Nature and Animal Assisted Interventions
Nature- and animal-assisted interventions integrate natural elements and companion animals into programs aimed at prevention, promotion, treatment, or rehabilitation for various target groups. These programs can be conducted indoors or outdoors, making them adaptable to different settings.
This course will give students insight into the latest knowledge and practices in nature- and animal-assisted interventions. They will learn how natural elements and companion animals contribute to human health and well-being. The course is structured into two main sections: the first focuses on the interaction between humans and plants and other natural elements. In contrast, the second emphasizes the relationship between humans and companion animals.
The course includes lectures, literature seminars, study visits, project work, exercises, and the review of scientific papers. It is divided into four modules, with some compulsory online components that will also be part of the assessment.
Course evaluation
The course evaluation is now closed
MP0009-30258 - Course evaluation report
Once the evaluation is closed, the course coordinator and student representative have 1 month to draft their comments. The comments will be published in the evaluation report.
Additional course evaluations for MP0009
Academic year 2024/2025
Nature and Animal Assisted Interventions (MP0009-30012)
2025-01-20 - 2025-06-08
Academic year 2023/2024
Nature and Animal Assisted Interventions (MP0009-30178)
2024-01-15 - 2024-06-02
Academic year 2022/2023
Nature and Animal Assisted Interventions (MP0009-30015)
2023-01-16 - 2023-06-04
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
MP0009 Nature and Animal Assisted Interventions, 15.0 Credits
Nature and Animal Assisted InterventionsSubjects
Environmental PsychologyEducation cycle
Master’s levelModules
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 15.0 | ENDA |
Advanced study in the main field
Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirementsMaster’s level (A1N)
Grading scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits and English 6Objectives
The course focuses on how natural elements as plants and animals can be actively used in treatments, rehabilitation and made part of different programs for prevention and the promotion of healthy everyday habits in different user groups.
After completion of the course the student should be able to:
• Describe and discuss how nature can be used in prevention, treatment and the rehabilitation of different target groups.
• Identify and analyse the specific role of plants, animals and other elements of nature in an intervention.
• Develop programs for nature assisted interventions.
• Reflect on the use of nature assisted interventions in relation to different professional practices.
• Critically assess animal suitability for animal assisted interventions
• Consider the ethical implications of involving people and animals in nature assisted interventions.
Content
In nature assisted interventions plants, animals and other elements of nature make up an integrated part of treatments and programmes for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The course focus on how this interaction with nature when made part of treatments and programmes in a considerate way can add to people´s health, well-being. The course contains one section specifically focusing on the use of plants, and another section focusing on the assistance of animals in an intervention. The course comprises lectures, literature seminars, study visits, project work, exercises and a scientific paper. Written assignments, oral presentation of exercises and participation in seminars and field trips are mandatory.
The course combines mandatory online meetings with tasks carried out independently. Different optional Campus meetings can be held at different SLU Campuses (Alnarp, Skara and/or Umeå).
Grading form
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.Formats and requirements for examination
Participation in compulsory elements. Approved participation in seminars. Successful completion of exercises. Passed scientific paper.
If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Other information
The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Additional information
The course is given as a distance course, with mandatory online meetings, at 50% speed.Responsible department
Department of People and Society