Summary: This course is aimed at individuals who want a broad ergonomics/human factors education.
Provider: Loughborough Design School
Location: Loughborough
Duration: 12 months (min) to 4 years (max)
Knowledge/experience needed: Students must complete the two day Induction. This is normally the week before the first module of this course.
Website: www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/lds/pg/
Email: d.e.gyi@lboro.ac.uk
Current and past students on our programmes come from a range of backgrounds, both in the UK and internationally. Degrees and experience include the fields of industrial design, health sciences/practice, human physiology, kinesiology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology and branches of engineering. For our PG Cert programmes we assess applicants on a case-by-case basis.
Successful completion of this PG Cert programme allows students the opportunity to study for the Diploma and MSc.
Expected outcomes: An accredited PG Cert qualification in Ergonomics (Human Factors)
Course duration: The PG Cert can be studied full time (4 modules in 12 months) or part time (4 modules over 2-4 years). Full time (1 year), Part time (2-4 years). Starts in October each year.
Course content
A key feature of our postgraduate ergonomics programmes is the way in which we deliver them. You will study four modules for this PG Cert – each is taught over a one week intensive period at Loughborough University, these are also known as block taught modules. Outside of this time, you will be expected to complete prepared programme materials and assignments using email and the internet. We will provide you with access to an interactive online system with additional materials and information. The four modules are:
Introduction to Ergonomics
This module gives an overview of the different areas of ergonomics, providing orientation and context for future modules. In doing so, it introduces many of the academic and research staff who teach on the programmes, along with their areas of expertise and research. The module also gives a first consideration to a range of issues involved in the use and evaluation of products, equipment and other ergonomics interactions.
Module content: the history, philosophy, definition and scope of ergonomics; the human-machine-environment system; examples of research and practice in a wide range of ergonomics specialties.
Teaching and learning: seminars, lectures and guided independent study
Assessment: group product evaluation and presentation, and individual report
Human Factors and Systems
The aim of this module is to enable you to understand the role of people in systems, and to examine methods for analysing complex systems and designing systems with effective roles for people. Human error is considered by looking at the causation of near misses, incidents, accidents and disasters, in the context of sociotechnical systems thinking.
Module content: the system approach with ergonomics and the role played by humans; methods for carrying out systems ergonomics; task analysis and allocation; accidents and errors; applications in information systems; patient safety; interactive design; job design and teams; human reliability
Teaching and learning: tutorials, practical classes and workshops, lectures and guided independent study
Assessment: class test and essay
Human Function
This module provides a foundation in human function relevant to ergonomics: anatomy, biomechanics, physiology and anthropometry. This includes an understanding of physical performance in work and leisure activities.
Module content: human movement and how the musculoskeletal system supports postural stability; static and dynamic physical work affects; body structures and how work influences physiological systems; fundamentals of anthropometry related to work/activity and its application to design.
Teaching and learning: lectures, practical classes and guided independent study
Assessment: open book test and individual report
Physical Health at Work
This module looks at aspects of modern work that can affect physical health. It includes consideration of physical agents such as dust, noise and vibration, and physical risk factors such as manual handling. It approaches these issues by understanding the problems, reviewing guidance and regulation, and discussing approaches to minimising and managing physical health risks at work.
Module content: hearing loss; vibration related disorders; eye strain; heat and cold stress; air quality; regulations and standards; management of risk; minimisation of adverse health effects on the physical environment; occupational stress; display screen equipment.
Teaching and learning: practical classes and workshops, lectures and guided independent study
Assessment: newsletter, critique and report
Cost
If you are studying for a Postgraduate Certificate, tuition fees will be charged on a pro rata basis, according to the number of credits you are studying for. Please check with our University central office.
Loughborough University has been an international centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors for over 50 years. We have a world-leading reputation for research and teaching and are proud to have trained ergonomists and human factors specialists now working all over the world.