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Nature, Health and Wellbeing

Module description

This module investigates the potential for the natural environment to be harnessed as a resource to improve human health and wellbeing.  The potential mechanisms, moderators and applications for these health benefits will explored, considering large data sets and key studies linking nature and exposure and health, both within the UK and around the world.

No pre-requisites or specialist knowledge are required to undertake this module, which is well suited to interdisciplinary learning.  Delivery is via four focused days of expert-led small group learning, interspersed by personal study undertaken at your own pace and supported by our internet resources.

Module aims - intentions of the module

You will develop a detailed understanding of the evidence base that indicates the potential of utilising the natural environment to improve human health and wellbeing. By the end of the course you will be able to define “Health” and “wellbeing” in the context of natural environments and understand how these factors can be robustly assessed.  You will have the opportunity to explore real case studies as examples of contemporary practice in this field.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Explain in detail, utilising pertinent examples from the contemporary evidence base, the potential of using natural environments to improve human health and wellbeing
• 2. Demonstrate a thorough critical understanding of the pathways by which natural environments might promote good health and wellbeing

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Critically evaluate and professionally articulate the applied implications of cutting-edge research evidence

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Demonstrate a balanced critical approach to the rapidly developing contemporary evidence base

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module's precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:

Week 1: Overview of relevant literature, definitions, theory and mechanisms + MENE data practical.

Week 2: Introduction to research on physical and mental outcomes and physical activity as a mediator + Walking leaflet practical.

Week 3: Introduction to physiological, psychological and social mechanisms as mediators plus applied guest speaker.

Week 4: Introduction to environmental and sociodemographic moderators plus applied guest speaker.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Van den Bosch & Bird (2018). Oxford Textbook of Nature and Public Health: OUP

Hartig, T., Mitchell, R., De Vries, S., & Frumkin, H. (2014). Nature and health. Annual Review of Public Health, 35, 207-228.

ELE - College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Please see ELE above for up to date electronic resources.

ELE: HPDM029 2020/21 Module Pages

Key words search

Human health, health, wellbeing, nature, natural environments, environment, blue space, green space, salutogenesis.