Course content

Core areas in Human Factors

1. Fundamental principles

• Definition and historical development of human factors
• Human capacities and limitations (cognitive, physical, sensory)
• Systems thinking and human-machine interaction

2. Cognitive psychology and decision making

• Attention, perception and memory
• Situation awareness
• Decision making under stress and uncertainty
• Error types and human errors (slips, lapses, mistakes)

3. Ergonomics and physical design

• Workplace design and anthropometry
• Display and control design
• Load, fatigue and physical stress

4. Communication and collaboration

• Teamwork and Crew Resource Management (CRM)
• Communication models and barriers
• Social and organizational factors

5. Safety and risk

• Human error and safety culture
• Barriers and defense in depth (e.g. Swiss Cheese model)
• Accidents and incident analysis (HFACS, STAMP, etc.)

6. Methods and tools

• Observation, interview and questionnaire
• Walkthroughs and task analysis
• Workload analysis and usability testing
• Use of simulators and mock-ups

7. Application in design and development

• User-centered design and iterative processes
• Human Factors Engineering in product development
• Standards and regulations (ISO, IMO, IEC)

Learning outcome

• Has advanced knowledge within the academic field of human factors & ergonomics and specialized insight into human factors issues in demanding marine operations.
• Has thorough knowledge of the scholarly theories and methods in the field of human factors & ergonomics.
• Has extensive knowledge about human capability with respect to fatigue, perception and cognitive processing.
• Has extensive knowledge about ergonomics and their influence on human behaviour.
• Has extensive knowledge about human - machine interaction and human - machine interface
• Can apply knowledge to new areas within the academic field of human factors & ergonomics.
• Can analyze academic problems on the basis of the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the academic field of human factors & ergonomics.
• Can analyze and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments within human factors & ergonomics.
• Can analyze existing theories, methods and interpretations in the field of human factors & ergonomics and work independently on practical and theoretical problems.
• Can use relevant methods for research and scholarly development work in an independent matter.
• Can carry out an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics.
• Can analyze relevant academic, professional and research ethical problems.
• Has the ability to apply the knowledge dealing with practical and theoretical problems.
• Can apply his/her knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects.
• Can communicate extensive independent and terminology of the academic field of human factors & ergonomics.
• Can communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions in the field of human factors & ergonomics, both with specialists and the general public.
• Can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes within human factors & ergonomics.

Learning methods and activities

Teaching methods and activities: Lectures, individual and group exercises (some to be presented in class), and simulations to ensure a thorough understanding of how the theory can be applied in realistic situations. Students are expected to be present in the classroom minimum 80% of the time.

Compulsory assignments

• 80% mandatory attendace

Specific conditions

Course materials

Sensemaking in Safety Critical and Complex Situations - Human Factors and Design

Edited By Stig Ole Johnsen, Thomas Porathe, Edition1st Edition, First Published 2021, eBook Published13 October 2021

Sensemaking in Safety Critical and Complex Situations | Human Factors (taylorfrancis.com)

Grech, Horberry, Koester, 2008. Human Factors in the Maritime Domain

Scientific articles