Connecting and Working with Nature

Course aim

To develop students’ understanding of theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence regarding the benefits of nature for human health, development and well-being and to build practical skills to apply this understanding in an ethical and culturally-appropriate way to personal and professional contexts.

Course content

Students will develop knowledge of the contemporary study of human relationships with the natural world, the diverse theoretical frameworks through which these relationships can be understood and the ways in which nature impacts on human development and well-being. Students will be introduced to approaches for working
with the natural world including forest bathing, bush and forest schools, and ecotherapy, and how these can be applied in varied professional contexts. Students will further be introduced to current issues in conservation, ethics, safety and culturally appropriate use of, and interactions with, nature including those that may prevent access of people (e.g. tourists) to some natural environments. This course draws upon empirical and experiential bodies of knowledge including but not limited to conservation psychology, positive psychology, nature pedagogy and sustainability education.

Textbook(s)

Nil

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Continuous assessment, Project

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 4Y)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
How to determine your Commonwealth Supported course fee. (Opens new window)

Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
How to determine the relevant non award tuition fee. (Opens new window)

Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.