Introduction

The study programme provides students with practical skills, knowledge, attitudes and experiences related to nature, the environment, culture and outdoor activities. The main emphasis will be on acquiring a solid grasp of basic skills in simple outdoor activities in a variety of natural environments; on gaining practical experience with pedagogical problem-approaches associated with teaching; and acquiring specialised insight into topics related to outdoor activities, society, culture, nature and the environment.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

The target group includes applicants who meet general admission requirements and who are seeking a professional education in subjects related to nature, the environment and outdoor activities. The programme provides students with an interdisciplinary education which will primarily provide the skills necessary for jobs associated with nature, the environment and outdoor activities. The programme may, in combination with other studies, provide a background for work in schools; voluntary organisations; the public sector; the travel industry; health, rehabilitation and social work and other fields.

The students must have completed a Red Cross first-aid course or the equivalent (of at least 15 hours’ duration), before undertaking their initial independent expedition in the programme. This must be prior to course number 1211. Students who can document that they have completed the first-aid course or its equivalent in the last 3 years will receive credit for the course.

Students must meet general admission requirements.

Aim of the Programme

The study programme aims to provide students with an interdisciplinary education in nature, health, environment and outdoor activities. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between living organisms and environmental conditions, and especially humankind's place in nature. The study programme will provide students with solid practical skills in outdoor activities. It lays the foundation for an active commitment to nature and outdoor activities, with particular focus on outdoor activities as a phenomenon, their history, development and management. Students will acquire extensive skills to prepare them for work related to the mediation of outdoor activities, natural sciences topics and cultural traditions. The programme will provide students with the necessary foundation to study at Master’s degree level in the subject area of outdoor life; pursue a Master’s degree in Physical Education, Sport & Outdoor Life Studies at the Department of Sports and Outdoor Life Studies; or enrol on programmes in the subject area of natural sciences at the Department of Environmental and Health Studies.

Further Education opportunities

This is an independent 3-year foundation study programme which comprises 180 ECTS credits, and successful candidates will be awarded a Bachelor’s degree. The programme qualifies students for admission to Master’s programmes in outdoor life and environmental and health studies. If students complete a 1-year Teacher’s Education programme this will provide them with the necessary competence to work as a senior teacher in secondary schools.

Curriculum and structure

BA Nature & Outdoor Studies Code Course title Credits O/V *) Credits pr. semester   S1(A) S2(V) S3(A) S4(V) S5(A) S6(V) 4006 Climate, Energy and the Environment 10.00 O 10           4008 Outdoor Life, Hunting and Fishing 10.00 O 10           4011 Biology and the Environment 1 10.00 O 10           4012 Biology and Environment 2 10.00 O   10         4010 Man and Views on Nature 10.00 O   10         4009 Geology and Landscape 10.00 O   10         1260 Outdoor Activities with Guide Training I: Forest/Mountains, Coast and Waterways 15.00 O     15       1261 Outdoor Life and Society I 15.00 O     15       1262 Outdoor Life, Winter I 15.00 O       15     1263 Outdoor Life Pedagogy with Practical Specialisation I 15.00 O       15     1264 Outdoor Activities with Guide Training II: Mountains/Glaciers, with Optional Specialisation 15.00 O         15   1265 Outdoor Life and Society II 15.00 O         15   1266 Outdoor Life, Winter II 15.00 O           15 1267 Outdoor Life Pedagogy with Practical Specialisation II 15.00 O           15 Total: 30 30 30 30 30 30 *) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

The study programme provides students with practical skills, knowledge, understanding and experience related to nature, the environment, culture and outdoor activities. The main focus of the first year of study is on themes from the subject area of natural sciences, while the second and third years primarily emphasise outdoor life themes, with the possibility of combining with topics from natural sciences and environmental subjects. The main emphasis is placed on acquiring solid basic skills in simple outdoor life activities in a variety of environments; gaining broad experience of educational issues related to teaching; and gaining in-depth insight into themes related to outdoor life, culture, nature and the environment.

Within the course 1263 Outdoor Life Pedagogy with Practical Specialisation, students must choose between coastal or inland waters as their area of practical specialisation.
Within the course 1264 Outdoor Activities with Guide Training II: Mountains/Glaciers with Optional Specialisation, students may choose between coastal waters, inland waters and mountains/glaciers.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Throughout the entire course of study, teaching and learning methods will include outdoor teaching in the form of guided and individual trips, field and laboratory teaching, lectures, practical training, group and seminar work.

Assessment Methods

Students’ knowledge is evaluated through portfolios, oral and written examinations. In order to be awarded a diploma students must complete the obligatory parts of the study programme and have their portfolios and reports approved.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean