This module will ensure that you become knowledgeable in a focussed aspect of ergonomics, investigated using human factors-based design. You will utilise this systematic design process to create a new intervention, aimed at improving ergonomics. Importantly, you will become knowledgeable of the clinical principles and measuring techniques relevant to a specific field of ergonomics. The effectiveness of the design will be evaluated via a scientific study, meaning that it is important to plan and deliver a robust testing methodology that will quantify the difference between the original solution and the new intervention. Outcomes will be communicated via a technical report, analysing biomechanical data and drawing evidence-based, ergonomic conclusions. 

LO1. Systematically understand how human-factors engineering can be leveraged to create new ergonomic solutions (APEH M1, M2). 

LO2. Apply design-for-manufacture strategies (M3, M4, M5, M6, M13). 

LO3. Plan and deliver a robust ergonomic assessment (AHEP M1, M2, M3 M4, M9). 

LO4. Critically analyse literature and own data to draw appropriate conclusions (AHEP M17). 

The Engineering Council sets the overall requirements for the AHEP (Accreditation for Higher Education Programmes). It is the standard used by the UK engineering profession to assess the competence and commitment of individual engineers and technicians and is in its 4th iteration. Link: ahep-fourth-edition

The module will be delivered through a blend of face-to-face teaching, self-directed learning, and practical work.  Each student will have their own project, with stints of working collaboratively to maximise opportunity and quality of data collection. 

Weekly meetings will enable students to report their own progress towards their specific objectives, with the open forum enabling the sharing of new ideas, techniques and skills. These may include peer-to-peer learning to perform a more effective literature review, or assistance in techniques such as computational design and FEA. 

Throughout the module, you will develop your academic skills in a number of ways: 

Subject-specific skills: 

• Critique the relevant literature to provide a clear understanding of the project aim, deriving a series of criteria that will guide the design and testing phases. 

• Employ systematic, human factors-based engineering approaches to convert the criteria into concepts, before selecting the final design.  

• Understand the capabilities and opportunities afforded by the relevant experimental facilities, converting these into a robust assessment of the ergonomic considerations that underpin the aim of the study. 

Professional & Practical Skills (AHEP) 

• M1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering 
• M2. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed 
• M3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed 
• M4. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems 
• M5. Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards 
• M6. Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems 
• M9. Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity 
• M13. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations 
• M17. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used 

Transferable/Employability Skills (Graduate Attributes):  

•  Collaborative 
  • C1 Contribute positively and effectively when working in a team, having an impact from the outset 
  • C2 Demonstrate enthusiasm and the ability to motivate themselves, and positively influence others in meeting agreed responsibilities 
  • C3 Be respectful of the roles of others and acknowledge the limits of their own skills / experience 
• Effective communicators 
  • EC1 Listen to and take account of the views of others 
  • EC2 Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences 
  • EC3 Contribute to discussions, negotiate, and present with impact 
  • EC4 Deliver, accept, and act on constructive feedback 
  • EC5 Take a professional approach to communication, including their own online/social media profiles, and be alert to how words and actions may be interpreted by others 
• Ethically, socially and environmentally aware 
  • ESEA1 Consider own personal and professional ethical, social, and environmental responsibilities 
  • ESEA2 Demonstrate personal and professional integrity, reliability, and competence 
  • ESEA3 Understand organisations, their stakeholders, and their impact on the community 
• Independent and critical thinkers 
  • ICT1 Identify, define, and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information. 
  • ICT2 Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding 
  • ICT3 Investigate problems and offer effective solutions, reflecting on and learning from successes and failures 
• Innovative, enterprising and commercially aware 
  • IECA1 Generate original ideas and apply creative, imaginative, and innovative thinking in response to identified needs and problems 
  • IECA2 Take the initiative to act on own ideas and the ideas of others, balancing risk and returns and making things happen 
  • IECA3 Be confident in pursuing entrepreneurship as a viable and rewarding career path 
  • IECA4 Understand organisations, their stakeholders, and their impact on the economy 
• Reflective and resilient 
  • RR1 Actively reflect on own studies, achievements, and self-identity 
  • RR2 Demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and creativity in dealing with challenges, and be open to change 
  • RR3 Identify and articulate own skills, knowledge and understanding confidently and in a variety of contexts 
  • RR4 Engage with new ideas, opportunities, and technologies, building knowledge and experience to make informed decisions about own future 
  • RR5 Set aspirational goals for continuing personal and professional development, planning effectively with a commitment to lifelong learning 

Coursework (100%) (LO 1-4): The coursework is an individual assessment, with each student addressing a self-selected research question.  It is expected that data collection will be performed collaboratively, to maximise quantity and quality.  

Opportunity for reassessment 

The opportunity for reassessment in this module will be based on a coursework resubmission in the summer. This can include an individual resit submission, the remit of which will be set by the module leader while also mapped against the module learning outcomes.  

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme. If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme. You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

• Understand biomechanics of a specific aspect of the human body. 

• Become knowledgeable on the process and implementation of human-centred design. 

• Perform a critique of potential design interventions and how these can achieve a biomechanical advantage. 

• Evaluate relevant manufacturing techniques and employ design-for-manufacture strategies. 

• Secure ethical approval and understand the need for data security when acquiring participant data. 

• Design and deliver a scientifically-robust study that enables direct evaluation of the intervention.  

• Communicate the process and findings of the study via a written, technical report.