Undergraduate study 2014 prospectus

Course information

Ergonomics, or human factors, can be described as designing for human use. It is a broad subject area and requires the study of psychology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as an interest in design. People vary in a number of ways: size, strength, biomechanics, motivation etc.

A good understanding of these characteristics ensures the better design of products, services, systems and environments. Ergonomics has a role to play in most aspects of our lives – at work, travelling or at leisure.

For example; Can we make aeroplanes safer? How do we design offices to be more efficient and better places to work? How should the remote control of a DVD player be designed so that older people are confident when using it? How can we make sure that people in wheelchairs can use ‘hole in the wall’ cash machines?

Ergonomics involves understanding ourselves to enable us to improve the equipment, systems and services which we use.

Loughborough University is world renowned for its expertise in ergonomics and has been offering an undergraduate degree in the subject for over 40 years.

The course has a strong practitioner element, and gives a broad understanding of human structure, function and behaviour, and from an early stage examines techniques and approaches for making use of this knowledge.

Formal lectures are balanced by a large element of practical work, much of which is focused on real life problems.

Professional Recognition

Our well established Ergonomics (Human Factors) degree course is recognised by The Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (the professional body of ergonomics in the UK) to which the students are entitled to apply for membership.

Professional Training

Students taking the four-year course spend their third year on an industrial placement involving ergonomics. Satisfactory completion of the industrial year leads to the additional award of the Diploma in Professional Studies. Although it is the student’s responsibility to arrange an approved placement, we provide considerable help. 

Recently students have had placements in the UK and abroad, with BAE Systems, British Telecom, the Health and Safety Executive, Human Engineering, IBM, Nestle, Michelin, Thales, QinetiQ, Rank Xerox, Rolls-Royce, and Aston Martin Lagonda. Transfer between the three and four year course is normally possible.

Study Abroad

Loughborough University actively encourages students to undertake international study exchanges or work placements overseas.

Participating students can spend between 3 and 12 months at a university in another country as part of their degree, or spend a placement year working with an employer overseas.

In both cases the opportunity to gain insight into another culture, broaden experience and develop both intellectual and personal maturity, is invaluable. Successful completion may lead to the additional award of the Diploma for International Studies (DIntS).

Selection

Prospective students will be invited to visit the School. This gives you the opportunity to meet staff and students, and to view the facilities available. You will be considered on the qualifications you offer, on your referee’s report and your background.

We encourage mature students and overseas students to apply. No distinction is made between three and four year courses. All applicants must meet the University English language requirements.

Assessment

Assessment is by written examinations and coursework, with project work forming an important component of the latter. Some modules are assessed only by coursework.

Career Prospects

Many graduates from the course find employment as professional Ergonomists in companies, large corporations, or government departments and related institutions.

Other graduates use their degree as a stepping stone to a career in industrial, financial, management and public sector employment and training.

The breadth and applied nature of the Ergonomics course makes graduates particularly attractive to a diverse range of other employers.

Course structure

Year 1

Groundwork in the three main disciplines – ergonomics, psychology, anatomy and physiology

Modules normally include:

• Introduction to Ergonomics
• Ergonomics and Design
• Psychology Practicals
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Introduction to Environmental Ergonomics
• Basic Experimental Psychology
• The Body at Work
• Study Skills

Year 2

Orientation towards practice

Modules normally include:

• Ergonomics in the design of Multi-User Systems
• Vision
• Cognitive Ergonomics
• Thermal Environment
• Organisational Behaviour
• Qualitative Methods
• Human Response to Noise and Vibration
• Experimental Design and Analysis

Year 3 or 4

Specialising for your chosen career path

A practical Project is undertaken of an applied or research nature and may be undertaken in collaboration with organisations outside the University.

Modules normally include:

• Driver and Vehicle Ergonomics
• Systems Ergonomics
• Designing Products for People
• Ergonomics of Human-Computer Interaction
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Disability, Ageing and Inclusive Design
• Human Performance at Environmental Extremes
• Sleep and Biological Rhythms
• Applied Vision
• Psychology, Performance and Human Resources

Please note that optional modules are subject to availability and timetable permitting.

UCAS codes and entry requirements

The entry requirements for each course should be read alongside the University’s general entrance requirements, which give further details on acceptable subjects, alternative qualifications and minimum English language requirements.

SQA AHScottish Qualifications Authority Advanced Highers IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma DPSDiploma in Professional Studies DISDiploma in Industrial Studies DIntSDiploma in International Studies