Course Detail
Course Detail
Course Description
| Course | Code | Semester | T+P (Hour) | Credit | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WORK STUDY and ERGONOMICS | IND3116681 | Fall Semester | 3+0 | 3 | 6 |
| Course Program |
| Prerequisites Courses | |
| Recommended Elective Courses |
| Language of Course | English |
| Course Level | First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree) |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Course Coordinator | Assist.Prof. Rüçhan Melisa DENİZ ÖZGEN |
| Name of Lecturer(s) | Assist.Prof. Rüçhan Melisa DENİZ ÖZGEN |
| Assistant(s) | GradTA Reyhan Selen Şen |
| Aim | This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts of work study and ergonomics. It explores the theories of human physiology and cognitive sciences and their practical applications in designing work environments that optimize performance and minimize the risk of work-related disorders. The course emphasizes strategies for developing efficient work processes and creating a safe, comfortable, and productive workplace that enhances both human well-being and system efficiency. Students will also gain hands-on experience with ergonomic tools and techniques—such as biomechanics, work posture assessment, anthropometry, and work physiology—and learn key work study methods including string diagrams, method study, work sampling, and man-machine systems. Overall, the course promotes the principle of “fitting the job to the man” to achieve sustainable productivity and worker satisfaction. |
| Course Content | This course contains; Introduction to Work Study: Basic definitions, productivity measurement, role of human factors in efficiency,Method Study – Part I: Purpose and steps of method study, process charts, recording and analyzing methods.,Method Study – Part II: Principles of motion economy, workplace layout, design of efficient work methods.,Work Measurement: Time study techniques, standard time calculation, and rating factors,Advanced Work Measurement: Work sampling, predetermined motion time systems (PMTS), and standard data systems,Wages, Incentives, and Ergonomics Introduction: Wage determination, incentive schemes, and ergonomic design principles,Work Physiology: Energy expenditure, muscular and cardiovascular responses to work, and fatigue,Biomechanics of Work: Mechanical loading, posture, manual handling, and lifting limits (e.g., NIOSH Lifting Index),Risk Assessment for Upper Extremities: Repetitive strain injuries, risk factors, and evaluation tools (e.g., RULA, REBA),Work Postures and MSDs: Assessment methods, ergonomic redesign, and posture optimization,Office Ergonomics: Workstation design, display screen equipment, and computer-based work risk reduction,Occupational Noise and Heat Stress: Noise measurement, control methods, hearing conservation, heat stress management,Occupational Health and Safety: Industrial hygiene, respiratory hazards, safety systems, cardiovascular risks in heavy industry,Term Project Presentations . |
| Course Learning Outcomes | Teaching Methods | Assessment Methods |
| 1. Students will be able to apply work study techniques such as method study, motion study, and work measurement to improve productivity and operational efficiency. | 10, 13, 2, 37, 9 | A, E |
| 2. Students will be able to analyze human factors and ergonomic principles to design safe, efficient, and worker-friendly workplaces. | 1, 10, 12, 13, 2, 37 | A, E |
| 3. Students will be able to evaluate occupational health and safety risks related to physical, chemical, and environmental hazards in various work settings. | 10, 12, 14, 2, 3, 37 | A, E |
| 4. Students will be able to assess and prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) through ergonomic analysis and risk assessment methods. | 10, 12, 13, 2, 37 | A, E |
| 5. Students will be able to develop integrated workplace improvement strategies that enhance worker health, safety, and productivity through ergonomic design and occupational health practices. | 13, 14, 2, 3, 37 | A, E |
| Teaching Methods: | 1: Mastery Learning, 10: Discussion Method, 12: Problem Solving Method, 13: Case Study Method, 14: Self Study Method, 2: Project Based Learning Model, 3: Problem Baded Learning Model, 37: Computer-Internet Supported Instruction, 9: Lecture Method |
| Assessment Methods: | A: Traditional Written Exam, E: Homework |
Course Outline
| Order | Subjects | Preliminary Work |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Work Study: Basic definitions, productivity measurement, role of human factors in efficiency | Chapters 1 & 2 |
| 2 | Method Study – Part I: Purpose and steps of method study, process charts, recording and analyzing methods. | Chapter 3 |
| 3 | Method Study – Part II: Principles of motion economy, workplace layout, design of efficient work methods. | Chapter 3 |
| 4 | Work Measurement: Time study techniques, standard time calculation, and rating factors | Chapter 4 |
| 5 | Advanced Work Measurement: Work sampling, predetermined motion time systems (PMTS), and standard data systems | Chapter 4 |
| 6 | Wages, Incentives, and Ergonomics Introduction: Wage determination, incentive schemes, and ergonomic design principles | Chapters 5 & 6 |
| 7 | Work Physiology: Energy expenditure, muscular and cardiovascular responses to work, and fatigue | Chapter 7 |
| 8 | Biomechanics of Work: Mechanical loading, posture, manual handling, and lifting limits (e.g., NIOSH Lifting Index) | Chapter 8 |
| 9 | Risk Assessment for Upper Extremities: Repetitive strain injuries, risk factors, and evaluation tools (e.g., RULA, REBA) | Chapter 9 |
| 10 | Work Postures and MSDs: Assessment methods, ergonomic redesign, and posture optimization | Chapter 10 |
| 11 | Office Ergonomics: Workstation design, display screen equipment, and computer-based work risk reduction | Chapters 11 & 12 |
| 12 | Occupational Noise and Heat Stress: Noise measurement, control methods, hearing conservation, heat stress management | Chapters 13, 14 & 15 |
| 13 | Occupational Health and Safety: Industrial hygiene, respiratory hazards, safety systems, cardiovascular risks in heavy industry | Chapters 16, 17 & 18 |
| 14 | Term Project Presentations | Lecture Notes, Assignments, Book Exercises |
| Resources |
| Textbook: L. P. Singh, Work Study and Ergonomics, Cambridge Press (2018). |
| Supplementary Books: M.S. Sanders and E.J. McCormick, Human Factors in Engineering and Design, 7th Edition (International), McGraw-Hill, Inc. M.P. Groover, Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work, Pearson Education (2014). W. D. Wickens, J. D. Lee, Y. Liu, S. E. Gordon Becker, An Introduction to Human Factors Engineering,. 2nd Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall (2004). |
Course Contribution to Program Qualifications
| Course Contribution to Program Qualifications | |||||||
| No | Program Qualification | Contribution Level | |||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |||
| 1 | Adequate knowledge in mathematics, science and engineering subjects pertaining to the relevant discipline; ability to use theoretical and applied knowledge in these areas in the solution of complex engineering problems. | X | |||||
| 2 | Ability to formulate, and solve complex engineering problems; ability to select and apply proper analysis and modeling methods for this purpose. | X | |||||
| 3 | Ability to design a complex system, process, device or product under realistic constraints and conditions, in such a way as to meet the desired result; ability to apply modern design methods for this purpose. | X | |||||
| 4 | Ability to select and use modern techniques and tools needed for analyzing and solving complex problems encountered in engineering practice; ability to employ information technologies effectively. | X | |||||
| 5 | Ability to design and conduct experiments, gather data, analyze and interpret results for investigating complex engineering problems or discipline specific research questions. | X | |||||
| 6 | Ability to work efficiently in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams; ability to work individually. | X | |||||
| 7 | Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; knowledge of a minimum of one foreign language; ability to write effective reports and comprehend written reports, prepare design and production reports, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear and intelligible instructions. | X | |||||
| 8 | Awareness of the need for lifelong learning; ability to access information, to follow developments in science and technology, and to continue to educate him/herself. | X | |||||
| 9 | Knowledge on behavior according ethical principles, professional and ethical responsibility and standards used in engineering practices. | X | |||||
| 10 | Knowledge about business life practices such as project management, risk management, and change management; awareness in entrepreneurship, innovation; knowledge about sustainable development. | X | |||||
| 11 | Knowledge about the global and social effects of engineering practices on health, environment, and safety, and contemporary issues of the century reflected into the field of engineering; awareness of the legal consequences of engineering solutions. | X | |||||
Assessment Methods
| Contribution Level | Absolute Evaluation | |
| Rate of Midterm Exam to Success | 30 | |
| Rate of Final Exam to Success | 70 | |
| Total | 100 | |
| ECTS / Workload Table | ||||||
| Activities | Number of | Duration(Hour) | Total Workload(Hour) | |||
| Course Hours | 14 | 3 | 42 | |||
| Guided Problem Solving | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Resolution of Homework Problems and Submission as a Report | 5 | 9 | 45 | |||
| Term Project | 2 | 9 | 18 | |||
| Presentation of Project / Seminar | 1 | 21 | 21 | |||
| Quiz | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Midterm Exam | 1 | 24 | 24 | |||
| General Exam | 1 | 30 | 30 | |||
| Performance Task, Maintenance Plan | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Total Workload(Hour) | 180 | |||||
| Dersin AKTS Kredisi = Toplam İş Yükü (Saat)/30*=(180/30) | 6 | |||||
| ECTS of the course: 30 hours of work is counted as 1 ECTS credit. | ||||||
Detail Informations of the Course
Course Description
| Course | Code | Semester | T+P (Hour) | Credit | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WORK STUDY and ERGONOMICS | IND3116681 | Fall Semester | 3+0 | 3 | 6 |
| Course Program |
| Prerequisites Courses | |
| Recommended Elective Courses |
| Language of Course | English |
| Course Level | First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree) |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Course Coordinator | Assist.Prof. Rüçhan Melisa DENİZ ÖZGEN |
| Name of Lecturer(s) | Assist.Prof. Rüçhan Melisa DENİZ ÖZGEN |
| Assistant(s) | GradTA Reyhan Selen Şen |
| Aim | This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts of work study and ergonomics. It explores the theories of human physiology and cognitive sciences and their practical applications in designing work environments that optimize performance and minimize the risk of work-related disorders. The course emphasizes strategies for developing efficient work processes and creating a safe, comfortable, and productive workplace that enhances both human well-being and system efficiency. Students will also gain hands-on experience with ergonomic tools and techniques—such as biomechanics, work posture assessment, anthropometry, and work physiology—and learn key work study methods including string diagrams, method study, work sampling, and man-machine systems. Overall, the course promotes the principle of “fitting the job to the man” to achieve sustainable productivity and worker satisfaction. |
| Course Content | This course contains; Introduction to Work Study: Basic definitions, productivity measurement, role of human factors in efficiency,Method Study – Part I: Purpose and steps of method study, process charts, recording and analyzing methods.,Method Study – Part II: Principles of motion economy, workplace layout, design of efficient work methods.,Work Measurement: Time study techniques, standard time calculation, and rating factors,Advanced Work Measurement: Work sampling, predetermined motion time systems (PMTS), and standard data systems,Wages, Incentives, and Ergonomics Introduction: Wage determination, incentive schemes, and ergonomic design principles,Work Physiology: Energy expenditure, muscular and cardiovascular responses to work, and fatigue,Biomechanics of Work: Mechanical loading, posture, manual handling, and lifting limits (e.g., NIOSH Lifting Index),Risk Assessment for Upper Extremities: Repetitive strain injuries, risk factors, and evaluation tools (e.g., RULA, REBA),Work Postures and MSDs: Assessment methods, ergonomic redesign, and posture optimization,Office Ergonomics: Workstation design, display screen equipment, and computer-based work risk reduction,Occupational Noise and Heat Stress: Noise measurement, control methods, hearing conservation, heat stress management,Occupational Health and Safety: Industrial hygiene, respiratory hazards, safety systems, cardiovascular risks in heavy industry,Term Project Presentations . |
| Course Learning Outcomes | Teaching Methods | Assessment Methods |
| 1. Students will be able to apply work study techniques such as method study, motion study, and work measurement to improve productivity and operational efficiency. | 10, 13, 2, 37, 9 | A, E |
| 2. Students will be able to analyze human factors and ergonomic principles to design safe, efficient, and worker-friendly workplaces. | 1, 10, 12, 13, 2, 37 | A, E |
| 3. Students will be able to evaluate occupational health and safety risks related to physical, chemical, and environmental hazards in various work settings. | 10, 12, 14, 2, 3, 37 | A, E |
| 4. Students will be able to assess and prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) through ergonomic analysis and risk assessment methods. | 10, 12, 13, 2, 37 | A, E |
| 5. Students will be able to develop integrated workplace improvement strategies that enhance worker health, safety, and productivity through ergonomic design and occupational health practices. | 13, 14, 2, 3, 37 | A, E |
| Teaching Methods: | 1: Mastery Learning, 10: Discussion Method, 12: Problem Solving Method, 13: Case Study Method, 14: Self Study Method, 2: Project Based Learning Model, 3: Problem Baded Learning Model, 37: Computer-Internet Supported Instruction, 9: Lecture Method |
| Assessment Methods: | A: Traditional Written Exam, E: Homework |
Course Outline
| Order | Subjects | Preliminary Work |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Work Study: Basic definitions, productivity measurement, role of human factors in efficiency | Chapters 1 & 2 |
| 2 | Method Study – Part I: Purpose and steps of method study, process charts, recording and analyzing methods. | Chapter 3 |
| 3 | Method Study – Part II: Principles of motion economy, workplace layout, design of efficient work methods. | Chapter 3 |
| 4 | Work Measurement: Time study techniques, standard time calculation, and rating factors | Chapter 4 |
| 5 | Advanced Work Measurement: Work sampling, predetermined motion time systems (PMTS), and standard data systems | Chapter 4 |
| 6 | Wages, Incentives, and Ergonomics Introduction: Wage determination, incentive schemes, and ergonomic design principles | Chapters 5 & 6 |
| 7 | Work Physiology: Energy expenditure, muscular and cardiovascular responses to work, and fatigue | Chapter 7 |
| 8 | Biomechanics of Work: Mechanical loading, posture, manual handling, and lifting limits (e.g., NIOSH Lifting Index) | Chapter 8 |
| 9 | Risk Assessment for Upper Extremities: Repetitive strain injuries, risk factors, and evaluation tools (e.g., RULA, REBA) | Chapter 9 |
| 10 | Work Postures and MSDs: Assessment methods, ergonomic redesign, and posture optimization | Chapter 10 |
| 11 | Office Ergonomics: Workstation design, display screen equipment, and computer-based work risk reduction | Chapters 11 & 12 |
| 12 | Occupational Noise and Heat Stress: Noise measurement, control methods, hearing conservation, heat stress management | Chapters 13, 14 & 15 |
| 13 | Occupational Health and Safety: Industrial hygiene, respiratory hazards, safety systems, cardiovascular risks in heavy industry | Chapters 16, 17 & 18 |
| 14 | Term Project Presentations | Lecture Notes, Assignments, Book Exercises |
| Resources |
| Textbook: L. P. Singh, Work Study and Ergonomics, Cambridge Press (2018). |
| Supplementary Books: M.S. Sanders and E.J. McCormick, Human Factors in Engineering and Design, 7th Edition (International), McGraw-Hill, Inc. M.P. Groover, Work Systems and the Methods, Measurement, and Management of Work, Pearson Education (2014). W. D. Wickens, J. D. Lee, Y. Liu, S. E. Gordon Becker, An Introduction to Human Factors Engineering,. 2nd Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall (2004). |
Course Contribution to Program Qualifications
| Course Contribution to Program Qualifications | |||||||
| No | Program Qualification | Contribution Level | |||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |||
| 1 | Adequate knowledge in mathematics, science and engineering subjects pertaining to the relevant discipline; ability to use theoretical and applied knowledge in these areas in the solution of complex engineering problems. | X | |||||
| 2 | Ability to formulate, and solve complex engineering problems; ability to select and apply proper analysis and modeling methods for this purpose. | X | |||||
| 3 | Ability to design a complex system, process, device or product under realistic constraints and conditions, in such a way as to meet the desired result; ability to apply modern design methods for this purpose. | X | |||||
| 4 | Ability to select and use modern techniques and tools needed for analyzing and solving complex problems encountered in engineering practice; ability to employ information technologies effectively. | X | |||||
| 5 | Ability to design and conduct experiments, gather data, analyze and interpret results for investigating complex engineering problems or discipline specific research questions. | X | |||||
| 6 | Ability to work efficiently in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams; ability to work individually. | X | |||||
| 7 | Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; knowledge of a minimum of one foreign language; ability to write effective reports and comprehend written reports, prepare design and production reports, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear and intelligible instructions. | X | |||||
| 8 | Awareness of the need for lifelong learning; ability to access information, to follow developments in science and technology, and to continue to educate him/herself. | X | |||||
| 9 | Knowledge on behavior according ethical principles, professional and ethical responsibility and standards used in engineering practices. | X | |||||
| 10 | Knowledge about business life practices such as project management, risk management, and change management; awareness in entrepreneurship, innovation; knowledge about sustainable development. | X | |||||
| 11 | Knowledge about the global and social effects of engineering practices on health, environment, and safety, and contemporary issues of the century reflected into the field of engineering; awareness of the legal consequences of engineering solutions. | X | |||||
Assessment Methods
| Contribution Level | Absolute Evaluation | |
| Rate of Midterm Exam to Success | 30 | |
| Rate of Final Exam to Success | 70 | |
| Total | 100 | |