M05 Ergonomics and Human Factors
Aims and Learning Outcomes
This module aims to provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of theory and practice in accordance with three of the eight Level 1 British Psychological Society competencies that are prerequisite for Chartered Status. Specifically the competencies addressed are: ‘Human Machine Interaction’ (Section 1 of the BPS criteria) and ‘Design of Environments and Work: Health and Safety’ (Section 2 of the BPS criteria).
By the end of this modules students are expected
- to be equipped with the conceptual and methodological skills required to understand and manage the psychological factors that affect the safe and effective performance of tasks using equipment.
- to be equipped with the conceptual and methodological skills required to understand and manage the psychological factors involved in the design of complete work environments and of work procedures.
- to understand basic intervention skills in job and organisational design.
- to be alert to ethical issues in the conducting of, and commentary on, research.
Course Convenor
Dr Adrian Banks
Other Contributors
Dr Almuth McDowall
Contact Hours
20
Required Prerequisite Study
Completion Requirement
Completion of the module (and the acquisition of 15 course credits) requires a total of 20 contact hours in the form of lectures and seminars. Students are also required to invest a minimum of 100 hours of study time in completion of the module.
Assessments
Assignment 1: Conduct a user trial and write a report evaluating the artefact and providing recommended modifications. This report will critically draw on relevant literature and apply it effectively to the evaluation and design of the artefact. (Word limit: 3,000 words) (50% of the final mark).
Assignment 2: Analyse the case study, discuss the potential causes of the problems faced in this job and suggest practical solutions. Justify your report with critical application of the relevant literature. (Word limit: 3,000 words) (50% of the final mark).
Suggested Reading
Kroemer, K.H.E. & Grandjean, E. (1997). Fitting the task to the human: A textbook of occupational ergonomics. Taylor & Francis. London.
Parker, S., & Wall. T.R. (1998). Job and Work Design. Sage:London.
Wickens, C.D. & Hollands, J. (2000). Engineering psychology and human performance. Prentice Hall: NJ.
Wilson, J.R., & Corlett, N. (2005). Evaluation of human work Taylor & Francis. London