The aim of this course is to introduce you to the key issues affecting heart health. This course has been designed for those who wish to improve their own and their family’s health, as well as for those who wish to share this information with their community. In conjunction with the British Heart Foundation’s Healthy Hearts Campaign, you will explore the following topics:

Cardiac anatomy & physiology; the pathophysiology of coronary heart disease; symptoms of coronary heart disease and heart attack; basic life support; modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors; making changes; introduction to screening; blood pressure and hypertension; physical activity; dealing with stress; smoking cessation; preventing diabetes; healthy eating; delivering the Healthy Hearts Kit in the community. At the end of this course you will also have the opportunity to complete the BHF training to deliver the Healthy Hearts message in the community.

Course starts Monday 5th March 2012 (20 credit module)

*At the time of going online this course was subject to validation.

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Venue: Crownford House, Merthyr Tydfil
Time: Saturday 10.00am-12.00pm (5 weeks)

This course aims to provide you with an overview of human anatomy and physiology as a means to preparing you for further, more in-depth study, e.g. Tai Chi Teaching.

Each week of this course will cover a specific topic, for instance session one will look at the history of the study of anatomy and physiology from Grecian times until the present. Anatomical/medical terminology will be introduced, along with terminology relating to body position, movement, etc. In week two we will explore the skeletal system and the structure of the joints, as well as examining the muscles, how they related to the skeletal system and the biomechanics of movement. Week three will see us cover the nervous system and how we relate to both our internal and external environments, as well as an exploration of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, their relationship to one another and the rest of the body.

In week four we will look at the digestive process with a brief overview of nutrition, highlighting the genitourinary system. The final week will review the function of the immune system including the lymph related organs and their immunological effects. By the end of this course you will have begun to understand the relationship between human anatomy and physiology and health.

Course starts Saturday 11th February 2012 (20 credit module)

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Venue: Crownford House, Merthyr Tydfil
Time: Tuesday 7.00pm-9.00pm (10 months)

Tai Chi Chuan, or “supreme, ultimate fist” is a Chinese internal or ‘soft’ martial art, known for its effectiveness in improving a variety of health conditions. Practised in a soft, slow, gentle and meditative manner, tai chi can help develop a deep sense of relaxation, reducing stress and enhancing energy levels.

This course is made up of two main components: theory including the history and philosophy of Tai Chi, and the practical side: learning the form, methods of teaching, looking at special populations, as well as small business management.

Training for this course is based around a series of solo ‘forms’; here you will learn the 54 move tai chi chuan form. This course will provide you with not only the moves needed to perform the 54 form in its entirety, but also to develop a basic understanding of the health applications inherent in each move. Other topics studied will include an overview of research into the efficiency of tai chi chuan for a number of health related issues including the cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. By the end of this course you will have gained a global picture of what can be done with Tai Chi, and where it can be used e.g. rehab centres, gyms, personal use, etc.

As part of this course - and in order to qualify for the teaching certificate - you will be required to undertake a further 20 credit module: ‘Anatomy and Physiology’*. Without successful completion of this course you not be able to gain accreditation for the teaching certificate.

*As this extra course is over and above the UHOVI 20 credit Bursary Scheme, there will be a cost incurred for those undertaking the ‘Anatomy and Physiology’ course.

Course starts Tuesday 14^th February 2012 (20 credit module)

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Venue: Crownford House, Merthyr Tydfil
Time: 5 day course - 9.00am-4.00pm

This course aims to provide you with an understanding of the rational behind the use of Renewable and Alternative Energy Sources; we will look at the potential of Renewable and Alternative Energy as a key solution to the energy problems of the 21st Century, and gain an understanding of the policy and legislative drivers associated with its use. We will look at a number of key issues around this topic including the history of Climate Change and its science; an introduction to the operating principles of Solar PV; as well as a brief history of wind power and the operating principles of micro wind. You will also gain an understanding of the operating principles of solar thermal and the main types of devices used for commercially available solar thermal panels; be given an introduction into the operating principles and economics of hydro power and river hydro schemes, with a focus on the heads of the valleys region.

Finally we will look briefly at the economics and operating systems of heat pumps, as well as the definition of Bio-fuels and Bio-energy. By the end of this course you should have gained an understanding of the benefits and disadvantages of renewable and alternative energy technologies.

Course starts Monday 5th March 2012. 5 day course ending Friday 9th March (10 credit module)

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Venue: Online learning
Time: Starting April 2012 - Online* - (20 credit module)

This course will enable the support worker to develop an understanding of the theoretical knowledge and skills that underpin meeting the fundamental care and support requirements of the individual, in ways consistent with the policies and practices of the employing organisation. The course will introduce you to the concepts of care and support and their application to practice, including holism, holistic assessment, respecting diversity, individual preferences and differences. We will also look at enabling approaches to person-centred care and support planning which help empower individuals to make decisions about what they want to happen in their lives. The impact of culture, religion, spiritual beliefs, gender and sexuality on health, illness and disability will also be studied, as will infection control and principles of asepsis.

Through this course you will develop an understanding of the importance of nutrition, and food hygiene, hydration and elimination. Communication strategies and skills with the patient and their family, and how to identify barriers to communication will be studied, as well as how to develop therapeutic relationships. Personal and professional development topics include an introduction to professional, legal and ethical codes of conduct. We will also look at how to maintain dignity, respect and confidentiality of the individual, as well as consent, record-keeping, safeguarding, reporting poor practice and risk assessment.

By the end of this course you will be able to demonstrate the ability to meet the essential care and support needs of the individual while applying the relevant principles, professional and ethical codes of practice to assure dignity, respect and confidentiality.

*This course will be delivered as an online distance learning module.

**Employment in a social care setting is required.

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Venue: Online learning
Time: Starting July 2012 - Online* - (20 credit module)

This course aims to provide you with the knowledge related to medicines management including the pharmacology and use of common types of medication, the techniques for administering medication and how to receive, store and dispose of medication safely, and how to support others in the use of medications.

Topics covered will include an Introduction to Pharmacology; Pharmacodynamics and what it is; an introduction to the BNF; a summary of major drug groups; Medication: the handling of, the correct administration of, as well as the difficulties associated with medication; the storage and correct disposal of medication; record keeping and safe dosage calculation; as well as consent, and understanding the legal and ethical responsibilities in regard to drugs administration.

Furthermore this module will introduce you to the legislative framework for the use of medication in social care settings; including promoting the rights of the individual when managing medication and correctly recording and reporting its use.

*This course will be delivered as an online distance learning module

**Engagement with relevant employment required

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Venue: Coleg Morgannwg - Pontypridd
Time: Monday 10am-12.30pm (15 weeks)

This course is an introduction to Creative Writing, and is aimed at anyone with an interest in starting to write creatively, or for those who wish to improve their writing skills. You will be encouraged to write regularly, to discover new ways of writing, and to broaden the scope of your imagination, ultimately producing original prose fiction texts. You will look at how to get started, how to use memory as a trigger for writing, how to fictionalise personal experience, shape a story, and add dialogue. The course will help you to develop skills in writing as well as how to be critical about your own writing, and to criticise and discuss constructively the writing of others. By the end of this course you will have made progress towards developing your own ‘voice’, combining form and subject personal to you.

Download an application form

Venue: Coleg Morgannwg - Aberdare
Time: Friday 1.00pm - 3.30pm (15 weeks)

This course is an introduction to Creative Writing, and is aimed at anyone with an interest in starting to write creatively, or for those who wish to improve their writing skills. You will be encouraged to write regularly, to discover new ways of writing, and to broaden the scope of your imagination, ultimately producing original prose fiction texts. You will look at how to get started, how to use memory as a trigger for writing, how to fictionalise personal experience, shape a story, and add dialogue. The course will help you to develop skills in writing as well as how to be critical about your own writing, and to criticise and discuss constructively the writing of others. By the end of this course you will have made progress towards developing your own ‘voice’, combining form and subject personal to you.

Course Starts Friday 10th February 2012

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Venue: Coleg Morgannwg - Aberdare
Time: Thursday 1.00pm–3.00pm (6 weeks)

This course explores cinematic versions of American history, with particular emphasis on how feature films and documentaries represent and interpret history. We will question what impact these portrayals of real historical events and characters had on American society. And we will discuss whether film makers have a responsibility to depict history accurately. We will also explore how various ethnic groups are portrayed in Hollywood movies, and will analyse the historical, political, and social consequences of those depictions.

Course starts Thursday 1st March 2012 (10 credit module)

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Venue: TBC
Time: Starting March 2012 - 5 weeks (10 credit module)

This course aims to develop an awareness of the financial environment in relation to personal finance, and to provide an understanding of the techniques, products and principles of personal financial planning. We will look at budgeting, income and expenditure, debt and financing, as well as savings and other investments.

By the end of this course you will have the skills to be able to devise a Personal Development Plan (PDP), and will be able to confidently demonstrate the ability to apply techniques of personal financial planning.

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Venue: TBC
Time: Starting March 2012 - 5 weeks (10 credit module)

This course aims to provide you with an awareness of the overall financial purpose of taxation and will also enlighten you on how to complete tax returns by preparing tax calculations, for self-employed, partnerships and small businesses.

*At the time of going online this course is subject to validation

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Venue: Coleg Morgannwg - Aberdare
Time: Tuesday 9.30am-12.30pm (15 weeks)

This course aims to broaden your understanding of lifestyle-related health issues, and how they are connected with both social and financial factors. Health promotion impacts on many aspects of care, and of daily life. This course will introduce you to the theories and concepts of health and health promotion, looking at the lifestyle factors affecting health, the impact of where you live as well as the impact your financial situation has on health. We will also discuss health promotion initiatives.

Course starts February 2012 (20 credit module)

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Venue: Prospect House, Treforest
Time: Wednesday 6.00pm-8.00pm (10 weeks)

Through a series of lectures as well as hands-on classes, this course aims to provide you with basic therapeutic massage skills at a clinical level. The course will also give you an introduction to basic anatomy and body structure, giving you the opportunity to develop the basic skills of therapeutic massage. And should you wish, this course will provide you with the basis to continue your study at a higher level or go on to consider a health care profession as a future career. 

Topics covered include Anatomy and Physiology; History of massage, definition of massage and effects of massage; the treatment environment; Emergency aid and recognition of injuries; Client assessment, including the positioning of the client, application of massage medium and choice of techniques; and finally we will cover Massage mediums, e.g. Practical techniques including effleurage, petrissage, trigger point and Cross friction techniques. By the end of this course you will be able to demonstrate basic therapeutic massage techniques for various areas of the human body as well as being able to competently employ basic assessment skills and select the appropriate therapeutic massage technique. 

Course starts Wednesday 22^nd February 2012 (20 credit module)

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Venue: Coleg Morgannwg - Aberdare
Time: Tuesdays 2pm-4pm Starts October 2011 (20 credit module)

If you are fascinated by the Universe, this hands-on course is right for you! You will learn to ‘do’ astronomy as well as learn the science behind observing the sky. The course will develop your understanding of our place in the cosmos by practical observation under the night sky. Through it you can learn how to recognize the constellations, find the planets, watch meteor showers and use telescopes and cameras to observe and image various celestial objects. Students will have the opportunity to see some of the wonders of the universe on field trips to the Brecon Beacons, which has one of the darkest night skies in the UK.

Exploring the sky includes practical demonstration and personal development in recognising the constellations, the moon and planets, deep sky objects and other phenomena. You can create beautiful colour images of star clusters, nebulae or galaxies and learn how to use various software programmes to take and create images, learn about the lunar surface or find your way around the sky. This course emphasizes practical astronomy rather than physics and maths. There are no exams!

Your observational skills shall be augmented by practical work with telescopes and imaging instrumentation and software. You will also develop an appreciation of our astronomical heritage, tying modern astronomy to its mythical and cultural roots.

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Venue: Trosnant House, Pontypool
Time: Wednesday 10.00am–12.00pm (12 weeks)

This course will look at the history and output of the British cinema in arguably, its heyday - the middle of the last century. You will examine the depiction of class and status in the British cinema, the impact of the coming of television, the British documentary tradition and the influence of Hollywood on the output of the British film industry.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

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Venue: Trosnant House, Pontypool
Time: Thursday 12.45pm–2.45pm (12 weeks)

This course will give you a fascinating introduction to Shakespeare’s dramatic works by selecting one play to study intensively, while using extracts from other plays as and when appropriate. You will develop close reading skills, looking particularly at the distinctive way in which Shakespeare used language for dramatic function and effect.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

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Venue: Church View, Blaenavon
Time: Tuesday 12.45pm–2.45pm (12 weeks)

This course will trace the development of the internet and look at how the process of producing web content has become an everyday activity that is so much a part of our lives. You will discuss technical and aesthetic considerations involved in web design and have the practical experience of using a variety of tools to develop your own web site.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

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Venue: TBC
Time: Thursday 1.00pm–3.00pm (5 weeks)

This course will introduce you to some key issues raised by the conflict in the Middle East.

1. Jerusalem: At the Centre of Storm
2. The British Mandate
3. The Zionist Case
4. Palestinian Nationalism
5. Radical Islam
6. The Road to Peace

Classes will provide you with basic contextual information, and allow for questions to raise issues and problems. The lectures will explain the context within which the documents were produced, and will equip you with the skills to commence analysing them. The discussions that follow will provide you with material that could be placed in a reflexive journal.

Course starts Thursday 19th April 2012 10:30am - 12:30am (10 credit module)

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Venue: Trosnant House, Pontypool
Time: Thursday 1.00pm–3.00pm (12 weeks)

Are our personalities all but decided by the time we are aged six as suggested by Freud? This course will give you an overview of important developmental stages that we, as human beings, pass through during birth, infancy, adolescence, adulthood and into our golden years. It will examine issues that arise during different stages of our lives and how we cope with these.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

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Venue: Garndiffaith Millennium Hall
Time: Wednesday 12.45pm–2.45pm (12 weeks)

This popular module will show you how important psychology can be in explaining how we develop throughout our lives into social and sometimes unsocial human beings. It will look at how and why we can be capable of prejudice against different groups and individuals according to, for example, their gender, race, sexuality and mental health.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

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Venue: Trosnant House, Pontypool
Time: Tuesday 6.30pm–8.30pm (12 weeks)

This course will look at how our behaviour can change when others are present. You will examine how and why we conform and obey others, our behaviour as bystanders and who makes an effective leader of others.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

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Venue: Trosnant House, Pontypool
Time: Thursday 10.00am–12.00pm (12 weeks)

This course will provide you with the key tools to improve your learning. The skills you will gain will not only help you with any studies but also in the workplace. Topics covered include; reading techniques, academic writing, note taking, seminars and presentations.

This course has now started. A similar course will begin in April. Please contact our enquiries line on 0800 1223 220 or 01685 726156 or email us enquiries@uhovi.ac.uk for more information.

Download an application form