PSY2005 Environmental psychology
- Course codePSY2005
- Number of credits10
- Teaching semester2026 Autumn
- Language of instruction and examinationEnglish
- CampusLillehammer
- Required prerequisite knowledge
None
Environmental psychology concerns the complex relationship between humans and their surroundings, including both built and natural environments. Humans influence and are influenced by their physical environment. The course examines psychological, social, aesthetic, and regulatory aspects of human interaction with the physical environment, with a particular focus on topics such as stress, restoration, and well-being. Key theories and empirical findings are critically analyzed, and students are introduced to environmental psychological perspectives on human influence on, and reactions to, climate change. This includes topics such as attitudes, pro-environmental behaviour, nudging, and solastalgia. Environmental psychology is interdisciplinary, drawing on social and cognitive psychology, and is connected to the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, and landscape planning. Applied environmental psychology emphasizes processes, and the course highlights practical applications related to health, well-being, and pro-environmental behaviour.
Learning outcome
Students will acquire basic knowledge of human interaction with and responses to their physical surroundings. More specifically, they will learn how the physical environment (both built and natural) can have positive and negative effects on human health and well-being. Conversely, they will examine how human attitudes and behaviours affect the climate and natural environment. In addition, students will learn to apply environmental psychological knowledge to promote pro-environmental behaviour.
Upon completion of the course, the student shall
- have knowledge of the history and development of environmental psychology
- have knowledge of common theories within environmental psychology
- have basic knowledge of environmental perceptions, restoration, pro-environmental behaviour, social dilemmas, nudging, and processes of change
- have insight into key issues in environmental psychology
- understand the complexity of human and environmental interaction
- have insight into ethical dilemmas related to pro-environmental behaviour, such as nudging
Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to
- use environmental-psychological knowledge to explain effects of the interaction between humans and their surroundings
- present and discuss environmental-psychological dilemmas in academic terms
- apply basic mapping methods for gathering data in environmental psychology
- evaluate common research methods and results
- provide academically based input for designing and promoting healthy environments
- contribute knowledge and competence to promote pro-environmental behaviour
Participation in mandatory seminars in addition to submission of written work or oral presentation, graded as pass/fail. Further information on content and scope is provided by the course coordinator at the start of the course.
| Form of assessment | Grading scale | Grouping | Duration of assessment | Support materials | Proportion | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written examination with supervision | ECTS - A-F | Individual | 4 Hour(s) |
| 100 |
Written individual examination with invigilation, 4 hours.
Allowed examination aids: One dictionary (book form), mother tongue – English.
Answers must be given in English.
| Name | Credits | Date | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
PSY2303 Helse- og miljøpsykologi | 5 | ||
PSY1003 Helse- og miljøpsykologi | 5 |