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182.621.13
Introduction to Ergonomics

Location
East Baltimore
Term
Winter Institute
Department
Environmental Health and Engineering
Credit(s)
4
Academic Year
2019 - 2020
Instruction Method
TBD
Start Date
Monday, January 6, 2020
End Date
Friday, January 10, 2020
Class Time(s)
M, Tu, W, Th, F, 8:30am - 3:50pm
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Description
Introduces the fundamental principles of ergonomics, including terminology, concepts, and applications of physiology, anthropometry, biomechanics, psychology, and engineering to work place and work methods design. Emphasizes the complex relationships among workers, job demands, work place designs, and work methods. Prepares students for advanced study in safety science, industrial hygiene, injury prevention, industrial engineering, and safety and health management.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Identify ergonomic risk factors, select the appropriate assessment tool, and conduct a detailed ergonomic risk assessment
  2. Identify and analyze the biomechanical aspects of a manual material handling task and develop design recommendations to reduce the risk of injury
  3. Evaluate an office work area for ergonomic concerns and provide design recommendations to improve performance and reduce injury risk
  4. Assess a work-rest schedule and develop recommendations based on the physical demands of the task, worker characteristics and environmental conditions
  5. Discuss the applicability of various standardized ergonomic assessment tools, including OWAS, RULA, REBA, and the Strain Index
  6. Discuss various program management issues and the value-added of an integrated ergonomics program
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 25% Final Exam
  • 20% Midterm
  • 25% Project(s)
  • 15% Journal Review 1
  • 15% Journal Review 2