Nature and Wellbeing (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

Pass/Fail

Student workload

Pretasks and self-learning 1,5 ect
Lectures and workshops 1,5 ect

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Pass (S) The students
- are able to describe the main impacts of nature for human physiology and mental wellbeing
- are able to describe the main theories of physiological and mental impacts of nature
- are able to use and apply at least two practical methods in two different nature environments to support client´s physical and mental health.

Content scheduling

Intensive week 26.5.-30.5.2025

Teaching language

en

Location and time

Course Programme

Monday 26.5.2025
9.00-12.00 Welcome to Summer School! Orientation to the week and get together, Senior Lecturer Maija Jylhä, Jamk
13.00-15.00 Nature’s well-being effects – the basics, Project researcher, Jane Paakkolanvaara, Jamk
15.00-16.15 Outdoor Plays, Senior Lecturer Maija Jylhä, Jamk

Tuesday 27.5.2025 - Day at Laajavuori
9.00-15.00 Nature-based methods in practice. The professional use of nature in rehabilitation, social work, and health care sectors, Project researcher, Jane Paakkolanvaara, Jamk

Wednesday 28.5.2025
9.00-12.00 Field visit: Äijälä Rehabilitation Center, Äijälänkuja 6, Senior Lecturer Maija Jylhä, Jamk
13.00-16.00 Children´s play in nature environment – supporting play skills, Senior Lecturer Jaana Ritsilä, Jamk

Thursday 29.5.2025
9.00-12.00 The basics of Green Care approach and Dog assisted approach, Senior Lecturer, Heidi Kihlström-Lehtonen
13.00-14.00 Nature-based arts and crafts, Professor Lynne Andonian, San Jose State University
14.00-16 Group work, Senior Lecturer Maija Jylhä, Jamk

Friday 30.5.2025
9.00-12.00 Looking back: what have we learned? Senior Lecturer Maija Jylhä
13.00-15.00 Celebrations and closing the week, Senior Lecturer Maija Jylhä

Number of ECTS credits allocated

3

Qualifications

-

Content

• Theories linking nature, health and well-being
• Evidence-based research results between nature and wellbeing benefits
• Practical tools for preventive and treatment-based rehabilitation, health care, and social work – indoors, in green spaces, and woodlands.

Objective

The students
• know the physiological and psychological impacts of nature
• know the theoretical backgrounds of nature impacts and benefits for health and wellbeing
• able to use and apply meaningful and goal-oriented practical tools in different natural environments to support physical and mental health in rehabilitation, social work, and health care sectors.