Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

The objective of this unit is to provide students with a detailed appreciation of the human element in complex work systems such as mining, transport, military settings and medicine. Human factors is the science of making technology accessible for human users. As a science, the field of human factors focuses on understanding the capabilities and limitations of human performance from the perspective of perception, cognition and movement control. Human factors psychologists apply that basic knowledge to the design of systems and environments that accommodate those capabilities and limitations.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstration of proficiency and knowledge of human factors; (2) demonstration of writing skills; and (3) knowledge of human factors assessment.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) task analysis; (2) seminar portfolio; (3) consultancy proposal; and (4) attendance. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the attendance component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Vanessa Bowden
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
53580 Master of Industrial and Organisational Psychology
or 01880/54580 Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Industrial and Organisational Psychology
Contact hours
seminars: 3 hours per week (attendance to classes is compulsory)
Note
Students enrolled in an APAC accredited program must hold provisional registration as a psychologist. It is the students' responsibility to ensure registration eligibility. Enrolled students are also responsible for maintaining provisional registration for the duration of their enrolment in the program.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.