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Ergonomics Degree Course Information

Those of you with strong interests in the basic human sciences of anatomy, physiology and psychology and a strong leaning towards human comfort and safety issues in workplace, home and travel environments may not realise that there is an academic subject that could be your perfect choice!

Ergonomists (pronounced: er-gon-o-mists) link and apply these fascinating ‘Human Factor’ sciences to a variety of locations and devices, intending to ensure the most productive use of human capabilities whilst maintaining human health and well-being - wherever and whatever the environment!

Individuals differ (!) and the range in human body sizes and mental capabilities across any population is immense. So, human anatomy, provides information on a cross section of dimensions of the human body in various postures, whilst biomechanics considers the operation of the muscles and limbs to ensure that working postures, for example, are beneficial and that excessive forces are avoided. The object is usually to achieve ‘best (physical) fit’ between people and the things they use which could range from industrial scale or home work tools, sports equipment or video/CD players to a seat in an aircraft, luxury car or space shuttle! Applications of human physiology include the energy requirements of the body and set standards for both acceptable physical work-rates and work-loads, and for nutrition requirements (Work Physiology). It also allows the analysis of the impact on humans of physical working conditions – hot/cold, noise and vibration, and light/dark – and sets the optimum requirements for these (Environmental Physiology).

Observations of human information processing and decision-making capabilities (Psychology) helps the cognitive ‘fit’ between people and the things they use; for example, in terms of appreciation, purpose and needs.

The mental demands of the workplace (monitoring, supervision and maintenance) continue to increase. So, those of you aiming for responsible positions within large or small companies should also appreciate decision making and consequences (organizational psychology : people-people and individual-organisation relationships) combined with an understanding of sensory processes, perception, and variation in long- and short-term memory.

Ergonomics is a fascinating and broad subject. So, if you want to combine aspects of art, biology, biochemistry, engineering, design and technology, and psychology - it could be the one for you! Most good university programmes leading to Professional Ergonomist status do not specify required A-level (or equivalent) topics, but do expect good grades.

Useful Contacts

Dr.W.G.Salt,
Faculty of Science (via Chemistry)
Loughborough University,
Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1509 222582
w.g.salt@lboro.ac.uk
www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/hu/prospect/er.html

The Ergonomics Society,
Devonshire House, Devonshire Square,
Loughborough LE11 3DW, UK
tel +44 (0)1509 234904
fax +44 (0)1509 235666
email ergsoc@ergonomics.org.uk
www.ergonomics.org.uk   Send to a friend

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