2007 Handbooks

This unit is offered in alternate years.

Human factors involves the study of human machine/system interaction and is aimed at changing the workplace or wider environment to suit the needs and limitations of the operator. A human factors perspective is an important one for organisational psychologists who sometimes too readily opt for interventions targeted at the person rather than the environment. The aim of this module is to provide students with an introduction and overview of the modern field of human factors. Although it will not be possible to provide a comprehensive review of this extensive field in this course, an appreciation of the human factors approach will be given via the study of specific examples and specialised topics such as human-computer interaction and road safety. As a result of completing this course, students should gain a greater appreciation of job, equipment and systems design and be able to use a range of methodologies in the assessment of useability.