Environmental Perception and Experience
Course description
This course provides an overarching introduction to the field of Environmental Psychology.** **The students explore the basis of how perception and experience of outdoor environments result from the interplay between sensory modalities, emotions and cognitions and together help inform about how humans construct meaningful realities. Practical exercises will provide training in the ability to investigate and analyze how people construct their perception and reality in relation to the outdoor environment for health and well-being related outcomes. The course is supported by theories from the field of landscape architecture and environmental psychology, presenting topics related to preference, health and well-being and pro-environmental behaviors. The course is online and therefore all tasks are taking place from a distance. However, non-mandatory campus meetings can be arranged in regard to group activities such as exploring and evaluating the perceived pleasantness of Alnarp Campus. Group exercises, including written and oral presentation, and written individual assignments are mandatory.
Entry Requirements
Course facts
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
5 / 4 / 3 / U
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.