Course Title: Physical Human Factors and Ergonomics

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Physical Human Factors and Ergonomics

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

PUBH1422

City Campus

Postgraduate

325H Property, Construction & Project Management

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Azizur Rahman

Course Coordinator Phone: 9925 6489

Course Coordinator Email: azizur.rahman@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 8.8.50

Course Coordinator Availability: TBA


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study 

You should have satisfactorily completed PUBH1012 Human Factors and Ergonomics before you commence this course. 

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.  

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. 


Course Description

In this course you will explore diverse aspects of human anatomy, physiology, anthropometry and biomechanics to recognize exposure factors in occupational tasks that predisposes workers to musculoskeletal injuries. You will also examine ergonomic assessment tools used to quantify physical ergonomic risks. You will analyse epidemiological, physiological, psychophysical and biomechanical criteria used in design of ergonomic solutions. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) 

In course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:  

  • Determine and apply knowledge of complex occupational health and safety theory, principles and best practice to applied projects to contribute to the profession and discipline of occupational health and safety. 
  • Professionally communicate and justify project scope, design, implementation, strategy and /or outcomes, engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders across a range of industry sectors
  • Apply the specialist knowledge and technical skills required to creatively address the diverse needs of occupational health and safety practice, designing innovative solutions and demonstrating independent, sound and ethical decision making related to your professional practice and the discipline. 
  • Provide strategic occupational health and safety advice and utilise leadership and teamwork skills to initiate, plan and guide the implementation of bespoke solutions across diverse occupational health and safety contexts 


Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: 

  1. Characterise different workplaces using different anthropometric dimensions and identify corresponding risk factors that predispose to musculoskeletal disorders. 
  2. Apply biomechanical, manual handling, psychophysical, physiological and epidemiological assessment tools to quantify and assess physical exposures in occupational tasks 
  3. Develop and recommend solutions based on demonstrable analysis, synthesis and interpretation of the output of different ergonomics tools used in the assessment of ergonomic risks 


Overview of Learning Activities

Learning in this course comprises a combination of interactive online workshops as a combination of lectures and tutorials. Lectures will introduce new material and provide fundamental knowledge for each topic. Tutorial time will offer the opportunity for class and group discussion and debate on readings and guest lectures. 

Project work and interactions with stakeholders, such as researchers, advocates, policy makers, practitioners and representatives of various tenure groups, is an important aspect of the course. You will learn from, collaborate across and utilise strategies from various disciplines. This will enable you to combine knowledge from multiple perspectives and real-life experiences to prepare you to develop speculative solutions to complex problems around housing and health. 

 It is expected that you will attend classes regularly and work collaboratively in problem solving sessions and individual and group-based reflections on project based and cross-disciplinary issues. 


Overview of Learning Resources

Overview of learning resources 

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. 

You will be directed to a range of texts, journal articles and other web-based material that provide a current understanding of the knowledge in this area. 

Lectures, voice files and other materials will be available on MyRMIT (Canvas).  

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the MyRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. 

Assessment Tasks 

Task 1: Scenario using workplace anthropometry, 30% CLO1, and CLO3.  

Task 2: Application and critical analysis of ergonomic assessment tools 30%, CLO1, CLO2 and CLO3 

Task 3: Case study requiring ergonomic workplace solutions, 40%, CLO2 & CLO3 

 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.