Psychology of light and time

Light, darkness and color have a profound impact on biological and psychological processes, far beyond ergonomics and performance on visual tasks. Whereas aspects of visual performance and visual comfort may be addressed in courses on perception and lighting design respectively, this course centers on the biological and psychological impact of the light conditions we live, work and play in. Through lectures and interactive discussions on selected readings, students are introduced to the domain of chronobiology, and then learn about the image-forming and non-image forming pathways of light relevant to psychological functioning. Relevant application domains include health, wellbeing, cognitive performance, mood and (social) behavior change.

Theme 1: Time & human functioningcircadian rhythms and sleep
The most profound demonstration of biological effects lies in the fact that all humans - in fact all life on this planet - shows circadian rhythms in physiological, behavioral, and experiential processes. Our bodies and minds show clear recurring patterns with the rhythms of night and day. We will first learn about these rhythms, their origin and implications, in particular on the sleep-wake rhythm. (weeks 1-2)

Theme 2: Light & timeNonvisual effects of light
Subsequently we consider how light and time are intertwined in our daily biological functioning. This theme pertains to non-image forming effects of light on human functioning . We learn how light influences the amplitude and phase of the biological clock, i.e. circadian effects, and its impact on mental and physical health. And we learn how light acutely impacts our physiology and cognitive functioning. (weeks 3-5)

Theme 3: Light & mindVisible light
Light affects us also via psychological mechanisms: light may create atmospheres, direct attention, or through associative pathways influence our perceptions, thoughts and behaviors. These image forming effects of light on human functioning are the processes and phenomena we consider in the third theme. (weeks 6-7)

Theme 4: Integration & consolidation
In the last week of the course we reflect on the two pathways of light, their research traditions, and their implications for creating optimal lighting conditions. We also organize a guest lecture and small workshop with persons from the lighting industry (week 8)

Additional information:
Lectures: The main focus of the lectures is on theory. The workshops and assignments focus on research methodology or on the application of research findings to real-life problems. Individual or small group assignments: In small assignments, students will be challenged to engage with course content.
Workshops: In the weekly workshops, students will be asked to present and reflect on recent empirical studies and/or their assignments. Independent learning: Students are expected to read and master course materials independently (selected chapters and articles).

Students will learn to engage with theoretical models, critically reflect on recent empirical research and the methods and results reported there, and to formulate implications for new and innovative lighting solutions and potential applications, relating to both natural and electric lighting.After successful completion of the course, the student

• has a sound knowledge of the most important theoretical models behind image-forming and non-image forming effects of light
• is familiar with well-established research methods and paradigms in chronobiology and psychology of light and able to explain the rationale behind them.
• is able to engage with theoretical concepts, models and mechanisms in these domains and critically reflect on recent empirical research and the methods and results reported there, .
• is able to appraise empirical evidence presented in relevant domains and to formulate implications for new and innovative lighting solutions and potential applications, relating to both natural and electric lighting

You must meet one of the following collections of requirements

• Collection 1
• Completed Final examination Bsc program
• Collection 2
• Completed Pre-Master

• Selected readings from books and scientific articles