Topic outline

  • General

    Crane operator

    In 2022, lectures will take place on campus. At this point, there is no plan for supporting virtual/hybrid mode.

    The course introduces human factors engineering. It provides students in all areas of technology a solid understanding main approaches to the design and engineering of complex systems for human use. Students learn the principles of designing systems and technologies that increase productivity and that are safe to operate and robust to human error. Students learn basics of empirical research in human factors engineering, including theoretical models and methods for evaluation of systems and accident analysis. We discuss basics of human perception, motor control, and thinking. Application areas discussed in the course include computing, automation, transportation, energy, manufacturing, networks, electronics, and health technology.

    Teachers

    Prof. Antti Oulasvirta (user interfaces) / School of Electrical Engineering / Aalto University

    Teaching assistant Chengwei Ma

    Eligibility and Prerequisites

    Bachelor and Master’s level students in all engineering and computer science programs at Aalto University. Some familiarity with the Python language is preferable but not mandatory.

    Course book

    Selected parts from Wickens, C.D., Hollands, J.G., Banbury, S., and Parasuraman, R. Engineering Psychology and Human Performance (4th Edition) 

    Format

    Lectures, assignments, readings (selected sections from the book), exam. Maximum 3 absences from lectures are allowed.

    Note that assignments are handled via MyCourses. Assignment meetings are not held this year.

    Grading

    Scale 1-5, grading based on assignments and exam (see Lecture 1 slides).

    Here are illustrative cutoffs (sum of assignment and exam points) based on last year: 

    • Grade 5: 100 points and above
    • Grade 4: 91-100 points
    • Grade 3: 81-90 points
    • Grade 2: 71-80 points
    • Grade 1: 60-70 points
    Note: Please keep in mind that these are non-committal cutoffs: Due to annual changes in the course, we reserve the right to change the cutoffs.