Course coordinator
Associate Professor Margaret Cook
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the fundamental understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system and the application of appropriate methods theory and data to improve human well-being and overall system performance. Derived from the Greek ergon (work) and nomos (laws) to denote the science of work, ergonomics is a systems-orientated discipline which now extends across all aspects of human activity. Ergonomics promotes a holistic approach in which considerations of physical, social, organisational, environmental and other relevant factors are taken into account. In particular the course provides students with advanced skills and knowledge to effectively identify, analyse and control risks arising from physically demanding work. Through a range of lectures, case studies and workshops students will master specific analysis techniques and will critically review the current strategies for the minimisation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
OHSS3001 has been developed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to effectively address the complex area of human centered design, with a focus on physical ergonomics. Through a range of lectures, case studies and workshops students will learn specific analysis techniques and will critically review the current strategies for both the minimisation of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the maximisation of productivity.
This course is a complusory unit in the MOHSSc, the MOH and the MOH/MOHSSc. It is also a popular elective amongst students studying health-related degrees.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students have a knowledge of anatomy, particularly in relation to the musculoskeletal system.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
OHSS7007 (no longer offered)
Course contact
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course is delivered over 2 intensive weekends:
- Week 2 (Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th March)
- Week 4 (Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd March)
Attendance at all 4 days is compulsory with the days running from 9am to 4pm.
All content and assessment for this course will be completed by Thursday 10th April.
Please check mySI-net for the most up-to-date timetable information.
Aims and outcomes
At the conclusion of this course students should have acquired the knowledge and skills to enable them to anticipate, identify, analyse and control the risks that arise from poorly designed work. In addition, they will be able to design work and workplace environments that maximises both the musculoskeletal health of workers and productivity.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of ergonomics, and its relevance to creating a healthy and safe workplace.
LO2.
Apply principles of anthropometry to design safe, equitable and inclusive workplaces, ensuring that physical workspace elements accommodate diverse populations safely and promote fairness in employment practices.
LO3.
Anticipate, identify and analyse risks in the workplace that may lead to the onset of musculoskeletal disorders.
LO4.
Determine evidence based strategies for the prevention of work-related musculo-skeletal disorders.
LO5.
Critically evaluate existing work environments, identify areas for improvement, and apply innovative ideas and practices to enhance the design of work and work environments, resulting in increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall organizational effectiveness.
LO6.
Effectively communicate to key stakeholders the benefits of applying ergonomic principles to the design of work and working environments in order to enhance safety and productivity in various occupational settings.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration |
Workshop participation
|
20% |
22/03/2025 - 23/03/2025 3/05/2025 - 4/05/2025 |
| Examination |
Assessment Technique Challenge
|
20% |
3/05/2025 9:00 am |
| Portfolio |
Designing for people
|
60% |
Part 1: 3/05/2025 9:00 am Part 2: 29/05/2025 5:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Workshop participation
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
22/03/2025 - 23/03/2025
3/05/2025 - 4/05/2025
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Students must complete workshop activities collaboratively (groups of 3 or 4 students) and report back on completed activities as required.
Active participation is weighted at 5% each day. Participation marks will be pro-rated, to obtain the full 5% you will need to be in the class for the entire day (9:00am – 4:00pm), any absences greater than 30mins will result in a deduction in line with the following:
- Absent 30mins - 1 hour: maximum of 4 marks
- Absent 1-2 hours: maximum of 3 marks
- Absent 2-4 hours: maximum of 2 marks
- Absent 4+ hours: maximum of 1 marks
If students are absent for medical reasons they will need to liaise directly with the course coordinator to arrange alternative assessment.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing these assessment tasks. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing these assessment tasks. Students must clearly indicate any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to indicate generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Students are required to present outcomes of activities during class time.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
If students are absent from for medical reasons they will need to liaise directly with the course coordinator to arrange alternative assessment.
Assessment Technique Challenge
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
3/05/2025 9:00 am
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L03
Task description
The Assessment Technique Challenge allows you to demonstrate your understanding of the assessment techniques covered on Day 1. This will be conducted in Exam conditions (open book but timed and supervised).
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Submitted in class at the end of the exam session.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
Designing for people
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
Part 1: 3/05/2025 9:00 am
Part 2: 29/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Work integrated learning, Longitudinal.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Part 1: Find and document four examples of poor human-centered design [30%]:
- Based on Day 1 and Day 2
- Written component [20%]
- Oral Presentation [10%] – this component is a HURDLE
Part 2: Select one of these examples and create a solution supported by theory [30%]
- Written component [20%]
- Video component [10%]
Hurdle requirements
The Oral Component of Designing for People - Part 1 is a hurdle and students must receive a minimum of 50% (ie 5/10) in this assessment item to receive a passing grade in the course.Submission guidelines
Submit through the link on the Course Blackboard page.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade ﾠis: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade ﾠis: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade ﾠis: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade ﾠis: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade ﾠis: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade ﾠis: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade ﾠis: 85% |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Courses graded 1-7
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
All learning resources can be accessed through the Library Course Reading List - https://uq.rl.talis.com/lists/56EDA1DD-DF2E-904B-D352-8BB0D0431853.html
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Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 1: Introduction to Ergonomics and Anthropometry #1 Students are to independently complete the following H5P modules accessible via the Blackboard page prior to attendance at the first contact session:
Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
General contact hours |
Module 1: Introduction to Ergonomics and Anthropometry #2 Over a series of lectures and workshops students will develop knowledge and skills in the scientific discipline of both ergonomics and anthropometry Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
General contact hours |
Module 2: Physically demanding work Over a series of lectures and workshops students will develop knowledge around the impact of physically demanding work and will develop skills to assesses physically demanding tasks in the workplace. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
General contact hours |
Module 3: Human variability 1 - Cognition Over a series of lectures and workshops students will develop knowledge and skills around human cognition. Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06 |
|
General contact hours |
Module 4: Human Variability - Psychosocial aspects of work Review of the impact of psycho-social hazards on the development of musculo-skeletal disorders, and consideration of "good work design". Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Not Timetabled |
Module 5: Human Centered Design Students are to independently complete the following H5P modules accessible via the Blackboard page prior to attendance at the second contact weekend:
Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
General contact hours |
Module 6: Ergonomics for MSD Prevention: Slips, trips and falls A review of the mechanisms of slips and trips in the workplace, including measurement techniques and preventative strategies. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
General contact hours |
Module 7: Ergonomics for MSD Prevention - Physically demanding work Students will be presented with the current evidence base for MSD prevention in physically demanding work. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
General contact hours |
Module 8: Ergonomics for MSD Prevention - The Office Students will be presented with the current evidence base for office-based ergonomics. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.