Block 1: The scientific discipline of HF/E

History of Ergonomics; twin aims; professional bodies; definitions and scope of practice; codes of conduct; competencies.

(International Ergonomics Association, Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society)



Block 2: The Systems approach

Complexity and socio-technical systems theory; interactions, non-linearity and emergence; field rationality and ‘work-as-done’.

(Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety [SEIPS], Systems Thinking for Everyday Work [STEW], SHEL Model [software, hardware, environment, liveware] Eurocontrol system map)



Block3: The design intent

Human Factors Engineering; designing for human capabilities and limitations; participatory and user-centred design; blend of psychology, physiology and engineering; inclusive design for diverse groups of staff and patients.

(User Centred Design, International Organization for Standardization [ISO] principles, useability testing)



Block 4 : Applying HF/E for health and care system improvement

Current and historical approaches to Patient Safety; QI; drawing from other sectors; applications and controversies; contemporary issues and future developments.

(Quality Improvement, Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Clinical Human Factors Group, The Patient Safety Incident Response Framework [PSIRF] Team -Based Quality Reviews, walkthrough and link analysis)

Final assessment: critical essay on Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) for health system improvement

You should make reference to material/ learning from the module (the systems approach; cognitive, physical and organisational Ergonomics; user-centred design) and reflect on alternative approaches to safety and improvement by way of critical comparison. (LO1, LO4)

You are free to focus on a particular discipline or area of activity (‘subsystem’) of your choice or you may discuss system improvement in more general terms. (LO2, LO3)

The paper word length does not include figures, tables or references.

Formative assessments

Each teaching block will conclude with a simple formative assessment to allow students to track progress and work towards the final assessment. These will be a mixture of discussion posts, quizzes and critical appraisal tasks.

Examples for this module include:

A worked analysis illustrating system interactions to be posted for peer comment, facilitated by tutors

A critical appraisal of the extent to which selected patient safety groups and authors understand HF/E

Students will have the option of being individually mentored by the course leads towards application for an appropriate membership level of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors. This can involve reviewing professional competencies and keeping logbook records of the HF/E activities students are undertaking.

Module Learning Outcome

University Learning Outcome

1.1 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the history, scope of practice and aims of Human Factors and Ergonomics

Knowledge and

Understanding; Learning; Communication; Reflection

1.2 Demonstrate originality in the application of the complex systems approach to optimising system performance and human wellbeing

Knowledge and

Understanding; Learning; Enquiry; Application

1.3 Critically evaluate current research supporting the design of technology, process and the built environment, taking into account human capabilities and limitations

Knowledge and

Understanding; Analysis; Problem Solving

1.4 Critically appraise and reflect upon the current contribution of Human Factors and Ergonomics to improving outcomes in health and care systems

Knowledge and

Understanding; Application; Communication; Reflection

HF/E privileges the expertise of the user in any system and aims to support them to apply tools and models systematically to design better systems. Thus the main pedagogical approach is to support students in work-based learning (this may include applying their learning in home and community environment).

Blackboard Learn Ultra will be the main application for online teaching, learning, community building, and knowledge sharing. Discussions, quizzes and critical appraisal tasks will facilitate reflection, interpretation and enquiry.

Material will be introduced in blocks of around 3-4 weeks. Each will have a dedicated asynchronous video introduction and a synchronous tutor-led discussion at the end, recorded. All blocks will include a mixture of audio, video and written material.

Class conversations will be enabled for selected teaching material to facilitate inquiry.

As well as general graduate attributes (see university learning outcomes) the focus is on gaining applied skills/ professionally recognised competencies in HF/E which will enhance employability across health and social care and other safety critical domains.

Successful completion of this module will require access to a computer and good internet access.

We provide:

A range of materials on Blackboard Learn Ultra Virtual Learning Environment (induction is provided) including articles, video and audio lectures and interactive activities.

A variety of digital material through Library services and specialist databases (Library and Academic Skills sessions are provided).

Software downloads and IT support.

A dedicated course lead, module leads and tutors.

Additional study support from the Academic Skills team and additional needs support from AccessAbility Services.

Bridger, R. (2017) Introduction to Human Factors and Ergonomics, 4th edition. London: CRC Press

Shorrock, S. and Williams, C. (2016) Human Factors and Ergonomics in Practice. London: CRC Press

Wears, R. & Sutcliffe, K.M. (2019) Still Not Safe. New York: Oxford University Press

Roscoe, R.D., Chiou, E.K., & Wooldridge, A.R. (Eds.). (2019). Advancing Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Through Human Systems Engineering (1st ed.). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429425905

Stanton NA, Salmon PM, Rafferty LA, et al. (2017 [e-version]) Human factors methods: a practical guide for engineering and design, second edition. Ashgate Publishing Ltd. ISBN 9781315587394

This module introduces the foundational principles of Human Factors/ Ergonomics (HF/E). It covers the history and scope of the science and how to take a systems approach to interactions between people and technology, environment, task, and other socio-technical system elements. It introduces core areas of HF/E practice and competence such as user-centred design, with the twin aims of optimising work system performance and human wellbeing. Students apply HF/E models and tools for systems understanding, and discuss these in relation to patient safety, service quality, and related outcomes for staff and organisations.