Applied Ergonomics

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to perform specific types of ergonomic analyses as well as design jobs and systems consistent with human factors engineering principles. Based on a survey at the beginning of the course, some topics may be changed if there is specific demand.

IE57800

Credit Hours:

Learning Objective:

Students will analyze and synthesize knowledge of fundamentals in ergonomics, human factors, human-computer interaction, and the innovation process after utilizing active learning methods in lesson including thing-pair-share and notes-with-gaps. Students will consider AI-based information and AI performance measures before benchmarking against fundamentals. There will be an emphasis on applications of ergonomics in design and methods that are multi-disciplinary incorporating knowledge of computer sciences, information sciences and psychological principles. Students will apply methods to analyze research and existing designs, as well as demonstrate their ability to create new knowledge through content analysis. Students will generate new understandings in specialized topics of interest through various data visualization techniques.

Description:

The human-technology interface will be studied and considered. The course focuses on the design of jobs and systems to align with human factors and ergonomic principles. Consideration is given to ergonomics in the context of industrial and systems engineering overall. The course lessons include analysis, models and designs for these systems to enhance human efficiency, comfort, safety and well-being.

Topics Covered:

Anthropometrics, work physiology, methods analysis, lifting analysis, learning, time studies, synthetic data systems, activity sampling, sampling methods, process mapping, basic concepts in cognition, decision-making, task/workload, situation awareness, function allocation, supervisory control, performance modeling, human error analysis, human-computer interaction principles.

Prerequisites:

B.S. in engineering or final year of undergraduate studies in engineering.

Applied / Theory:

70 / 30

Web Address:

https://mycourses.purdue.edu/

Web Content:

https://mycourses.purdue.edu/

Homework:

Homework based on lesson info (50%), Presentations (10%) will be 2 article summaries based on a "List of 10 Ways to Evaluate New and Existing Research" A review session and study guide will be provided in advance of the mid-term (worth 20% total). Exam preparation will incorporate gamification and game-based learning. Presentation slides should be submitted as a record of presentation on the same day as the presentation. Presentations (2) will be 5-6 minutes each will be made in "embedded audio" powerpoint to allow contributions from off campus students. For the first presentation, scores will be based on adherence to a prescribed format for preparing chapter-based presentations and second presentation will be scored according to adherence to a "List of 10 ways to Analyze New & Existing Research" (including content analysis and review and reappraisal report) A review session and study guide that will be introduced in lessons. Late materials will have a deduction.

Projects:

There will be summative learning activities dispersed throughout the semester, but no formal course project.

Exams:

There will be a midterm (10%) and a final exam (30%). Other course grading will come from 'activities and homework' (60%).

Textbooks:

Required:

Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics (5th Ed., 2021) Ed. G. Salvendy, W. Karwowski (available for no cost through Purdue e-books).

Instructor(s)