Type of course

The course is part of the program Arctic Nature guide and Bachelor i arktisk friluftsliv og naturguiding.

Can't be taken as a single course.

Course content

Nature guiding as a profession includes a theoretical approach and a practical focus through field trips, practical work and leadership assignments.

It comprises field excursions and courses of longer and shorter duration in the nature of the Arctic.

The course content is in a nature and climate that raise high demands on the students' personal skills, mental strength and group awareness.

The course aims to gradually build-up the candidate’s expertise and competence in guiding in the Arctic nature. The course content and learning outcome is harmonized with the Specification of competencies, knowledge, skills and abilities of the International Mountain Leader in accordance with the UIMLA standard, managed in Norway by the Norwegian Nature Guide Association.

Main training courses and field trips:

• Glacier training: Glacier travel and crevasse rescue. Starts at a basic level. Skills are developed further over the course of study.

• Multiday excursion with camping over several days, focus on procedures for trekking, camping, and route finding using a map and compass.

• Day trips with a focus on trip planning; conscious decisions along the way and safe leadership of groups in the Arctic nature.

Objectives of the course

Knowledge

The student

• Has broad knowledge of topics related to safe travel, camping and procedures for leading groups in the arctic nature during bare ground conditions
• Insight in arctic glaciology as the background for safe travel on glaciers.
• Can update own knowledge in the use of both analog and digital tools for trip planning.
• Can update own knowledge in the use of compass, altimeter, various orienteering techniques and different topographic maps (both analog and digital).
• Has broad knowledge in the use of clothing and equipment for travel and camp in arctic nature during bare ground conditions.
• Can update own knowledge in the use of equipment and procedures for emergency communication.
• Has broad knowledge of topics related to the nature guiding such as transparent guiding, group awareness, planning and decision making and physiological demands.
• Has knowledge of various approaches to experience and learning in nature-based tourism.
• Has general knowledge of the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the Nordic Friluftsliv and eco-philosophy.

Skills

• Can apply knowledge into practical skills in planning and organizing trips on bare and frozen ground conditions
• Master tools and techniques for safe, environmentally responsible group travel and tent camp management on bare ground in vulnerable arctic terrain.
• Can apply knowledge to practical orienteering using compass and different maps.
• Master relevant procedures and principles of basic glacier travel and rescue on blue ice
• Can facilitate learning, nature experiences and place awareness under various conditions
• Can plan and lead an accident situation and apply knowledge of the procedures for emergency communication.

General competence

• Can plan, and lead assessment of routes, campsites and group organization in a complex arctic nature.
• Has insight of their personal and the groups limitations and plan travel according to ability.
• Has insight of the importance of being able to adapt the program to changes in group limitations, conditions and weather.
• Can plan, reflect upon and carry out different leadership styles and a diversity of guide skills
• Be aware of the demands tourism makes on a nature guide and reflect on their own guiding practice in nature-based tourism.

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Each student is expected to work 400 hours to achieve the learning outcomes of the subject.

This subject will be taught with a focus on individual development. The teaching will include a combination of theoretical lectures, joint reflection discussions, guide and leadership assignments on all the trips, systematic self-evaluation and student evaluation, and supervisor discussions and case work.

A large part of the study program takes place in nature and includes practical exercises and the development of experience. The preparation, execution and follow-up of field trips are important. Student-work related to field excursions will be organized in groups.

Other themes will be covered in a single course or in a series of courses and includes exercises and practical work. The teaching and learning methods will be student-focused and involve problem-based learning, project work, group work, practical and methodical work with guidance throughout the course, and lectures, discussions and the use of ICT.