PSYC451-13S2 (C) Semester Two 2013
Human Factors - Ergonomics

Description

This course will deal with various issues in Human Factors or Cognitive Ergonomics. The course will have an applied emphasis oriented towards using psychological theory in the “real” world. Human Factors and Cognitive Ergonomics in the “real” world basically reduces down to making devices, processes, tools, software, appliances, vehicles, houses, etc. better.  In many settings this can directly save lives, like medicine and aviation. In commercial settings this generates (or conserves) money. First, products that are easier to use are often preferred by the public. Second, products/processes that are easier to understand tend not to lead to as many disasters, thus saving liability costs.  Good Human Factors saves or makes money.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate understanding of the key theories in human factors.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply those theories to human behaviour in human-built system contexts.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically challenge the different human factors theories.
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct human factors research.
• Demonstrate the ability to report human factors research.

Pre-requisites

For further information see Psychology.