Nature and Wellbeing (5cr)

Objectives (course unit)

The student
- understands how knowledge on nature and sensory perception combine in his/her experiencing nature
- understands how nature promotes health and wellbeing
- is able to plan and carry out health and wellbeing promoting activities in nature in co-operation with professionals/students presenting other fields
- becomes responsive to experiences and is able to use experiencial methods in nature activities
- is able to conduct activities in accordance with local legislation on the use of natural areas and is able to lead nature activities safely.

Content (course unit)

The health and wellbeing promoting effects of nature The perception of nature – the connection of landscape and experiences Methods of experiencial nature activities in recreation and health promotion Guiding groups in nature Safety and legislation in nature activities Making nature and nature experiences more accessible

Exam schedules

No exams

Assessment methods and criteria

The evaluation is based on achieving the following objectives:
The student
- understands how knowledge on nature and sensory perception combine in his/her experiencing nature
- understands how nature promotes health and wellbeing
- is able to plan and carry out health promoting activities in nature in co-operation with professionals/students presenting other fields
- becomes responsive to experience and is able to use experiencial methods in nature activities
- is able to conduct activities in accordance with local legislation on the use of natural areas and is able to lead nature activities safely.
To pass the course successfully the student should
make a presentation of the relationship of humans and nature in his/her home country, plan and guide a nature trail or exercises in nature, study a particular way of using nature therapeutically and present the results to the group, participate actively and write an individual reflective diary.
Evaluation Passed/Failed

Assessment scale

Pass/Fail

Teaching methods

Lectures and discussions
Tutor activities (Problem Based learning is used on the course)
Individual reflective diary
Trips, excursions
Planning a nature trail or set of activities

Learning materials

The following material is used
Cornell: Sharing nature with children.
Eyre 1991: Seasonal activities.
Palmer 1998: Environmental education in the 21st century; theory, practice, progress and promise.
Toyey: Playing outdoors; spaces and places, risk and challenge
Tabula is used on the course

Further information

Spring 2016 4th period. Starting on 11th March on Fridays 12.30-16.00 and Wednesdays 16.15-19.00. Classrooms will be informed later.