Accessibility statement

Human Factors for Safety - COM00208M

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  • Department: Computer Science
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This course focuses on the provision of Human Factors support to safety related system design / engineering projects. It provides a foundational introduction to key Human Factors topic areas and the opportunity to apply key Human Factors techniques related to human error identification / human reliability analysis, with an eye on the strengths and limitations of each.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This course introduces you to human factors concepts and techniques that can be used to support the design and evaluation of complex interactive systems, with a particular emphasis on safety critical systems. These techniques include work analysis (including task analysis and scenario analysis), human error assessment, design and evaluation of interactive systems and human reliability assessment.

Module learning outcomes

  • Identify and describe the implications of human factors on the safety of a system, using this to inform and challenge project decisions.

  • Assess how human factors - including individual, team/group and organisational factors - might have implications for the design and deployment of safety-critical systems.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of a range of human factors techniques and understand their limitations

  • Describe how user requirements are elicited and analysed.

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 provided via assessment.

Indicative reading

Hollnagel, E Human reliability analysis: context and control Academic Press 1993
Hollnagel, E Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method Elsevier Science Ltd 1998
Kirwan B. and Ainsworth L.K. A guide to task analysis Taylor and Francis 1992
Kirwan B A guide to practical human reliability assessment Taylor and Francis 1992
Norman D The design of everyday things Basic Books 1988
Perrow C Normal accidents: living with high risk technologies Basic Books 1994
Preece, J., Rogers, Y. and Sharp, H Interaction design: beyond human-computer interaction John Wiley and Sons 2002
Reason J.T. Human Error Cambridge University Press 1990
Vicente, K.J. Cognitive Work Analysis Lawrence Erlbaum Associates 1999
Villemeur A. Reliability, availability, maintainability and safety assessment vol. 2 Wiley 1992
Baddeley, A.D Your memory: a user's guide Penguin 1982
Newman W.M. & Lamming M.G. Interactive system design Addison-Wesley 1995
Reason, J. Managing the risks or organizational accidents Ashgate Publishing Ltd 1997


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.