JCU Open eBooks Catalogue – JCU Open eBooks

Fundamentals of Physics for Australian Universities

CC BY-NC (Attribution NonCommercial) English (Australia)

Author(s): Lauren Waszek, Gregory Boyle, Sara Brice, Scott Heron, Daniel Kosov, James Whinney

Subject(s): Physics

Publisher: James Cook University

Publication date: 2026-01-07

Last updated: 2026-04-09

This peer reviewed open text has been developed to align with the scope and sequence of most Australian university physics curricula, and provides a solid foundation for further study and careers in mathematics, science, and engineering. The book emphasises connections between theoretical concepts and practical application, promoting a rigorous yet accessible approach to problem solving skills in physics. It delivers comprehensive coverage of first and second year calculus-based physics topics, including mechanics, oscillations, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.

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Shakespeare's Major Plays: Volume 2

CC BY-NC (Attribution NonCommercial) 4 H5P Activities English (Australia)

Author(s): Cheryl Taylor

Subject(s): Biography, Literature and Literary studies, Education / Educational sciences / Pedagogy, Educational: Language, literature and literacy

Publication date: 2025-04-23

Last updated: 2026-03-26

This book is designed to assist upper secondary school and first and second-year university students in their reading and understanding of Shakespeare's plays. The plays selected for discussion are those that students are most likely to encounter in their early adventures with Shakespeare. Each discussion provides guidance on issues raised by each play and suggests approaches from which students can build original ideas and insights.

The book contains exercises that are designed to assist students to understand and remember the characters, plots and structures of Shakespeare's plays, as well as free full text copies of the plays.

Volume 2 includes Twelfth Night, Macbeth and King Lear. Shakespeare's Major Plays Volume 1 precedes Volume 2, and contains full free text copies and analysis of As You Like It, Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet.

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Exploring Sociology in the Antipodes: Introduction to Sociology – 1st Australian Edition

CC BY-NC (Attribution NonCommercial) English (Australia)

Author(s): Theresa Petray and Nick Osbaldiston

Subject(s): Sociology

Institution(s): James Cook University

Publisher: James Cook University

Publication date: 2023-04-28

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Designed to be relevant to a range of introductory sociology classes, this eBook weaves together ‘the canon’ of sociology with contemporary content, and material specifically relevant to learners in Australia and New Zealand. This gives students the necessary foundations to understand how sociology has emerged and developed in different contexts over time. The eBook ensures that readers are aware that this canon is the product of a number of factors and does not represent the limits of what sociology was and can be. Through an approach that recognises both the European classics and those not talked about enough, which includes sociology outside of the European and American scenes, the authors highlight classical and contemporary thinkers from a range of backgrounds.

This peer reviewed eBook includes interactive and multimedia resources to engage learners and demonstrate the dynamic, non-linear, and still-active nature of sociological theory. Even those sociological approaches which have long histories are still relevant and constantly adapting. This eBook includes up to date resources, such as statistics and other forms of data, to ensure the eBook is empirically grounded as well as theoretically developed.

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Legal Research Skills: An Australian Law Guide

CC BY-NC (Attribution NonCommercial) 19 H5P Activities English (Australia)

Author(s): The University of Queensland Library, James Cook University Library, University of Southern Queensland Library, Charles Darwin University Library, Southern Cross University Library, Queensland University of Technology Library, Deakin University Library, University of South Australia Library, Edith Cowan University Library, University of Tasmania Library, The Australian National University Library

Subject(s): Law, Primary sources of law, Sources of law: case law, precedent, Sources of law: legislation

Publication date: 2025-01-15

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Updated in 2026, this edition of the guide is designed to support students undertaking Australian legal studies and contribute to the development of research skills in Australian law schools.

An exciting feature of this edition includes a brand new chapter on Legal Research using Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI).

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Communicating with Confidence: Supporting People with Aphasia in Healthcare

CC BY-NC (Attribution NonCommercial) 5 H5P Activities English (Australia)

Author(s): Jodie Betts

Editor(s): Frances Cochrane

Subject(s): Speech and language disorders and therapy

Institution(s): James Cook University

Publisher: James Cook University

Publication date: 2026-03-23

Last updated: 2026-03-23

This learning resource was developed at James Cook University as part of a Research Honours project. It is designed to support healthcare students and clinicians in developing confidence and competence when communicating with people who have aphasia. The resource offers practical, evidence-based strategies that promote more inclusive, person-centred communication. It includes foundational knowledge about aphasia, alongside actionable techniques for using verbal, written, and visual supports in clinical practice.

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Foundations of Nursing Skills: A Comprehensive Guide for the Australian Context

CC BY-NC (Attribution NonCommercial) 225 H5P Activities English (Australia)

Author(s): Leisa Sanderson, Tracey Gooding, Penelope Coogan, Sandra Dash, Kate Hurley, Jessica Best, Amy McCrystal

Subject(s): Nursing fundamentals and skills

Publisher: James Cook University

Publication date: 2025-02-12

Last updated: 2026-03-09

This practical and accessible textbook equips nursing students with the essential knowledge and skills required to provide safe, person-centred care in a range of clinical settings. Written specifically for the Australian context, Foundations of Nursing Skills supports students to develop clinical reasoning, cultural responsiveness, and evidence-based skills. Featuring step-by-step procedures, case studies, and reflective prompts, this comprehensive guide is an indispensable resource for building the confidence and competence needed for contemporary nursing practice in Australia.
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Introduction to Health Science

CC BY (Attribution) 20 H5P Activities English (Australia)

Editor(s): Vicki Dunk

Subject(s): Biology, life sciences, Anatomy, Physiology

Institution(s): James Cook University

Publisher: James Cook University

Publication date: 2024-12-24

Last updated: 2026-02-17

This text focuses on the information that is typically assumed knowledge in a first semester, first year anatomy and physiology subject. It is a “what I wish I knew before I started my degree”. This text may be particularly helpful for students who didn’t take senior-level science subjects in Australian secondary schools.

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New Directions in Guidance and Counselling Research: 2022 Edition

CC BY-NC (Attribution NonCommercial) English (Australia)

Editor(s): Ben Archer

Subject(s): Social counselling and advice services, Counselling and care of students

Publication date: 2023-07-21

Last updated: 2026-02-17

Authentic assessment creates a more equitable and accessible educational experience. With this in mind, this book is a co-creation by a selection of 2022 cohort of students studying the Master of Guidance and Counselling at James Cook University. It is a showcase of the varied work of postgraduate students and demonstrates their passion for the field of guidance and counselling. The re-worked assessment presented here contributes to the growing body of knowledge in the field of counselling, as well as demonstrating the need for new directions of research in the Australian context.

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Cost-Benefit Analysis: A Practical Guide for Decision-Making

CC BY-NC (Attribution NonCommercial) English (Australia)

Author(s): Taha Chaiechi

Subject(s): Economics

Institution(s): James Cook University

Publisher: James Cook University

Publication date: 2025-07-16

Last updated: 2026-02-17

This book offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to economic evaluation in public policy. Drawing on years of academic, professional, and teaching experience, this book reimagines traditional CBA to meet the demands of today’s complex policy landscape. Blending foundational theory with modern approaches—including behavioural economics, non-market valuation, and dynamic modelling—it equips students, practitioners, and policymakers with the tools to make informed, equitable, and forward-thinking decisions. Whether you're new to CBA or looking to deepen your expertise, this guide provides both clarity and practical insight for real-world application.
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Introduction to Speech Pathology Practice: Foundational Concepts for Australian First-year Students

CC BY-NC (Attribution NonCommercial) 20 H5P Activities English (Australia)

Author(s): Frances Cochrane, Louise Brown, Deborah Denman, Roger Newman, Sophie Vigor

Editor(s): Frances Cochrane

Subject(s): Speech and language disorders and therapy

Institution(s): James Cook University

Publisher: James Cook University

Publication date: 2025-02-12

Last updated: 2026-02-17

This eBook is designed for emerging speech pathology professionals. This peer reviewed resource lays a strong foundation for first-year speech pathology students by covering the core principles and concepts for speech pathology practice. The eBook begins with an exploration of the anatomy involved in communication and swallowing, offering insights into how the structures of the human body support these crucial functions. It then delves into the core aspects of communication development, covering the typical progression of speech, language and literacy skills from infancy through adulthood. It offers students a framework for understanding both typical and diversity in development, essential for effective assessment and intervention. Linguistics is another key area covered, offering insights into the structure and function of language, including syntax, pragmatics, semantics, morphology, phonology, and phonetics. This understanding is crucial for diagnosing and treating communication disorders. The eBook advocates for culturally responsive practice, outlining strategies for delivering effective and sensitive care to clients from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the text addresses the practical application of foundational principles in assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders.
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Please note that while Google Translate is a useful tool, it will not produce a perfect translation