Course

Ergonomics

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Sport Science
Course code
SPSC 4151
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 Weeks
Max class size
35
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This course examines topics in ergonomics to understand how changes can be made to the person, the environment, and tasks to promote safety throughout an individual's lifespan. This course will provide the tools, skills, and knowledge to perform basic ergonomic assessments with a focus on the prevention of occupational injuries, increased productivity, comfort, and safety.
Course content
  • Introduction to ergonomics
  • Human factors in ergonomics
    • Information processing and sensory processes
    • Risk assessment
    • Design
    • Designs to reduce human errors
  • Biomechanics
    • Occupational biomechanics
    • Tissue biomechanics
    • Mechanisms of injury
  • Work-related musculoskeletal disorders
    • Musculoskeletal anatomy
    • Common musculoskeletal disorders caused by exposure to work-place risk factors
    • Injury and disorder prevention
  • Anthropometry
    • Measurements
    • Databases and resources
    • Ergonomic principles based on anthropometry
  • Common workplace postures and movements
    • Standing
    • Sitting
    • Reaching
    • Moving
  • Hand tools
    • Tool selection
    • Design
    • Relationship between performance and safety
  • Vibration
    • Sources of vibration
    • Risk of potential injury
    • Reducing vibration
  • Workstation design in various industries
    • Office ergonomics
    • Industrial workplaces and trades
    • Health Care industry
    • Transportation industry
  • Universal Design Considerations
    • Wheelchairs
    • Crutches, canes, and walkers
    • Knobs, handles, and stairs
  • Ergonomics at home and play
    • Ergonomic considerations in the home
    • Ergonomic considerations for common hobbies
  • Conducting an ergonomic assessment
    • Models of ergonomic assessment
  • Communicating the findings of an ergonomic assessment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learning activities

Lectures, discussions, practical application, group work, case-study analysis.

Means of assessment

Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:

 

Case studies                                     15-30%

Research Project                               0-25%

Quizzes                                            0-20%

Workplace Assessment  Project          20-30%

Final Exam                                       0-30% 

Total                                                 100%

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • describe how ergonomics can be applied to improve workplace productivity and decrease risk of injury;
  • observe and report on the physical demands of a workplace;
  • select the appropriate tools to assess risk in the workplace;
  • describe how the concepts of ergonomics apply at work, home, and play;
  • solve practical issues using strategies and methodologies in the field of ergonomics;
  • assess a workplace for ergonomics and produce a report to summarize the findings.
Textbook materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:

Stack, T. et al. (Current Edition). Occupational Ergonomics. A Practical Approach. John Wiley. 

Requisites

Prerequisites

SPSC 1151 with a minimum grade of C

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer details for SPSC 4151
Alexander College (ALEX) No credit
College of New Caledonia (CNC) No credit
Emily Carr University of Art & Design (EC) EC SCIE 217 (3)
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) No credit
Simon Fraser University (SFU) SFU BPK 180 (3)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) TRU PHED 4XXX (3)
Trinity Western University (TWU) TWU HKIN 4XX (3)

Course Offerings

Winter 2025