Physical Ergonomics
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MMME4051 | Mechanical, Materials & Manufacturing Engineering | 4 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- MMME4051
- School
- Mechanical, Materials & Manufacturing Engineering
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
A thorough understanding of Human Factors/Ergonomics is critical to the successful design and implementation of products, workplaces, jobs and systems. This module focuses on the physical characteristics of people (e.g. body size, strength, flexibility, vision and hearing abilities) and considers how to account for an individuals fundamental needs, capabilities and limitations. Ultimately, such an understanding will lead to products, workplaces, jobs and systems which promote productivity, health, safety, comfort, etc.
The syllabus covers: Structure and functioning of the human body; anthropometry (human body dimensions) and product/workplace design; biomechanics (loadings on the human body); work-related upper-limb disorders; manual materials handling; risk assessment for work-related musculoskeletal disorders; designing and assessing environments to account for visual, acoustic, thermal and vibration factors.
Re-assessment
Students who fail this module overall and are required to complete a re-assessment will be re-assessed by exam. The re-assessment exam mark alone will be used to determine whether students satisfy progression requirements.
Target Students
MSc in Human Factors, BEng and MEng Product Design and Manufacture, MSc Human-Computer Interaction, any 3rd or 4th year student in School of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering.
Assessment
- 60% Coursework 1: CW1: 60% 2000 word report;
- 40% Coursework 2: CW2: 40% critical and comparative report
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to equip students with fundamental knowledge and skills regarding the physical characteristics of people (body size, strength, flexibility, etc.) and environments (lighting, thermal, sound, etc.) as they relate to the design of products, workplaces and tasks/jobs.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
• LO1 – Analyse products and workplaces to suit the physical needs, capabilities and limitations of people in working environments.
• LO2 – Compare and contrast approaches when considering physical ergonomics problems.
• LO3 – Critically appreciate and synthesise information concerning physical ergonomics from a wide range of sources.
• LO4 – Demonstrate the application of physical ergonomics methods in practical contexts.