The course is designed to provide students with the basic concepts and principles of ergonomics/ human factors design so that they are able to understand the problems of human-technology interface in the workplace. It looks at the role of ergonomics with reference to the social context, especially in enhancing productivity and safety in the workplace, and emphasises the social role of ergonomics in creating jobs and workplaces that increase workers' safety and satisfaction.
The course discusses topics such as origins and development of ergonomics, fundamentals of ergonomics, socially centered design, human error reduction and safety, environmental ergonomics, human performance analysis, ergonomics and industrial productivity, macro-ergonomics and cost-benefits analysis. Case studies from manufacturing, construction, service and other industries are used to demonstrate the role of ergonomics in improving workplace productivity and safety.