Friluftsliv Theory 2
The course will increase students' awareness of, knowledge about and skills within different natural environments in the different seasons. The main focus of the course is to develop the students' personal proficiency and coaching competence, in addition to raising awareness related to a trip according to the ability principle.
Trip planning, travel advice, safety, anticipatory thinking, risk-reducing measures and good travel routines are topics closely linked to all practical trips. In addition, students gain insight into their actual acquaintance with nature and first aid.
The course consists of five mandatory trips/courses; Skiing and avalanche course, winter hiking, sea kayaking, coastal friluftsliv and basic climbing course.
Field cards and Safe Job Analysis (SJA) are submitted in connection with all activities that take place off campus. This is submitted by the responsible teacher in line with Nord University's safety routines.All activities (group trips, individual activities and self-training) that students are required to complete as part of the study program can only be completed after the trip plan has been approved by the responsible teacher. A trip plan must contain a model for 3x3 trip planning, risk and safety form (ROS) and a trip planning form (SARTTO) that are delivered in Canvas.
All tours lasting more than 1 day require at least one mandatory check-in along the way (e.g. upon arrival at base camp). Check-in can be done via mobile, map position (e.g. Life360), telephone, or other digital solution. This is integrated into the trip plan template/field map.
Students will receive training in the use of GPS, mobile phones and InReach in connection with conducting trips as a safety measure.
Admission to the programme or the course. This course is included in the study program Outdoor Studies (friluftsliv), and the semester package Outdoor Studies - Spring Package.
The programme of study is physically demanding, and therefore the students must be
- in good physical condition
- have satisfactory skiing skills
- competent in swimming, i.e. be able to swim at least 200m continuously
Admission to the programme of study requires Higher Education Entrance Qualifications.
Applicants who do not have Higher Education Entrance Qualifications and are 25 years of age or older may apply for admission based on their prior learning and work experience. Contact our Admission Office for more information.
The course is physically demanding, and therefore the students must be
- In good physical shape
- Have satisfactory skiing skills
- Be able to swim, i.e. able to swim at least 200m continuously
Knowledge:
Students
- Have knowledge about travelling in the different types of natural environments: winter forests and wilderness, winter mountains, coast and sea, and climbing mountains.
- Have knowledge about safety, consequence-based thinking and risk-mitigation measures in relation to Nordic and alpine skiing, sea kayaking, sailing, climbing and general outdoor life.
- Have knowledge about necessary equipment, including safety equipment, and their use and maintenance related to the various activities.
- Have knowledge about guiding in outdoor activities, leadership, and managing groups in the relevant outdoor activities.
- Have knowledge about research and development work within the field of outdoor studies.
- Can update their knowledge within the field of outdoor studies.
- Have knowledge about the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of outdoor life.
- Have broad knowledge about key topics, theories, issues, processes, tools and methods within the field of outdoor studies.
Skills:
Students
- Have basic skills in outdoor activities in different natural environments and seasons, including clothing and equipment, orienteering, maps and compass, types of campfires and cooking on a campfire, and various camp and shelter forms, and can perform basic first aid related to outdoor activities.
- Can recognise potentially avalanche-prone terrain, make safe route choices in winter mountains, and perform basic avalanche rescue.
- Can perform basic paddling/canoe/kayak techniques at sea, have knowledge about ocean currents and tides, and can carry out self-rescue and companion rescue.
- Have good knowledge about safety at sea, are able to conduct self-rescue and companion rescue at sea, and master basic sailing techniques.
- Can build secure anchors, top rope and rappel anchors suitable for climbing activities.
- Can perform simple companion rescue.
- Are able to function as a member of a group and contribute to the group’s development.
- Can find, assess and refer to information and relevant subject matter, and relate it to an issue/research question.
- Can apply tools, techniques and forms of expression that are relevant to the subject area.
- Can use GPS, inReach devices and mobile phones as safety measures and alerts on the tour.
- Can apply academic knowledge and relevant results from research and development work to practical and theoretical issues within the field of outdoor studies.
- Can carry out appropriate risk assessments in the relevant natural environment for the activity, and adapt travel and choices accordingly
General skills:
Students
- Can reflect on how different activities can be carried out with different types of groups in an appropriate and safe manner.
- Have knowledge about the relationship between good personal skills, knowledge and energy, and the importance of this for safe outdoor activities.
- Are able to view knowledge and skills in context, and use a combination of these in practical situations.
- Have insight into how InReach and GPS tracking can be used as safety measures on trips with increased risk, and know the limitations and margins of error, as well as have insight into ethical and privacy issues when using these.
Semester fee and cost of course literature apply.
Hiking equipment is required for trips and accommodation in winter mountain areas in addition to current ski equipment. Having a tent, primus and cooking equipment will be an advantage.
Practical teaching in the field in different natural environments combined with theoretical teaching before and after the trips/courses. This provides students with knowledge about travelling in different natural environments, consequence-based thinking and the use and maintenance of equipment.
The course includes approximately 23 days on trips with a supervisor, around 6 days of compulsory solo expeditions, and written assignments.
Skiing and avalanche courses
This course places most emphasis on learning about, recognising and avoiding avalanche-prone terrain. During the course, students get an introduction to the phenomenon of avalanches and how to travel safely in the winter mountains. Trip planning, avalanche risk assessment, snow knowledge, and companion rescue are also key topics during the sessions.
Lectures will be held related to avalanche science, day trips, and sessions on skiing techniques are conducted before the trip.
An outdoor activity guide for the environments of winter, forest, and mountain is trained to guide various groups in winter forests and uncomplicated mountain terrain (ATES 1).
Winter trip
Good preparation and planning are key before this trip. Other key topics during the session include skiing techniques with mountain skis and ski play/games, knowledge about equipment, relevant first aid such as frostbite and hypothermia, recognising and assessing avalanche-prone terrain and avalanche risk, safe route choices, orienteering, and various types of shelters in the snow. The group as a learning unit is also a focus on this trip.
An outdoor activity guide for the environments of winter, forest, and mountain is trained to guide various groups in winter forests and uncomplicated mountain terrain (ATES 1).
Sea kayaking
Students familiarise themselves with sea kayaks and associated equipment, and the various kayaking techniques are practiced thoroughly. Safety, self-rescue and companion rescue are key during this session. Students are also introduced to ocean currents, tides, wind and weather, and navigation along the coast. In addition, there is a focus on trip planning, knowledge about natural environments and coastal culture.
An outdoor activity guide for sea kayaking is trained to guide various groups and conduct introductory courses in kayaking in sheltered waters under moderate conditions (graded at 1 star). An outdoor activity guide for sea kayaking also has experience kayaking under conditions graded at 2 stars.
Coastal outdoor activities
Teaching provides basic training in sailing, rowing, navigation, fishing and catching, and safety at sea. Courses such as coastal culture and coastal nature are also taught, along with pedagogy related to the coastal course.
A coastal outdoor activity guide is trained to guide various groups in basic coastal activities, including rowing in sheltered waters, fishing and catching, preparation of food, as well as cultural and nature-based topics related to the coast. A coastal outdoor activity guide also has experience sailing and navigating in sheltered waters.
Basic climbing course
Climbing is an activity that begins in the autumn semester with basic indoor courses and the Brattkort test. Bouldering and climbing techniques are introduced. During the spring semester, climbing activity is moved outdoors and a basic outdoor climbing course is conducted. The methods related to establishing anchors, top rope and rappel anchors, and general safety work are thoroughly reviewed. Students will develop skills in the use of climbing equipment, natural means of safety/securing, climbing using quick links, and climbing techniques. Focus is on the enjoyment of movement. Safety, group management at climbing walls/cliffs, basic companion rescue, and facilitation of climbing activities are key topics throughout the climbing period.
Basic indoor and outdoor climbing courses educate participants to plan and conduct basic top rope climbing on sport climbing fields for small groups. Basic climbing courses also provide an introduction to climbing using quick links both on bolts/anchors and with personal securing devices, rope work, abseiling/rappelling, as well as basic companion rescue.
Independent winter trip
Independent winter trips take place in groups of 3-7 people. A trip plan with 3x3 trip planning, ROS form and trip planning form (SARTTO) is submitted and approved before the trip. Trips must take place in areas with marked trails and accessible cabins/emergency shelters.
Kayak day trip
All independent kayaking activities can only be carried out after completing a wet card course. Independent training is carried out by a minimum of two people together and after an approved submitted trip plan with 3x3 trip planning, ROS form and trip planning form (SARTTO). Independent kayaking activities must take place within a limited time period determined by the subject teacher.
Independent training
Independent climbing training must take place indoors after completing a steep card course. Independent skiing training must be carried out in groups of a minimum of two people, where a trip plan with 3x3 trip planning, ROS form and trip planning form (SARTTO) must be submitted before the activity is carried out.
Composite assessment: All parts must be approved/passed in order to receive a final course grade.
compulsory participation: 100% compulsory participation related to
- Skiing and avalanche courses
- winter trips
- sea kayaking
- coastal outdoor activities
- basic climbing courses
Represents 0/100 of the grade. Form of assessment: Approved/ not approved.
Required coursework (AK): 5 pieces related to
- AK1:Written assignments/reflection notes, are associated with sea kayaking
- AK2: Written assignments/reflection notes, associated with coastal outdoor activities
- AK3: 3-day (2 nights) compulsory solo expedition in gropues related to winter trips
- AK4: 3-day group self-activity sessions related to sea kayaking
- AK5: 10 hours of compulsory solo training related to skiing and climbing
Before all tours, the tour-plan must be passed in order for the student to participate in a risky tour. The tour- plan must contain practical and theoretical elements such as:
- Use of map and compass
- Trip planning (3x3, ROS)
- Emergency procedures and safety
- Self-evaluation and buddy check
Represents 0/100 of the grade. Form of assessment: Approved/not approved.
Home examination: 3-day individual home examination. Represents 100/100 of the grade, grading scale A-F. Best A, fail F.
All.
Generating an answer using ChatGPT or similar artificial intelligence and submitting it wholly or partially as one's own answer is considered cheating.
15 hour (minimum) first aid course.
The course is physically demanding, and therefore the students must be
- In good physical shape
- Have satisfactory skiing skills
- Be able to swim, i.e. able to swim at least 200m continuously
Overlap refers to a similarity between courses with the same content. Therefore, you will receive the following reduction in credits if you have taken the courses listed below:
NA160L - Outdoor life skills 2 - 20 credits
FRI1009 - Practical friluftsliv 2 - 20 credits
