Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

BSc (Hons) Design Ergonomics [2015 and 2016 entry]

Academic Year: 2018/19

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department Loughborough Design School - pre 2019
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body

Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors

Final award BSc (Hons)/ BSc (Hons) + DPS/DIntS
Programme title Design Ergonomics
Programme code DSUB10
Length of programme The duration of the programme is either six semesters, or eight semesters if students pursue a year’s placement in industry between Parts B and C with the objective of achieving a Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) or Diploma in International Studies (DIntS).
UCAS code J923, J922
Admissions criteria

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/departments/designschool/designergonomics/

Date at which the programme specification was published Thu, 14 Jun 2018 15:16:17 BST

1. Programme Aims

To advance the understanding of designing with particular attention to human factors

To provide opportunities for students to develop skills, values and attributes, and to acquire knowledge and understanding, relevant to user centred product development

To enable students to develop a range of conceptual, practical and professional skills that reflect a synthesis of product design and ergonomics

To develop and foster imaginative, creative and scientific abilities, both individually and in teams

To provide opportunities for students to develop and apply appropriate methods to identify user needs and abilities and critically evaluate products that require human interaction

To enable students to develop effective communication skills, including those required for verbal, visual and technical presentation

To promote an understanding of, and examine the opportunities for, professional practice

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

QAA Benchmark Statements for Art and Design

The Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors - Accreditation

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of …

K1 -   design methodology, the context of design activity, and the role of the designer within professional practice

K2 -   the role of ergonomics and human factors within design practice

K3 -   a user centred approach to design

K4 -   human needs, variability, capability and limitations

K5 -   the role of product form and the semantic impression generated

K6 -   the principles and practice of extended enquiries and user evaluations

K7 -   2d and 3d modelling in both analogue and digital media and their role within product development

K8 -   experimental design, data processing and presentation

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

C1 - analyse design contexts and develop a design strategy

C2 - demonstrate evidence based reasoning and make critical judgements about arguments in ergonomics and design

C3 - develop design ideas, as an individual and also as part of a group

C4 - identify suitable ergonomics techniques and the appropriate stages where they may be used to support the design process

C5 - demonstrate substantial competence in research skills through practical activities

C6 - analyse quantitative and qualitative data relating to the user and / or design

C7 - analyse human variability and capability in terms of cognition and physiology

C8 - understand the ethical context of psychology and ergonomics as a discipline and demonstrate this in relation to their own empirical work

C9 - identify appropriate 2d and 3d prototyping techniques to support design activity

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

P1 -   design appropriate evaluations, process quantitative and qualitative data and apply findings in an iterative design process

P2 -   present quantitative and qualitative data relating to the user and / or design

P3 -   measure human variability and capability in terms of cognition and physiology

P4 -   apply ergonomics to real world design situations

P5 -   apply a broad range of 2d and 3d modelling and presentation techniques in both analogue and digital forms to support design activity

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to …

G1 - use creativity and innovation in problem solving

G2 - work within contexts of ambiguity, uncertainty, and unfamiliarity

G3 - reflect upon and present ideas and information in visual, oral and written forms

G4 - interact effectively with others, working as a member of a small group or team

G5 - manage self learning including efficient time management and the ability to meet deadlines

G6 -  identify, retrieve and analyse information relevant to a proposition, discussion or issue

G7 -demonstrate competence with information technology, using a range of different software tools

4. Programme structure

4.1       Part A  - Introductory Modules           

In the following table, ‘c’ indicates a compulsory module and ‘o’ indicates an optional module 

Code

Module title

Modular weight

Semester

 

DSA001

Design Practice 1

20

1

c

DSA002

Design Practice 2

20

2

c

DSA003

Design Contexts

10

1

c

DSA005

Computing for Designers 1

10

1+2

c

DSA006

Prototyping for Design

20

1+2

c

DSA101

Ergonomics and Design

10

1+2

c

DSA104

Introduction to Environmental Ergonomics

10

2

c

DSA105

Introduction to Ergonomics

10

1

c

DSA112

Anatomy

10

1

c

Compulsory modules in Semester 1 (total modular weight 50)

Compulsory modules in Semester 2 (total modular weight 30)

Compulsory modules across Semester 1 and Semester 2 (total modular weight 40)

4.2       Part B  - Degree Modules 

 

Code

 

Module title

 

Modular weight

 

Semester

 

 

 DSB010

Universal Design

 20

 1+2

 c

 DSB013

 Sustainable Design

 20

 1+2

 o

 DSB018

 Year 2 Design Ergonomics Practice

 30

 1+2

 c

 DSB102

 Ergonomics in the Design of Multi-

 user Systems

 10

 2

 c

 DSB106

 Qualitative Methods

 10

 2

c

 DSB108

 Cognitive Ergonomics

 10

 1

 c

 DSB118

 Human Computer Interaction

 10

 1

 c

 DSB113

Study Design  & Data Analysis

 10

 1

 c

 DSA103

 The Body At Work

 10

 2

 o

 DSB121

Environmental Ergonomics and Design

20

1+2

 o

DSB120

Legal Framework to the Design of Products and Workplaces

10

1

o

DSB122

Product Design & Failure

10

2

o

Compulsory modules in Semester 1 (total modular weight 30)

Compulsory modules in Semester 2 (total modular weight 20)

Compulsory modules across Semester 1 and Semester 2 (total modular weight 50)

4.2.1 Permissible Option combinations

                       

Semester 1

Semester 2

20 Weight Module

OR

10 Weight Module

10 Weight module

 OR

                                                                     2X10 Weight modules in Sem 2

 

4.3       Part I – Placement (8 semester programme only)

Candidates on degree programme Design Ergonomics with the Diploma in Professional Studies will undertake industrial/professional training.

Part I –  Overseas Study / Placement (8 semester programme only)

Candidates on degree programme Design Ergonomics with the Diploma in International Studies will undertake industrial/professional training for half the year and will study at one of the Design School’s approved academic institutions for the other half of the academic year.

4.4       Part C  - Degree Modules

 

Code

 

Module title

 

Modular weight

 

Semester

 

 

 DSC017

 Computer-aided Ergonomics

 10

 1

 c

 DSC005

 Live Projects

 10

 1+2

 o

 DSC021

 Design Research

 20

 1+2

 o

 DSC022

User Experience Design

 10

 1

 c

 DSC028

 Final Year Design Ergonomics

Practice:  Product Development

 25

 1

 c

DSC013

Sustainable Design

10

1

o

 DSC101

 Systems Ergonomics

 20

 1

o

DSC112

 Designing Products for People

 20

 2

 o

 BSC522

 Entrepreneurship & Innovation

 10

 1

 o

 DSC114

 Inclusive Design, Ageing, Disability and Vulnerability

 10

 1

 o

 DSC117

 Driving and Vehicle Ergonomics

10

 1

 o

DSC122

Product Design & Failure

10

1

o

DSC123

Vehicle Safety by Design

10

1

o

 DSC029*

 Final Year Design Ergonomics

Practice:  Prototyping and Evaluation

 35

 2

 c

 DSC030*

 Final Year Design Ergonomics

Practice: Research and Evaluation

 35

 2

 c

 *Students must select from either DSC029 or DSC030 depending upon the nature of their DSC028 Final Year Design Ergonomics Practice: Product Development module

Compulsory modules in Semester 1 (total modular weight 45)

Compulsory modules in Semester 2 (total modular weight 35)

4.4.1 Permissible Option combinations

Any combination of modules to a total of 40 credits, with no more than 25 credits in Semester 1.           

 

 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, from C to D (if applicable) and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40: Part C 60 to determine the final percentage mark.

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