An introduction to ergonomics affording students the necessary knowledge essential for the psychological and anthropometrical development leading to good design. Emphasis is placed on health and safety. A design project is required.

Credits: 3 hours

Lecture Hours - Laboratory Hours: (3 to 0)

1. Basic knowledge of statistics; means, standard deviations, and percentiles.
2. Basic knowledge of presentation software, worldwide web, and e-mail

At the end of the semester the student should have the ability to:

1. Accurately recognize and evaluate hazards (ergonomic in nature) which are likely to cause occupational illnesses or injuries. (a,b,e,f,j,k)
2. Design and redesign tasks and workstations to fit employees. (a,c,e,f,k)
3. Apply the knowledge, skills, and abilities obtained in IME 3420 into an industrial based problem. (a,b,c,d,e,f,g,j,k)

The students should be able to:

Objective 1

1. Accurately apply standard problem solving techniques to multiple types of work environments. (1,3,4,5)
2. Determine the appropriate type of chart to use to solve problems identified in objective 1.1 (1,3,4,5)
3. Accurately interpret data gathered from charts. (1,3,4,5)

Objective 2

1. Collect reliable and reproducible data on humans and workstations. (2,3,4,5)
2. Accurately interpret the statistical meaning of data gathered on humans. (2,4,5)
3. Understand the ramifications (ethical and legal) of making appropriate recommendations in the workplace. (2,5)

Objective 3

1. Accurately perform time studies on manual, semi-automated, and automated tasks. (4,5)
2. Accurately perform work-sampling studies on manual and semi-automated tasks. (4,5)
3. Accurately apply predetermined time study techniques to justify recommendations. (4,5)

Objective 4

1. Accurately define a problem and its corresponding constraints. (4)
2. Function as a productive and effective member of a team. (4)
3. Document work in a scholarly manner. (4)
4. Present information and ideas in a professional manner. (4)

Kroemer, K.H.E., and Grandjean, E., (1999). Fitting the Task to the Human, 5th Ed., Taylor & Francis.

Recommended:

Freivalds, A., (2009). Neibel’s Methods, Standards and Work Design, 12th Ed.. McGraw Hill.

Tycho Fredericks, Ph.D., CPE