Cornell University Ergonomics Web

DESIGN & ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

DEA 6520: HUMAN FACTORS - THE AMBIENT ENVIRONMENT
Spring 2008

 

Instructor: Alan Hedge, E206 Martha Van Rensselaer Hall
Phone: 255-1957
Email: ah29@cornell.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 12:00-2:00 pm or by appointment

T.A.: Alisha Belk, 409 Martha Van Rensselaer Hall,
Phone:  336-655-1043
Email: ambelk@gmail.com
Office Hours: By appointment.

Credit: 4 units
 
Time + Room:  DEA 3500 lectures  - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:40am - 9:55am VW 157 + 1 hr. TBA

Required Texts:
Sanders, M.S. & McCormick, E.J. (1993) Human Factors in Engineering and Design, 7th Ed., New York, McGraw-Hill

Course readings packets for DEA 6520  - available from campus store

Any additional material to be provided in class

Course Description:

Students take the DEA 350 lectures, and the DEA35000 Homeworks and exams plus an additional graduate hour. This course extends the breadth and depth of coverage of DEA 350. Coverage includes review and discussion of published journal articles on human factors aspects of thermal conditions, ventilation and air quality issues, lighting, and acoustics.

Course Objectives:

This course aims to develop the student's ability to critically appraise knowledge of human factors aspects of indoor ambient environmental conditions. Upon completion of this course the student should:

  1. Be familiar with key papers in each of the major topic areas covered i.e. indoor climate (thermal conditions, ventilation and air quality), indoor lighting, and indoor acoustics.
  2. Be able to critically appraise environmental measurement techniques and research methodology.
  3. Be able to publicly present information on a human factors analysis of any indoor environmental parameter in a proficient manner.
  4. Be experienced in analyzing a study of indoor ambient conditions in a "sick" building.

Course Format:

The course meets for DEA 350 classes and once each week for an additional hour. This time will be used for a combination of seminar presentations by students, discussions, and review work. Readings will be assigned prior to each class and a schedule of presentations will be slated. Assessment of course performance will be based on homework (written critiques of material, exercises), and a semester project.

Semester Project:

For this project students will prepare a literature review (max. 5000 words) on the human factors and ergonomics research pertaining to an indoor environment issue.  Further guidance and a submission date will be provided during the semester.

Grading Scheme:

The following grading scheme will be used. Your performance will be assessed relative to the course objectives and to your peers.

 

Academic Integrity
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