Nature, Health and Wellbeing
| Module title | Nature, Health and Wellbeing |
|---|---|
| Module code | HPDM029Z |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Lewis Elliott (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 9 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
This is a fully online module.
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 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:
- Overview of relevant literature, definitions, theory and mechanisms + MENE data practical.
- Introduction to research on physical and mental outcomes and physical activity as a mediator + Walking leaflet practical.
- Introduction to physiological, psychological and social mechanisms as mediators plus applied guest speaker.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | 135 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 15 | All student online sessions: - Lectures, Q&A sessions, small-group discussions in tutorials and seminars in synchronous sessions on Teams/Zoom - Workshops in synchronous sessions on Teams/Zoom |
| Guided Independent Study | 35 | Session preparation and follow up work utilising resources provided on ELE including asynchronous structured materials (such as short pre-recorded lectures, podcasts, asynchronous workshop activities, discussion forum posts and so on) |
| 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 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 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.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Please see ELE above for up to date electronic resources.
ELE PE: HPDM029 2020/21 Module Pages
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 15/12/2015 |
| Last revision date | 26/04/2022 |
