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Course Catalog 1999/2000


Human Work Science

ARG005 Industrial Work Environment 6.0 ECTS credits

TIMEPERIOD:


LANGUAGE:English/Swedish

EXAMINER
Walter Ruth Univ adj


PREREQUISITES
General eligibility for admission.

COURSE AIM
The aim of the course is
- to provide the students with an overall understanding of and abilities to describe industrial production systems and human work activity as a base for further education and future professional roles.
- to provide fundamental knowledge and practical experience of methods for the analysis of human work as a point of reference for further studies of how the human operator is affected by, and can have an influence on his or her working conditions and the working environment.
- to train group co-operation and give fundamental skills in project planning, methods of measurement and investigation, writing of reports and oral presentation.
- to provide fundamental knowledge of legislative aspects of work, injury prevention and risk analysis and economic aspects of industrial ergonomics.
- to provide a basic understanding of the interdisciplinarity of human work sciences in theory and practice, and an orientation about the further studies within the programme of Industrial Work Environment and future professional roles.


CONTENTS
Industrial ergonomics (10%). Historical development of the concept of industrial ergonomics with examples from different branches of working life
Anthropocentric production systems (10%). Study trip with industrial visits, theoretical models for the holistic description of a production system.
Work analysis (40%). Methods for the analysis of human work as part of a production system. Group project work: Description of production systems, work, and working conditions at a small or medium sized industry. Project planning. Written project report and oral presentation with workplace representatives.
Investigation methodology (10%). Theory and practical exercises in planning of investigations, interview techniques, and different methods of documentation such as video recording, photographing etc.
Economy of work environment (5%). Cost-benefit analysis taking into account effects of working conditions.
Work environment legislation (5%). Legal responsibility, delegation of responsibility, internal control and monitoring of the working environment, system supervision etc.
Work injuries and accidents(5%). Methods for analysis of work injuries and risks, case studies including legal aspects.
Ergonomics as an interdisciplinary science (10%). Fundamental disciplines within industrial ergonomics. Examples of interdisciplinary research and developmental projects. Current research within the department of human work sciences.
Professional roles and studies within the programme of Industrial Work Environment (5%). Contact with activities in higher levels of the programme and with graduate students, discussions about future professional roles, information about international ergonomics organisations and the certification as a European Ergonomist.


TEACHING
The teaching consists of a study trip, lectures, exercises, oral and written presentations, discussions, work place visits and supervision of project work in groups.

EXAMINATION
Taking part in lectures and exercises is mandatory. Approved project work and oral presentation (group work), as well as individual assignments. Course grades as above.
COURSE GRADE SCALE: Fail, 3, 4, 5

ITEMS/CREDITS
Project work 6.00ECTS

COURSE LITERATURE
Ruth, W: Arbetsanalys, LuH 1995
Renborg O: Arbetsmiljörätt i praktiken, ASN 1992
Further material will be presented later.


Valid for the academic year 1999/2000.

Web Editor: Karin.Lindholm@dc.luth.se


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LULEÅ UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
University Campus, Porsön, 971 87 Luleå. Tel. +46 (0) 920-91 000, fax +46 (0) 920-91 399
Last edited 1999-12-15