Program Overview
This 10-week online course provides 20 credits at level 7 in Physical Ergonomics. It covers the impact of the physical environment, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety, and health. Upon completion, students will be able to critically analyze evidence-based interventions, understand the interaction between physical domain issues and other workplace factors, and translate evidence-based approaches into practical workplace applications.
Program Outline
You will gain 20 credits at level 7 with a Certificate of Credit to evidence your learning achievement. It is ideally suited to those who wish to build on their knowledge and skills about physical ergonomics, for example anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and anthropometry. It provides a holistic view of ergonomics/human factors by considering the impact of the physical environment (noise, vibration, vision, and thermal environments), work related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety and health. You will explore emerging issues in physical and mental health, such as the ageing population, obesity and sedentary lifestyles. This course critically analyses these issues and the evidence-base for their impact in typical workplace performance, comfort and health problems. A key area explored in the course is the idea of optimisation of the work situation together with the strengths and weaknesses of 'physical ergonomics' as an approach. On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
- Critically analyse the evidence base for the impact of interventions in the physical domain of ergonomics
- Have a deep appreciation of the interaction between physical domain issues and other factors (including the physical environment) within the workplace and what this means for health, safety, performance and well-being
- Demonstrate the ability to translate evidence-based approaches into practical applications in the workplace through communication with key stakeholders
Outline:
- Stage 1:
- Core modules:
- Physical Ergonomics: This module will begin with a holistic view of ergonomics/human factors, to show how the module fits with the course, and subject as a whole. This module will help you to understand the physical domain in ergonomics/human factors including anatomy, physiology, anthropometry, and biomechanics.
- The module will cover the impact of the physical environment (noise, vibration, vision, and thermal environments), work-related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety and health. You will also explore emerging issues in physical and mental health: the ageing population, obesity, sedentary lifestyles. This module critically analyses these issues and the evidence-base for their impact in typical workplace performance, comfort and health problems. A central tenet of the module is the idea of optimisation of the work situation and with this the strengths and weaknesses of ‘physical ergonomics’ as an approach are discussed.
Assessment:
- This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.
Teaching:
- We have over 10 years' experience in the delivery of online courses which means you can expect the highest standards of teaching and education. You can be assured of a supportive and structured learning experience and our online learning advisors are on hand to provide non-academic support throughout your studies.
- The course is delivered 100% online over 10 weeks using a range of interactive learning materials and some live classroom sessions. Provision is made for discussion and interaction with tutors and fellow students through live virtual classroom sessions and online discussion forums. You will study alongside students who are on the online Ergonomics and Human Factors MSc, giving you a wider perspective of cognitive ergonomics and psychology from your global student community.
- Pace of study: We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.
- Library
- Health and Wellbeing Centre
- Careers and Employability Service
- IT Support
- Union of Students
- Dr Victoria Filingeri: Programme leader, Academic Lead in Ergonomics, Dr Victoria Filingeri, completed her BSc in Psychology with Ergonomics, MSc in Health Psychology, PhD and postdoctoral research at Loughborough University, looking into crowd behaviour, rail safety (funded by the Rail Safety and Standards Board), teenagers trespassing (funded by Network Rail), and the ageing population.
- UK fee: £1,050 (2024/25)
- International fee: £1,050 (2024/25) Flexible payment plan available Pay monthly for the course that you are studying
