PSYCHOL 7336 - Human Factors

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2021

Humans have a range of physical and psychological capabilities that necessarily constrain how they interact with their environment and perform tasks. This course provides an understanding of major areas of human factors such as these physical and psychological capabilities and limitations, and how applying human factors can optimise performance in a range of situations. It addresses how technology can be shaped to benefit human performance and includes information on how the human body works, and how information is processed. Specific topics include the effects of ambient conditions, stimulus-response compatibility in a range of practical situations, and accidents.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PSYCHOL 7336
    Course Human Factors
    Coordinating Unit Psychology
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Restrictions Available to M Psych (O&HF) and PhD/MPsych(O&HF) students only or by permission of Head of School
    Course Description Humans have a range of physical and psychological capabilities that necessarily constrain how they interact with their environment and perform tasks. This course provides an understanding of major areas of human factors such as these physical and psychological capabilities and limitations, and how applying human factors can optimise performance in a range of situations. It addresses how technology can be shaped to benefit human performance and includes information on how the human body works, and how information is processed. Specific topics include the effects of ambient conditions, stimulus-response compatibility in a range of practical situations, and accidents.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Anna Ma-Wyatt

    Phone: 8313  5660
    Email:anna.ma-wyatt@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: Level 7, Hughes Building, Room 511

    Additional Academic Staff:
    Prof John Dunn:
    Phone: 8313 5738;
    Email john.c.dunn@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: Level 7, Hughes Building, Room 709



    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    At the successful completion of this course students will be able to:

    1. Demonstrate competency in the identification and application of scientific solutions to solve human problems at work.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge relevant to theories and models of human factors and human performance.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of the factors that can impact upon the behaviour of the individuals in the workplace and how these can be used to structure a work environment that enhances both organisational and individual outcomes.
    4. Demonstrate competence in analysing human factors relevant for an organisation and individuals and presenting strategies for improving individual and organisational performance.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,2,3,4
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1,2,3,4
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    1,3,4
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1,2,3,4
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    3,4
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1,2,3,4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Lecturers will provide lecture material that will be made available in class and on MyUni at the following link:
    https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/

    For additional information regarding required resources please refer to the Master of Psychology (Organisational and Human Factors) program handbook at the following link:
    http://health.adelaide.edu.au/psychology/students/resource/handbooksforms.html
    Recommended Resources
    The Library is a major resource centre for students. The Research Librarian for Psychology, Maureen Bell, provides some useful information through the Internet at http://libguides.adelaide.edu.au/psychology. The website contains a list of databases, links to tutorials and help with searching methods.

    For additional information relating to recommended resources please refer to the Master of Psychology (Organisational and Human Factors) program handbook at the following link:
    http://health.adelaide.edu.au/psychology/students/resource/handbooksforms.html
    Online Learning
    This course may use MyUni for one or more of the following:
    - Communication with students via Announcements and Discussion Board
    - Submission of assessment
    - Access to resources such as additional readings

    Link to MyUni: https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    A three hour seminar will be held each week. During the seminar, there will be group discussions and group exercises to support the lecture content.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Seminars: 3 hours s each week for 12 weeks (36 hours)
    Assignment 1 - oral presentation: (20 hours)
    Assignment 2 - report: (40 hours)
    Self-directed independent reading (60 hours)

    Total: 156 hours


    Learning Activities Summary
    Seminars will be held weekly. A final program will be available at the beginning of semester.
    Specific Course Requirements
    On enrolment in the Program all students MUST apply for and obtain provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. All students are required to provide a copy of their registration details to the Program Administrator on their first day in the Program: this will be required for the Summer School courses Professional Practice and Evidence-Based Practice.The application form and details of fees payable are available from the PBA website: http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Forms.aspx.

    Candidates are required to consent to a police check as part of their application to the Psychology Board of Australia for Provisional Registration, a requirement of enrolment in the program. A satisfactory current police check is a mandatory.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Not applicable.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment will consist of an 8 page report (70%) and an oral presentation (30%).
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Attendance is required for 80% of classes, with attendance lists maintained. Failure to meet this attendance requirement (i.e., absence from three or more classes in the course) may lead to exclusion from the course.
    Assessment Detail
    For additional information please refer to the Master of Psychology (Organisational and Human Factors) program handbook at the following link:

    http://health.adelaide.edu.au/psychology/students/resource/handbooksforms.html
    Submission
    Assignments are to be submitted to through myUni: https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/

    The School of Psychology undertakes to adhere to the University’s Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy, Procedure 6a, which requires that assessments are returned within 4 weeks of the deadlines for submission.

    Extension of time for an assignment may be granted at the discretion of the Course Coordinator, to whom students should apply in writing (or email) before the due date and time.

    No requests for extensions will be considered if made after the due date and time.

    For further information re the Assessment Policy please refer to the Master of Psychology (Organisational and Human Factors) Program Handbook at the following link:

    http://health.adelaide.edu.au/psychology/students/resource/handbooksforms.html
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.