Module Details

Module Code: AVIA H2603
Module Title: Human Factors in Aviation
Title: Human Factors in Aviation
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Cathal Nolan
Module Author:: Paul Gibbons
Domains:  
Module Description: 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 will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
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
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
None
 
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
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
Project50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Each student will complete a range of tutorials during term time for which a maximum of 50% will be awarded
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
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
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat the module
The assessment of this module is inextricably linked to the delivery. The student must reattend the module in its entirety in order to be reassessed.
Reassessment Description
Learners that fail but achieve a minimum final percentage of 30% in the module will be eligible for one or more of the following: Submit assignment, Re-submit components, Practical examination, Interview or Presentation.

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

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 4.00 48
Independent Learning Non Contact No Description 15 Weeks per Stage 5.13 77
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • FAA. AMT_Handbook_Addendum_Human_Factors.pdf, 14, FAA, USA, p.30.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Civil Aviation Authority. CAP 715 An Introduction to Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Human Factors.
  • Jeppesen Sanderson Inc.. A & P Technician General Textbook, Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc., p.533, [ISBN: 1884872033].
  • Trevor Thom. The Air Pilot's Manual: Human Factors and Pilot Performance : Safety, First Aid and Survival, Airlife Publishing,, p.176, [ISBN: 1840371668].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: