Ergonomics
MSc

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Develop an ethically and methodologically sound empirical research study exploring a pertinent psychological theory
2. Analyse, interpret, and critically evaluate the findings of the study to form coherent conclusions about the research question(s)
3. Critically appraise a contemporary qualitative research paper using selected criteria

Module content

The indicative content for this module may include:

• Philosophical background to empirical research and investigation
• Generating and exploring hypotheses and empirical research questions
• Qualitative Approaches
  • assumptions and basics, epistemology eg Phenomenological and Positivist
  • differences between methods and methodology eg IPA, TA, interviews, focus groups
  • approaches to qualitative methods, validity and reliability
• Quantitative Approaches
  • Assumptions and basics, descriptive tests, exploring data, parametric and non-parametric inferential analyses, testing for differences eg t-tests, ANOVAs, Kruskal -Wallis
  • testing for relationships (correlations, regressions, Chi Squares), effect sizes, power analysis
• Planning and Designing Your Study: Experimental design, questionnaire studies, online surveys, ethical considerations

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the scope and aims of ergonomics
• Demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of the range and characteristics of ergonomics methods and techniques available
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct and critically evaluate studies employing ergonomics methods and measurement techniques

Module content

• The ‘Ergonomics Approach’
• The goals of ergonomics
• Fundamentals of methods selection
• Analysing the individual
• Evaluation of mental workload
• Evaluation of physical work activities
• Task analysis
• Environmental assessment
• Systems level analysis
• Design and selection of work equipment
• The business case for ergonomics interventions

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate deep understanding of the underlying anatomical, physiological and biomechanical issues necessary to operate in the field of ‘physical ergonomics’
2. Critically analyse the evidence base for the impact of physical factors on work system performance
3. Appreciate the interaction between physical issues and other factors within the workplace

Module content

• Understanding anatomy and physiology as it relates to human performance
• Human responses to the physical environment
• Biomechanics and the efficiency of human movement
• Posture and its impact upon health and performance
• Anthropometry: the impact of body shape and size
• Vision & lighting
• Contribution of physical factors to common workplace problems
• Limitations of the ‘man as machine’ analogy and it’s impact on the practice of ergonomics

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the fundamental theoretical aspects of systems thinking as applied to ergonomics
2. Critically analyse systems to identify where ergonomics interventions may benefit overall system functioning and appreciate the impact any ergonomics interventions may have upon wider system functioning
3. Utilise ergonomics in a considered, professional manner and recognise the need to consider ergonomics techniques as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Module content

• Basic systems theory with particular emphasis on the role of the Ergonomist
• Ergonomics as “systems thinking”
• Macroergonomics – understanding the organisational environment
• Ergonomics and competent behaviour
• Ergonomics and individual development
• Systems failures – major disasters to product (usability) failures – case studies
• Legislation and Litigation – the legal context of work systems
• Professional issues – the realities of being a competent Ergonomist

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Critically discuss and integrate knowledge across several areas of cognitive psychology
2. Demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of empirical research in relation to human performance
3. Position the performance of a task in a psychological context and critically evaluate the main psychological factors and their possible inter-relations

Module content

Indicative Content: 

• Attention
• Visual information processing
• Memory
• Thinking, reasoning and decision making
• Skilled performance
• Human error
• History, development and applications of cognitive psychology
• Psychosocial factors of performance eg otivation & lifestyle
• Individual differences and performance eg personality, stress, arousal and mood

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

• Consider relevant theory and research to produce an ethically and methodologically sound research proposal that considers resources, project planning, aims and projected outcomes
• Demonstrate an ability to identify the main ergonomics issues, use appropriate methodologies and data-analysis to investigate and infer coherent conclusions
• Produce a professional report that demonstrates an ability to critically review the relevant literature, integrate taught parts of the programme and understand the strengths and limitations of the work undertaken

Module content

The subject of the research will be formulated by the student following the advice of a nominated tutor and the requirements of the students chosen pathway.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Apply appropriate ergonomics methods in order to critically evaluate and inform design
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of user populations and their respective needs and behaviours
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the role of ergonomics in the design life cycle in order to provide effective design solutions

Module content

• Concept of user centred design
• Design thinking and behaviour
• The design process
• Professional issues
• Hedonomics and principles of pleasure
• Legislation, standards and accessibility
• Defining users and their needs
• Usability and its evaluation

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the extent to which psychological theory aids our understanding of the relationship between human behaviour and health
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the extent to which health psychology can be applied to key occupational health and safety concerns

Module content

• Concepts of health and illness
• Measuring health and illness
• Understanding health behaviour: social cognition models
• Illness representations
• Coping with ill-health: pain & chronic conditions
• Health promotion: theories, models and values
• Workplace health promotion

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate a deep understanding of how psychological theory has informed our understanding of organisations and the effect they have on those working within them
2. Demonstrate a deep understanding of how human behaviour is influenced by organisations, their behaviour, their systems and their structure
3. Critically evaluate how components of organisational behaviour impact on well-being and performance

Module content

• The history, development and practice of psychology within an organisational setting
• Motivation at work and the concept of job satisfaction
• Leadership and ‘management style’
• Attitudes and commitment to work
• Organisational structure and working groups
• The assessment of work performance
• Staff recruitment/selection and the design of jobs
• Social identity, socialisation and the meaning of work
• Health and wellbeing with particular emphasis on ‘occupational stress’
• Organisational change