Sport Science, Outdoor Education and Recreation, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

The student should after the course be able to
- discuss the significance of knowledge in action
- discuss the concepts of adventure, challenge and safety related to outdoor recreation
- discuss the consequences of different leadership in the outdoors
- plan and implement an arrangement in the open air for a group of students
- apply outdoor recreation both as a method and a value in itself
- show some different techniques concerning outdoor activities
- practice outdoor activities both on snow and bare ground
- discuss, compare and evaluate different types of outdoor recreation.

Main content of the course

The course will to a great extent take place outdoors. An important part will be to practise and make experiences and learn about outdoor education and recreation and how experiences in the open air may increase the quality of life, and how these experiences can be used in school and in other situations.

Teaching methods

The starting point of the course is the tradition of learning that is based on experiences, "Knowlegde in action", which means that the course includes many different experiences outdoors. This, together with reflections and dialogues, will play a great role in creating new knowledge. All experience-based elements of the course are mandatory.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Practical Moments, 4.5 credits (Code: A001)
Attendance at practical sessions, individual practical task and group task (a day outdoors for children).

Theoretical Examination, 3 credits (Code: A002)
Individual written report.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2019-01-15, ORU 2019/00107), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Practical Moments
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Theoretical Examination
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Specific entry requirements

General entry requirements.

Standard university admission requirements.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The course is free but various travel and accommodation will cost around 3000 SEK. This includes ski rental. Group and safety equipment can be borrowed. Each student must take responsibility for providing personal equipment, shell garments, sleeping bag, etc. that are required to participate in the course.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Dahlgren, Lars-Owe & Szczepanski, Anders (1998)
Outdoor Education, Literary Education and Sensory Experience
Kinda: Kunskapscentrum

Henderson, Bob & Vikander, Nils (2007)
Nature First, Outdoor Life the Friluftsliv Way
Toronto: Natural Heritage Books

Sandell, Klas (1991)
"Ecostrategies" and environmentalism - the case of outdoor life and friluftsliv
Geografiska annaler 73 B, (2), 133 141

Svenning, Stephan (2009)
Friluftsliv, outdoor recreation: Key to obtaining Practical knowledge and tested experience
Conference report, North Troendelag University College, Levanger Norway, 39 p

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

An optional book about survival techniques on how to handle various situations outdoors.