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IME 6420 - Ergonomics and Occupational Biomechanics
Catalog Description:
Topics related to work physiology and biomechanics. Topics include anthropometry, skeletal system and muscle, neuromuscular control system, biomechanics, respiratory system, circulatory systems, and metabolic system.
Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: IME 2610 or IME 2620 or equivalent. (Recommended)
Credits: 3 hrs
Notes: Open to Graduate Students Only.
Lecture Hours - Laboratory Hours: (3-0)
Prerequisites by Topic:
Basic knowledge of statistics; Means, standard deviations, t-tests, ANOVA, regression, design of experiments, SAS or Minitab. (IME 2610, IME 2620, or IME 5160)
Course Objectives:
At the end of the semester the student should have the ability to:
- Accurately recognize hazards (ergonomic in nature), based upon the relationship between an individual and their work, which are likely to cause occupational illnesses or injuries.
- Collect reliable and reproducible data, statistically analyze the data, discuss implications of the data, and draw reasonable conclusions.
- Understand the ramifications (ethical and legal) of collecting data on human.
- Have the ability to use specialized ergonomic equipment to determine components of work, which pose and increase an increased risk of injury.
- Apply government guidelines to the workplace to ensure worker safety;
- Document a final report in a scholarly manner.
Textbooks:
Tayyari, Fariborz, and Smith, James, (2003). Occupational Ergonomics: Principles and Applications. Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Pheasant, Stephen, and Haslegrave, Christine, (2005). Bodyspace. Third Edition, Taylor & Francis.
References:
Chaffin, D.B., Andersson, G.B.J., and Martin, B.J., (1999). Occupational Biomechanics. Fourth Edition, John Wiley & Sons.
Journals:
- Human Factors
- Ergonomics
- International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, etc.
Course Coordinator:
Tycho Fredericks
Western Michigan University
E-223 Parkview Campus
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008-5336
Phone: 276-3360
Email: tycho.fredericks@wmich.edu
Revision Date: Spring 2010