Programme Specification
BSc (Hons) Design Ergonomics [2014 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:
- Reg. XX (Undergraduate Awards) (see University Regulations)
- Module Specifications
- 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 | |
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 14:11:53 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 |
DSB103 |
Vision |
10 |
1 |
o |
DSB105 |
Human Response to Noise & Vibration |
10 |
1 |
o |
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 |
DSB104 |
Thermal Environment |
10 |
2 |
o |
DSB120 |
Legal Framework to the Design of Products and Workplaces |
10 |
1 |
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 |
DSC101 |
Systems Ergonomics |
20 |
1 |
o |
DSC112 |
Designing Products for People |
20 |
2 |
o |
DSC031 |
The Global Studio |
10 |
1 |
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 |
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.