Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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SS 464 - Human Factors in Engineering and Design

2 lecture hours 2 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
This course examines the concept of the human, systems, and environmental interaction. Emphasis is on the human aspect of human-machine systems to make the student more aware of the human element in the design of equipment and work. Human sensory, psychological and biomechanical processes are examined, indicating the role they play in the design and application of controls, tools and displays. The effects of illumination, noise, information processing, stress, fatigue, and boredom on human beings are also examined. The student will be expected to research and make several presentations on areas of human factors. (prereq: junior standing)
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Understand the human aspect of the human-machine system
  • Understand the sensory-motor processes of people
  • Examine information theory and processing
  • Examine various types of display panels, their functions and usefulness
  • Understand the role of information feedback in motor performance
  • Examine various types of controls, their functions and usefulness
  • Understand the effects of light, color, noise, and temperature on people
  • Understand the effects of motivation, stress, fatigue, and boredom on productivity and work
  • Examine anthropometrics data and its use in design of the work environment
  • Examine the function and dysfunction of the central nervous system with regard to injury

Prerequisites by Topic
  • None

Course Topics
  • Human-Machine system (2 classes)
  • Information processing, information theory, factors influencing information processing; noise, timesharing, redundancy, speed and load, compatibility; requirements for memory; decision-making (4 classes)
  • Characteristics of visual sensory channel and displays; physiology of the eye, what affects perception, characteristics of quantitative, qualitative, alpha-numeric, and symbolic displays. Auditory and kinesthetic displays also presented (8 classes)
  • The nature and effects of activities on the human system; stress and strain of work; motor learning fatigue; boredom; practical applications for designers and management (6 classes)
  • Characteristics of noise and its effects on work and the body (2 classes)
  • Biological rhythms and their effects on productivity and work design (1 class)
  • Anthropometrics data and its use in design; work space dimension, product design, and science of seating (2 classes)
  • Hand tool design and biomechanical effects of work with hand tools; carpal tunnel syndrome, white finger, etc.; John Bennett design of tools (2 classes)
  • Environmental psychology: personal space; office design (2 classes)
  • Test (1 class)
  • Presentations (2 classes)

Laboratory Topics
  • Lab Reports: Consistent with requirements as assigned

Coordinator
Alicia Domack



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