See module specification for other years:
2025-262026-27
Module summary
This course focuses on the provision of Human Factors support to
safety related system design / engineering projects. It provides a
foundational introduction to key Human Factors topic areas and the
opportunity to apply key Human Factors techniques related to human
error identification / human reliability analysis, with an eye on the
strengths and limitations of each.
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching period
A
Semester 2 2024-25
Module aims
This course introduces you to human factors concepts and techniques
that can be used to support the design and evaluation of complex
interactive systems, with a particular emphasis on safety critical
systems. These techniques include work analysis (including task
analysis and scenario analysis), human error assessment, design and
evaluation of interactive systems and human reliability assessment.
Module learning outcomes
Identify and describe the implications of human
factors on the safety of a system.
Demonstrate an understanding of a range of human
factors techniques and understand their limitations
Describe and evaluate an organisation’s processes
with respect to the human contribution to system safety.
Indicative assessment
Task
% of module mark
Essay/coursework
100.0
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
Task
% of module mark
Essay/coursework
100.0
Module feedback
Feedback provided via assessment.
Indicative reading
Hollnagel, E
Human reliability analysis: context and control
Academic Press
1993
Hollnagel, E
Cognitive Reliability and Error
Analysis Method
Elsevier Science Ltd
1998
Kirwan B. and Ainsworth
L.K.
A guide to task analysis
Taylor and
Francis
1992
Kirwan B
A guide to practical human reliability assessment
Taylor and Francis
1992
Norman D
The design of everyday things
Basic Books
1988
Perrow C
Normal accidents: living with high risk
technologies
