Nature, Health and Wellbeing

Module title	Nature, Health and Wellbeing
Module code	HPDM029
Academic year	2021/2
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Lewis Elliott (Lecturer)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	0	9	0

Number students taking module (anticipated)	15

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)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
20	130	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities	20	All student small group lecture/seminar/ workshop sessions. Face-to-face scheduled lectures may be replaced by short pre-recorded videos for each topic (15-20 minutes) and/or brief overview lectures delivered via MS Teams/Zoom, with learning consolidated by self-directed learning resources and ELE activities. - Small-group discussion in tutorials and seminars may be replaced by synchronous group discussion on Teams/ Zoom; or asynchronous online discussion, for example via Yammer or ELE Discussion board - Workshops involving face-to-face classroom teaching may be replaced by synchronous sessions on Teams/Zoom; or Asynchronous workshop activities supported with discussion forum.
Guided independent study	30	Session preparation and follow up work utilising resources provided on ELE
Guided independent study	100	Reading and assignment preparation

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Class discussions and small group work activities	Each small group lecture/seminar/ workshop session	1-4	Facilitator and peer feedback in class. Feedback may be provided via synchronous or asynchronous online discussion.
Data analysis and interpretation	500 words	1-4	Written feedback

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Written assignment summary for policy makers	100	2000 Words	1-4	Written
	0
	0
	0
	0
	0

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

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Written assignment: summary for policy makers (100%)	Written assignment 2 summary for policy makers (2000 words)	1-4	Typically within six weeks of the result

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.

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	7
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	15/12/2015
Last revision date	13/05/2020