How light affects our health and performance
"Light is not just visible radiation - it sets the pace for our internal clock, influences concentration, sleep and mood - and therefore also our performance," says Prof. Dr. Christian Cajochen, Head of the Center for Chronobiology at the University of Basel. The relevance of light and lighting design for human well-being has long been recognized. Whether on the train, at the dentist or in the office: lighting that is adapted to the time of day not only offers comfort, but also has an impact on our health, performance and mood.
"Just as the sun structures the day, our bodies also need the right light at the right time," says course director Prof. Cajochen. At the Center for Chronobiology at the University of Basel, Prof. Dr. Christian Cajochen and his team have been investigating the complex relationships between light, our internal clock, sleep and health for years. Their findings also form the scientific basis of an innovative continuing education program: the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) Light and Chronobiology.
The part-time continuing education course is aimed at students and interested professionals from the fields of human biology, psychology, neuroscience, medicine, physics, architecture and construction as well as the social sciences.
Participants delve deep into the fascinating world of the effects of light: Everything from sleep, metabolism and cognitive performance to light therapy for affective disorders is covered. The interdisciplinary CAS, designed in a blended learning format, offers an exciting mix of theoretical scientific insights and the practical application thereof. The theoretical basics are taught through online video courses and supplemented by exchanges with experts from the various fields of application. Hands-on workshops, real-life case studies and insights into laboratory and field research ensure practical implementation. Participants not only learn how light can be designed, but also how it can be used specifically in their workplace.
There is currently no comparable, structured further education program in the world that integrates the different levels from basic biological research of the effects of daylight to the level of the application of these findings and that teaches also the practical implementation in everyday life and in the clinic.
The "CAS Light and Chronobiology" provides interdisciplinary know-how at the interface of chronobiology, lighting design, neuroscience, medicine and health promotion. For all those who not only want to design light, but also understand it and use it in a targeted manner.
The CAS starts for the first time in September 2025.
Further information on the course and registration can be found directly under weiterbildung.unibas.ch.
