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This course explores issues as it examines the science behind why, and how, people think about, experience, and engage with the 'artificial' or human-made world. Students will learn about the specific human factors (cognitive, emotional, social and physical) that shape our behaviour - with everything from consumer products to bleeding-edge technologies to the design of workplaces, healthcare, equipment, software, and even AI. Along the way, students will develop foundational knowledge for researching and applying psychological science to a wide range of products and environment As - both physical and digital - and in ways that serve human beings more effectively and safely.
Why do some products satisfy while others frustrate? What human factors lead to the acceptance and repeated use of new technologies? Designers want their products to be useful, usable, and desirable, organisations want their people to thrive in their work environments, and engineers want their technologies to be functional and safe. As the demand for human factors expertise in nearly every industry (and in every corner of the workforce) continues to expand, there are a vast array of possibilities open to students, with the skills and knowledge they gain from this course.
Students who successfully complete this course will:Have gained knowledge regarding the various concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, historical trends and issues at the forefront of modern human factors research;Understand and appreciate the wide range of varied applications of human factors;Be able to apply the various concepts and theories to real-life contexts and environments; Be able to understand issues surrounding ethically, theoretically, and methodologically sound human factors research;Be able to present theories and research in both oral and written formats.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Engaged with the community
Students will have observed and understood a culture within a community by reflecting on their own performance and experiences within that community.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Dwain Allan
Domestic fee $1,110.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing .