Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Intended for students with a potential interest in ergonomics or human factors. The course surveys the design of work, the workplace environment, information systems, and consumer products. Topics include musculoskeletal disorders, manual materials handling, workplace design, organization of work, design of human/machine interfaces, environmental ergonomics, industrial design, and legal and social issues. Students with credit for BPK 180 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics will include:

Introduction to Ergonomics and Human Factors
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Psychology of work
Environmental Issues
Human Computer Interaction
Product Design
Legal, Ethical and Social Issues

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the end of the course students will be able to:

1. Explain the importance of the application of ergonomic principles to create safer, healthier, more productive, and more satisfying work environments, consumer products and human-technology interaction experiences. (I) (EX)
2. Describe key aspects of human variability that influence design decisions and how they can be documented in a user profile to assist the design process. (I) (E) (EX, TA)
3. Describe how anthropometric data are gathered and presented and apply anthropometric principles to fundamental design problems. (I) (A) (EX, TA)
4. Identify risk factors for the development of work-related musculoskeletal injuries and discomforts and outline the mechanisms for their development. (I) (EX, TA, A)
5. Describe and plan the 7-step approach to conducting an ergonomic evaluation and outline techniques which are fundamental at each stage. Apply the 7-step approach in an office setting. (I) (A) (EX, TA, A)
6. Identify evidence-based solutions at the person, process and environmental levels to address ergonomic issues in the workplace, in the design of consumer products, in human computer interaction and in reducing human error. (I) (EX, TA, A)
7. Outline the key steps in developing ergonomics programs within the workplace and identify when ergonomics legislation applies. (I) (EX)
8. Recognize steps in consumer product development and identify stages where ergonomic principles can be applied. (I) (EX)
9. Describe the effects of lighting, noise, vibration and temperature on health and performance. (I) (EX)
10. Demonstrate the ability to write effectively in the discipline of ergonomics for various audiences in both a technical report format and public writing piece. (I) (A) (TA, A)
11. Conduct a literature search for ergonomics related material and demonstrate ability to reference in APA style. (I) (A) (TA, A)
12. Identify and explain how to navigate ethical issues and professional in the discipline of ergonomics. (I) (EX,A)

Level:
(I) Introduces (E) Emphasizes (R) Reinforces (A) Applies

Assessment Method:
EX (examinations, including midterm, final)
TA (tutorial activities – including marked “labs” and non-marked activities with feedback)
A (marked assignments with several stages of feedback and revision)

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING: