As part of the EU-CONEXUS Minor programme, a group of students from partner universities successfully completed the Minor course “Ecological Psychology” at the University of Zadar. The course was conducted under the mentorship of Associate Professor Ana Šimunić, Ph.D., from the Department of Psychology at the University of Zadar.
The “Ecological Psychology” Minor provided students with a multidisciplinary understanding of how humans perceive, experience, and interact with their natural and built environments. Throughout the course, students became familiar with key scientific and professional terminology in the field, as well as research methods used by ecological psychologists. Special emphasis was placed on encouraging critical reflection on fundamental environmental issues and exploring ways to promote pro-environmental behaviour.
In addition to lectures and seminars, students had the opportunity to participate in field visits to Paklenica National Park and Vrana Lake Nature Park, where they experienced the connection between theory and practice in ecological psychology. These activities offered valuable insights into the role of environmental perception, preferences, and stress in shaping human behaviour and well-being.
Through this engaging and inspiring programme, students not only expanded their academic knowledge but also strengthened their awareness of the importance of sustainability and environmental protection – key values promoted by the EU-CONEXUS European University for Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability.
