Units
Ergonomics
Unit code: PUP116
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit explores the relationship between the worker, the work environment and the work space. Occupational ill health and injury arise from a lack of fit between the capabilities of workers and the design of the working environment, the work processes and the physical and mental demands of the task. Insight into ergonomics can assist practitioners to enhance the workers safety and comfort, improve work efficiency and performance, and optimise work performance. Topics include basic anatomy and physiology of body systems, occupational biomechanics and psychology.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Human factors/ergonomics (HFE) has great potential to contribute to the design of all kinds of systems with people (work systems, product/service systems), but faces challenges in the readiness of its market and in the supply of high-quality applications. HFE has a unique combination of three fundamental characteristics:
(1) it takes a systems approach;
(2) it is design driven; and
(3) it focuses on two closely related outcomes: performance and well-being.
Human factors/ergonomics (HFE) has much to offer by addressing major business and societal challenges regarding work and product/service systems. HFE potential, however, is underexploited.
Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the fundamental understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system and the application of appropriate methods, theory and data to improve human well-being and overall system performance. Derived from the Greek 'ergon' (work) and 'nomos' (laws) to denote the science of labour, ergonomics is a systems-orientated discipline which now extends across all aspects of human activity. Ergonomics promotes a holistic approach such that considerations of physical, social, organisational, environmental and other relevant factors are taken into account. Knowledge of current methods and techniques commonly used in ergonomics is essential for the occupational health and safety professional.
Aims
To understand the Human Factors Ergonomics (HFE) systems approach, including aspects of human diversity, ageing, the impact of ICT on work, ergonomics issues in specific industries and the value of HSE for stakeholders.
Objectives
On completion of this unit you will:
1. analyse components of work systems and apply methods for measuring and classifying tasks and factors relevant to work assessment and design
2. apply technical knowledge to human anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics in ergonomic assessment
3. account for and debate causes and effect of common ergonomic issues
Content
Major topics covered include: work systems, work environment, ergonomic methods, anthropometry, biomechanics, physiology, office work, manual materials handling, posture and motion, work organisation, participative ergonomics and cognitive ergonomics.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
To maximise your engagement with the learning materials in this unit, a combination of face to face and regular technologically - supported communication, online discussion, web tools and podcasts will be used to generate a rich, social learning environment. Lectures and web conferences will be recorded to enable some flexibility in the location, time and mode of study, with respect to work and life commitments.
Assessment
Each assessment type in this unit will be subject to internal /external moderation, such as cross unit discussions and regular meetings of assessors, to ensure that marks awarded by different teaching staff are internally consistent and meet appropriate academic standards (MOPP C/5.2).During the intensive block, you will receive feedback on your learning through your group interaction and participation in lectures and tutorials.
Assessment name:
Problem Solving Task
Description:
You will be required to develop a solution to an ergonomic problem in a group work set-up. You will analyse the problem, describe your approach to measuring, assess the problem, design a solution and eventually report out on your work.
Relates to objectives:
1,2
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Both
Group or individual:
Group
Due date:
Week 13
Assessment name:
Examination (written)
Description:
You will be required to undertake an invigilated test.
Relates to objectives:
1-3
Weight:
60%
Internal or external:
Both
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Prescribed text book:
Bridger, R. (2009) Introduction to Ergonomics (3rd ed.), London: Taylor and Francis.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 25-Oct-2012
