Programme Description

Ergonomics or Human Factors (the two terms are used interchangeably) is about 'fit'. The fit between people, things they do, objects they use and environments in which they work, travel and play. If good fit is achieved, the stresses on people are reduced. They are more comfortable, they can do things more quickly, and easily, and they make fewer mistakes. The scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system. The profession applies theoretical principles, data and methods to design in order to optimise human well-being and overall system performance.

The programme in Ergonomics and Human Factors aims to improve awareness of the critical contribution of human factors to the successful design, implementation and management of organisations. This long established and well-respected programme is designed to provide a broad ergonomics education including two optional modules for in-depth study. This course provides the necessary ergonomic knowledge and skills to address issues in the design of products, jobs, workplaces and systems. The programme has a strong practitioner bias and students are encouraged to undertake their main projects in industry.

Ergonomists work in almost any industry: aerospace, ground transportation, hospitals, government services, industry and commerce. Our graduates are consistently very successful in finding employment in academic, government, corporate services and industrial settings, often through contacts made during their projects. There are also opportunities for continuing research in the Department on the Ph.D. programme.