Advanced Ergonomic Studies

Advanced Ergonomic Studies-2023/2024

Level 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
ERGO-6006Ergonomics Theory & Practice4.5
This course, along with the hands-on experience gained in the lab, will build upon students' fundamental understanding of ergonomic principles and the application of those principles in the design of work systems including the assessment of workplaces and injuries through use of ergonomic tools and implementation of solutions. Topics of study will also include: ergonomic methodology and measurement, ergonomic assessment tools, program implementation including cost benefit analysis and psychosocial factors that impact worker performance. The course includes practical application of the assessment tools and theory through laboratory assignments. The final project will allow the students to demonstrate their understanding of the course content through application to a real world problem in the workplace.
ERGO-6011Research Methods & Statistics5
This course will prepare students to conduct research and academic writing as it applies to the field of ergonomics. The research process will be introduced including: literature review, conceptualization, operationalization, and report writing.The foundations of statistical analysis will also be examined including: ANOVA, t-tests, and post-hoc tests. Additional focus will be given to the importance of sample sizes, power, and the corresponding effects on research outcomes. At the end of the course, students will be able to design a study, interpret research findings, and critically examine technical reports. The students will also learn how to use statistical software to help them solve their research problems, and present their data in an effective and efficient manner.
ERGO-6004Human-Computer Interactions2
This course introduces students to the methodologies and principles for designing user interfaces, as well as the importance of program layout and suitability. Additional focus will be given to human psychology and how humans process information and react to their environment.
ERGO-6012Safety in the Workplace3
This course, along with the hands-on experience gained in the lab, will build upon students' fundamental understanding of ergonomic principles and the application of those principles in the design of work systems including the assessment of workplaces and injuries through use of ergonomic tools and implementation of solutions. Topics of study will also include: ergonomic methodology and measurement, ergonomic assessment tools, program implementation including cost benefit analysis and psychosocial factors that impact worker performance. The course includes practical application of the assessment tools and theory through laboratory assignments. The final project will allow the students to demonstrate their understanding of the course content through application to a real world problem in the workplace.

Level 2
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
ERGO-6005Research in Ergonomics3
The research behind many of the tools and techniques used by ergonomists will be explored in detail in this course. Students will learn a brief history of research in ergonomics and how key research findings have helped shape and improve the practice. A primary focus will be critical assessment of existing research and recognizing how it can be applied in practice. Students will develop their own research proposal. A review of Six Methodology and also forecast the impact of evolving technology on the field of ergonomics.
ERGO-6007Ergonomics Instrumentation4.5
This course will provide students with basic knowledge of instrumentation commonly used in the field of ergonomics. Topics were selected to represent areas where an understanding is necessary for performing measurements to assess workplace ergonomics including exposures to physical & environmental agents. Quantifying demands of workplace environments from force measurements, noise, vibrations and sound. Students will apply theory learned in the classroom, in laboratories and around the college that simulate workplace scenarios.
ERGO-6009Human Factors & Design4
This course focuses on the application of human factors (encompassing both physical and cognitive ergonomics) in the design and redesign of products, processes and systems to optimize human performance. The course begins by introducing the fundamental principles and key concepts of design within the context of ergonomics. Students then explore various aspects of cognitive ergonomics (e.g., reliability, decision-making, stress, fatigue) and their influence on design. Students revisit various elements of physical ergonomics introduced in other courses (e.g., anthropometrics) from a design perspective. Through labs and practical assignments, students gain experience applying both physical and cognitive ergonomics and associated instruments within a design context. In a final group project, students design or redesign a product, process or system incorporating relevant human factors.
ERGO-6001Professional Development2
Students will complete career planning preparations for work as a professional in the field of ergonomics. Course content will examine the ethics and code of practice for ergonomists, plus their roles and responsibilities within a workplace. Central to this course will be the compilation of a career portfolio for the eventual submission to the Canadian College of Certified Professional Ergonomics (CCCPE) governing body. Preparing the student for office, manufacturing or health care with interview skills, personality evaluations and learn principles.
ERGO-6003Ergonomics & Legislation2
Students will be introduced to applicable provincial and federal legislation, known government policies, and other workplace standards relating to worker safety, ergonomics, and return to work. Special attention will also be given to the role of the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB).

Level 3
Take the following Mandatory Course:
FLDP-6016Field Placement8
The eight-week field placement is the culminating experiential learning opportunity for students in Advanced Ergonomic Studies. Positioned at the end of two semesters of intensive theoretical and practical study in the ergonomics discipline, the field placement enables students to apply skills and concepts in a workplace setting. Students are placed in an organization and will work under the guidance of an on-site mentor and a faculty member. The work activities in the field placement will align with the workplace expectations of a beginning practitioner of ergonomics. Emphasis will be placed on professionalism and the development of essential employability skills. Field placements are provided in a wide range of settings, including industrial and manufacturing environments, municipal government, health care institutions, software companies, utilities and consultancies. NOTE: Course hours may be allocated as field work hours in the CCCPE Education Course Allocation Log; the CCCPE currently requires a minimum of 280 field work hours for the Associate Ergonomist designation.

Program Residency
Students Must Complete a Minimum of 10 credits in this
program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency
requirement and graduate from this program

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