Environmental Perception and Experience
Entry Requirements
Course facts
- Course name
- Environmental Perception and Experience
- Swedish course name
- Miljöperception och upplevelse
- Level
- Second cycle (A1N)
- Main field of study
- Environmental Psychology
- Credits
- 15.0 credits
- Rate of study
- 50 %
- Study location
- Location Independant
- Form of instruction
- Distance learning without in-person meetings
- Application code
- SLU-10004
- Course code
- MP0005
- Course language
- English
- Included in program
-
Outdoor Environments for Health and Well-being - Master's Programme
- Offered as a freestanding course
- Nej
- Tuition fee
-
38990 SEK
Tuition fees only for non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens
MP0005, Environmental Perception and Experience, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: PSR, 2024-11-14
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Environmental Psychology
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.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
Objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the students with an introduction to environmental psychology, including the effect of the environment on people as well as how people affect the environment, and knowledge on theories of environmental perception. Environmental perception refers to the subjective ways in which groups and individuals perceive and evaluate the environment, while at the same time being an active part of it. The course deals with all aspects of environmental experiencing, i.e. perception, cognition and appraisal. Focus is on visual perception, soundscapes and the haptic sense. Appropriate research methods are introduced.
After completion of the course, the student will be able to:
• describe and discuss human/environment interactions based on sensory modalities and cognitive processes • describe and discuss relevant theoretical perspectives and concepts regarding the effects of outdoor environments on people, • analyse people’s subjective understanding of and interactions with outdoor environments depending on different aspects, for example gender, age, social situation, cultural context, mood, functional abilities, or health, • analyse outdoor environments regarding physical properties, for example structure, patterns, colour that may affect people’s perception and experience, through the use of different tools.
Content
The course is characterised by studies of effects of and experiences in the outdoor environment. Literature studies and exercises will provide training in the ability to investigate and analyse people’s fundamental perceptions, experience, and preferences in relation to the outdoor environment. Theoretical studies are based on literature in environmental psychology and related disciplines. Students do most of their tasks from a distance, but non-mandatory campus meetings can be arranged. Group exercises, including written and oral presentation, and written individual assignments are mandatory.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Participation in compulsory elements. Successful completion of individual assignments and group exercises.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of People and Society
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Outdoor Environments for Health and Well-being - Master's Programme
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 15.0 | 0101 |
The Course Replaces
LK0238, MP0004
Other Information
The course is given as a distance course at 50% speed. Basic skills in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Psychology, Pedagogy, or Environmental Science are recommended.
Environmental Perception and Experience (MP0005) – Literature
All compulsory literature will be available either as direct downloads or as links from our digital platform Canvas. If you want the actual physical books, they can normally be bought through online bookstores, although new copies (hardcover or e-book) of Gifford’s book are probably only available directly from the publisher: https://optimalenvironments.com/
Compulsory Literature
- Gifford, R. (2014). Environmental Psychology: principles and practice, 5th ed. Chapters 1–3
- Mather, G. (2011). Essentials of sensation and perception. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315787275/essentials-sensation-perception-george-mather. E-book.
- Steg, L., Berg, A. E. van den., & De Groot, J. I. M. (2012). Environmental psychology : an introduction. Wiley-Blackwell. Chapters 4 and 6. E-book
- Ode, Å., Hagerhall, C. M., & Sang, N. (2010). Analysing visual landscape complexity: Theory and application. Landscape Research, 35(1), 111–131.
https://doi.org/10.1080/01426390903414935 - Tveit, M. S., & Sang, A. O. (2014). Landscape assessment in metropolitan areas – developing a visual indicator-based approach. Spool, 1(1), 301–316. https://doi.org/10.7480/spool.2014.1.641
- Tveit, M., Ode, Å., & Fry, G. (2006). Key concepts in a framework for analysing
visual landscape character. Landscape Research, 31(3), 229–255. https://doi.org/10.1080/01426390600783269 - Stoltz, J. (2019). Perceived Sensory Dimensions - A Human-Centred Approach to Environmental Planning and Design. Chapter 7: Synthesis and discussion. http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1374120/FULLTEXT01.pdf
- Stoltz, J, Grahn, P. (2021). Perceived Sensory Dimensions: An Evidence-based Approach to Greenspace Aesthetics. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, 126989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2021.126989
Additional Journal Articles
Additionally, scientific journal papers will be used in course assignments in the second half of the course. These will be announced later and will all be available via the SLU library or through the online digital platform Canvas.
**Notes on Availability **
Access to e-books, articles from scientific journals and some search engines normally require a connection through the SLU domain (slu.se). This can be achieved either directly at the SLU campuses or indirectly (e.g. at home) via VPN. Instructions on how to connect to the SLU network through VPN can be found here: https://student.slu.se/en/study-support/it-support/support/access-to-databases-requires-vpn/
academic year 2025/2026
Environmental Perception and Experience (MP0005-10313)
2025-12-17 - 2026-02-01
academic year 2024/2025
Environmental Perception and Experience (MP0005-10014)
2024-12-16 - 2025-02-02
academic year 2023/2024
Environmental Perception and Experience (MP0005-10214)
2023-12-18 - 2024-01-15
academic year 2022/2023
Environmental Perception and Experience (MP0005-10013)
2023-01-08 - 2023-01-29
academic year 2021/2022
Environmental Perception and Experience (MP0005-10291)
2022-01-09 - 2022-01-30
Contact
- Course coordinator
-
Elizabeth Marcheschi
Mats Gyllin - Course administrator
- Desiree Mattsson
- Examiner
- Elizabeth Marcheschi