Module Title:Human Factors in Aviation
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: This module will be taught by Lectures, Tutorials, and Class/Group Discussions analysing a range of published aircraft accident investigation reports.
Module Aim: The student will understand that by recognising human factors issues in aircraft flight crew & maintenance engineering, it can help them to identify problems and prevent accidents. By analysing various case studies, the student will understand the 'human' side of aircraft accidents and incidents, specifically the social, physical, physiological and environmental aspects as they affect the flight crew, maintenance staff and management.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Recognise & describe how various Human Factors issues affect task performance
LO2 Analyse and effectively disseminate safety information with others using an appropriate range of communication skills/techniques (electronic, written, verbal and non-verbal)
LO3 Evaluate recurring human error patterns from their own technical, ethical and personal viewpoints
LO4 Analyse common/frequent aviation workplace hazards and develop/propose strategies to reduce/mitigate and/or eliminate them
LO5 Compare the differences between the 'Old' and 'New' views of Human Factors (Safety I v Safety II) and examine the impact on their own personal professional & ethical behaviours
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.

No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Human Factors & Social Psychology
The Need To Take Human Factors Into Account; Incidents Attributable To Human Factors/Human Error; ‘Murphy's’ Law; Personal/Individual/Group Responsibilities; Professional Characteristics/Development/Behaviour; Motivation And De-Motivation; Peer Pressure; Safety ‘Culture’ - Ethical Standards/Responsibilities; Team Working; Management, Supervision And Leadership.
Human Performance & Limitations
Vision; Hearing; Information Processing; Attention And Perception; Memory; Claustrophobia And Physical Access.
Factors Affecting Performance/Communication
Fitness/Health; Stress: Domestic And Work Related; Time Pressure And Deadlines; Workload: Overload And Underload; Sleep And Fatigue, Shiftwork; Alcohol, Medication, Drug Abuse; Communication within/between Teams; Work Logging And Recording - Accuracy/Honesty/Integrity; Keeping Up To Date, Currency; Dissemination Of Information; Portfolios/Journals/Log Books
Tasks & Human Error
Physical Work; Repetitive Tasks; Visual Inspection; Complex Systems; Error Models And Theories; Types Of Error In Maintenance Tasks; Implications Of Errors (Accidents); Avoiding/Managing Error, Importance of Honesty/Truthfulness in Reporting Error; Safety I vs Safety II
Physical Environment & Hazards In The Workplace
Noise And Fumes; Illumination; Climate And Temperature; Motion And Vibration; Working Environment; Recognising And Avoiding Hazards; Dealing With Emergencies
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
Project50.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Written Report Each student will complete a range of tutorials during term time for which a maximum of 50% will be awarded 1,2,3,4,5 50.00 n/a
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Each student will complete a range of Research Activities culminating in a Written Portfolio, during term time, for which a maximum of 50% will be awarded 1,2,3,4,5 50.00 n/a
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 4.00
Independent Learning 15 Weeks per Stage 5.13
Total Hours 125.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_EEAER_B Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Aerospace Engineering 3 Mandatory
CW_EEACS_D Bachelor of Engineering in Aircraft Systems 3 Mandatory