Module overview
This module provides an introduction to the role of human factors in engineering. It demonstrates how the characteristics and capabilities of people can be taken into account to optimise the design of
things used by people, the environments in which they live and work, and the organisation of systems.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Carry out a comprehensive literature review to collate, synthesise and critique information, and present an evidence-based argument
- Conduct independent research and manage your own time effectively to meet deadlines
- Communicate your work effectively through a concise, clear and comprehensive written report
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Generate an experimental design for a human factors experiment taking into account appropriate research ethics principles
- Apply knowledge of human performance in the context of the design and/or evaluation of a system
- Critically evaluate the relative merits of a complex safety-critical system from the sociotechnical systems perspective
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The cognitive capabilities and limitations of people and how these relate to overall system performance
- The physical and physiological capabilities and limitations of people, and how these relate to overall system performance
- The sociotechnical systems perspective and how it relates to the design and/or evaluation of a given system in terms of safety, efficiency and satisfaction
- A range of human factors models and methods, and will be able to apply these with justification to evaluate a system
Syllabus
This module provides a detailed overview of human factors engineering, to show how knowledge of the capability of humans can be used for the design of systems and machines, and for the optimisation of the working and living environment. Engineering students gain a competitive edge as they will be provided with a background knowledge of human factors, which is essential to all engineering disciplines, but is not often taught. Contact time in the module may include the following sessions (or similar), with each session including a mix of different delivery modes as decided by individual lecturers in consultation with the module lead:
1) Introduction to Human Factors
2) Human Factors Methods
3) Experimental design
4) Decision Making and Situation Awareness
5) Human Error and Systems Error
6) Automation
7) Sociotechnical Systems
8) Anthropometrics
9) Vibration and Motion Sickness
10) Visual environments
11) Thermal environments
12) Acoustic environments
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
A mixture of classroom-based teaching and learning methods will be used, including lectures, video case studies to facilitate group activities and class discussions. These will be supplemented by self-study and guided reading.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 24 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 12 |
| Wider reading or practice | 45 |
| Follow-up work | 24 |
| Completion of assessment task | 45 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Reading list. Reading lists are provided via Blackboard / library.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
This module will be assessed through coursework that relates to the course content delivered throughout the semester.Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External