Accessibility statement

Human Factors: Technology in Context - COM00054H

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  • Department: Computer Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

Optional module for CS undergrad all programmes.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Additional information

Pre-Requisite Module:

Human-Computer Interaction (HCIN) - COM00018C

Pre-Requisite Knowledge:

Research Methods

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This module will equip students with an understanding of how human characteristics and design influence interactions with technical systems in organisational and industry contexts. The module uses real-world case studies to introduce and critically evaluate the contribution of humans in developing and maintaining safe, ethical and secure systems. The module aims to develop students' skills in:

  • Analysis techniques

  • Proposing and applying appropriate criteria to assess the rigour and suitability of industrial and academic approaches to human reliability.

Module learning outcomes

  1. Recognise the role of human characteristics/factors/mental models in relation to the safe, secure and effective operation and maintenance of interactive systems across applied/industry contexts

  2. Critically evaluate the quality of designs and propose solutions to security and safety issues

  3. Demonstrate the ability to locate and, where relevant, apply existing academic research to inform the consideration of issues arising within human-technology interactions

  4. Identify, apply and critique appropriate techniques for human reliability and error analysis

  5. Identify, apply and critique appropriate techniques for security analysis, including issues of authentication, privacy and foreseeable misuse

  6. Use appropriate frameworks and design techniques to investigate ethical issues in relation to human-machine interaction

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Feedback is provided throughout the sessions, and after the assessment as per normal University guidelines.

Indicative reading

PLACEHOLDER


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.