Friluftsliv - practices and methods
About the course
The subject can be taken as a single subject.
This course is mandatory for students in the one-year program Arktisk friluftsliv and the Bachelor program Arktisk friluftsliv og naturguiding. The course is also included in the elective package for students from other programs, and open for exchange students. If capacity, it will open also for other students.
The course is taught in the first semester in the academic year. It is practically oriented, informed by theory. The course will provide the students with basic skills, knowledge and experiences in friluftsliv. The course includes field excursions of shorter and longer duration during autumn/ early winter, including overnight stays in tents. The excursions and activities take place in various natural environments such as mountains and plateaus, forests, lakes, and waterways. For all trips there are associated requirements.
The field trips require that students have a good physical capacity. That means students must be able to be active on excursions for multiple days and carry a personal backpack with sufficient equipment. Adequate early winter outdoor equipment is required, see equipment list. Previous experience from outdoor activities or sports is highly recommended. Experience from multiday hikes in the outdoors is an advantage. The students must be able to swim and should have basic first aid skills.
Admission requirements
Objectives of the course
Knowledge
The student
- Can acquire the theoretical background for the practical skills needed to travel safely in various natural environments
- Has insight into sustainable travel in Arctic nature
- Demonstrate an insight regarding the traditional usage of nature based on the underlying cultural heritage in the North
- Understands the main concepts of Norwegian friluftsliv management
- Comprehends friluftsliv and outdoor life in international contexts
Skills
The student
- Can acquire the needed practical skills that enables the students to travel safely during different activities, independently and with a group
- Has ability to navigate in various terrain and under different weather conditions
- Has ability to demonstrate methods and routines for planning, performing, debriefing and risk assessment
- Can apply theoretical perspectives before, during and after field trips, including writing academic texts
- Can perform sustainable travel in nature in a natural and cultural context
General competence
The student can
- Reflect on and personal skills and experiences and the connection between theory and practice in outdoor life
- Reflect on and apply collaborative skills and group dynamic processes to create good learning environments
- Display a deeper understanding of a sustainable outdoor life
Credit reduction
If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:
- FRI-1805 Outdoor Life Activities 5 ects
- FRI-1440 Arctic friluftsliv and outdoor leadership 1 10 ects
- FRI-1435 Arctic Friluftsliv 10 ects
Teaching methods
Language of instruction and examination
English. The exam must be completed in English or Scandinavian.Recommended reading/syllabus
Du kan se og få tilgang til deler av pensum via Leganto.
Pensumliste for FRI-1010 - Friluftsliv - practices and methods (HØST 2026)Schedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Information to incoming exchange students
This course is open to incoming exchange students.
Study Level: Bachelor's
The Friluftsliv Practices and Methods course is available to inbound exchange students, though capacity is limited. There are no academic prerequisites for including this module in your Learning Agreement. However, prior experience with outdoor activities or sports is recommended.
Students must have a good level of physical fitness. Participants should be able to take part in multi-day field excursions and carry a backpack with the necessary equipment. Students must also be able to swim and are expected to have basic first-aid skills.
For details on how to apply for exchange, course selection guidelines, or to contact the Incoming Admissions Team, please visit: Admissions for Student Exchange.
Examination
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Lectures and teaching sessions | Approved – not approved |
| Field excursions and projects | Approved – not approved |
| Pre- and post-work for excursions and projects | Approved – not approved |
| Required skill-tests, oral student presentations and written papers | Approved – not approved |
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More info about the coursework requirements
- lectures and teaching sessions (80% participation)
- field excursions and projects (100% participation)
- pre-and post-work for excursions and projects (100% participation)
- required skill-tests, oral student presentations and written papers
Overview of coursework and criteria for approval will be presented to students at course start.
