Course description for 2025/26
Adventure Challenge
FRI1005
Course description for 2025/26
Adventure Challenge
FRI1005
Do you enjoy being out in nature and want to try your hand at more challenging conditions? How do humans react physiologically, cognitively and socially in extreme environments? In this course, field-based experience and practical exercises are central concepts. You will learn about physiological and psychological responses to extreme environments whilst for example building snow caves, swimming/bathing in Arctic waters, skiing, winter hiking, freediving and (optional) ice-climbing.
Extreme Environments covers the following areas:
- Experiences and knowledge about activities in extreme environments.
- Mechanisms of body temperature regulation and the acute physiological responses upon exposure to a particular environment.
- Psychological and social effects of activities in extreme environments
- Acclimatization of the body in response to repeated exposure to a particular environment.
- Skills such as ice swimming, winter hiking; igloo building and various activities in extreme environments will be undertaken.
- Learning about natural surroundings in extreme environments and nature’s adaptations.
The course can be taken as a single course. Admission criteria: General study competence.
KNOWLEDGE
The student
- can provide insight in field based experiences of the human physiological and psychological responses to exercise in selected environmental conditions.
- has knowledge about exercise and performance in different environments.
- can evaluate physiological and psychological assessment of the acute responses.
SKILLS
The student
- has developed skills and strategies that might be employed to mitigate the effects of the environment will also be considered.
- is able to apply skills required to advise individuals on the preparation necessary to perform physical activity in these environments.
- is able to discuss human physiological and psychological responses to acute and chronic exposure to different (e.g. cold air and water) environments.
- knows how to evaluate the effect that different environments have on the body's response to adapt and perform.
- is able to use physiological and psychological measurement techniques to measure the environmental effect on performance in extreme conditions and demonstrate skills that might mitigate such effects.
GENERAL COMPETENCE
The student
- has knowledge about and be able to discuss social and psychological aspects when living in extreme environments.
- has developed an understanding of and have respect for nature in extreme environments.
- has gained understanding of social, psychological and physiological challenges when living and exercising in extreme environments, like in Northern Norway.
- can understand and reflect how to interact with others and nature in extreme environments.
In addition to the semester fee and syllabus literature, it is assumed that the student has a laptop at their disposal. Personal equipment in connection with outdoor activities is covered by the student. Own contribution for excursions 1500 NOK. Meals and drinks and public transport are not included.
Compulsory.
Theoretical and practical activities and learning methods.
Active participation and cooperation between students is a prerequisite for achieving the courselearning outcomes.
Evaluation using mid-term and final surveys. Students are also encouraged to participate in the central quality surveys.
Composite assessment (SV): All parts described below must be approved/passed to get a grade in the course.
Compulsory participation (OD): There is a requirement of 80% participation. Counts 0/100 of the grade.
Work requirements (AK): Four tasks and active participation. Assessed as approved/not approved. Counts 0/100 of the grade.
Home exam (HJ): One week (7 days) individual written home exam. Assessment expressions A-F, where A is the best grade and F is not passed. Counts 100/100 of the grade.
Generating an answer using ChatGPT or similar artificial intelligence and submitting it wholly or partially as one's own answer is considered cheating
Course language
English
Credits
20
Study location
Bodø
Teaching semesters
Spring 2025
Responsible faculty
The Faculty of Education and Arts
Course coordinator
