School: Engineering

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Human Factors in Aviation
  • Unit Code

    SCA1117
  • Year

    2017
  • Enrolment Period

    1
  • Version

    2
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
  • Unit Coordinator

    Mr John MURRAY

Description

This unit highlights the theoretical underpinning knowledge required to understand the complexity of interaction between the physiology of the human body and the flying environment. Significant emphasis will be placed on human biology as the most limiting component of flight safety. Various methodologies necessary to monitor and control human factors during preparation for and execution of flight operations will be scrutinised. The necessary psychological training for the crucial task of flight deck decision-making will be also discussed.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Describe the effect of altitude on human respiratory and circulatory systems.
  2. Explain the influence of altitude and acceleration on human sensory systems.
  3. Identify factors essential to personal health.
  4. Explain the importance of sound health in the aviation context.
  5. Explain the nature and elements of human information processing and associated issues caused by a high altitude environment.

Unit Content

  1. Diet and exercise, coronary risk factors, upper respiratory tract infection, injuries and infections, emotional health, dehydration, ageing.
  2. Aviation medical examinations, drug and alcohol effects, blood donation.
  3. Respiratory system, hypoxia and hyperventilation, effects of pressure changes, anatomy of the eye and ear, vision, spatial disorientation and illusions, fatigue and stress, motion sickness, effects of acceleration, toxic hazards.
  4. Information processing and decision making, human error, stress and stress management, fatigue, body rhythm and sleep, basic ergonomics.
  5. Fundamentals of desert and maritime survival, basic first aid.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures and tutorials.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
TestIn-semester tests30%
ExerciseTutorial exercises20%
ExaminationEnd of semester examination50%

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCA1117|2|1

School: Engineering

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Human Factors in Aviation
  • Unit Code

    SCA1117
  • Year

    2017
  • Enrolment Period

    2
  • Version

    2
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
  • Unit Coordinator

    Mr John MURRAY

Description

This unit highlights the theoretical underpinning knowledge required to understand the complexity of interaction between the physiology of the human body and the flying environment. Significant emphasis will be placed on human biology as the most limiting component of flight safety. Various methodologies necessary to monitor and control human factors during preparation for and execution of flight operations will be scrutinised. The necessary psychological training for the crucial task of flight deck decision-making will be also discussed.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Describe the effect of altitude on human respiratory and circulatory systems.
  2. Explain the influence of altitude and acceleration on human sensory systems.
  3. Identify factors essential to personal health.
  4. Explain the importance of sound health in the aviation context.
  5. Explain the nature and elements of human information processing and associated issues caused by a high altitude environment.

Unit Content

  1. Diet and exercise, coronary risk factors, upper respiratory tract infection, injuries and infections, emotional health, dehydration, ageing.
  2. Aviation medical examinations, drug and alcohol effects, blood donation.
  3. Respiratory system, hypoxia and hyperventilation, effects of pressure changes, anatomy of the eye and ear, vision, spatial disorientation and illusions, fatigue and stress, motion sickness, effects of acceleration, toxic hazards.
  4. Information processing and decision making, human error, stress and stress management, fatigue, body rhythm and sleep, basic ergonomics.
  5. Fundamentals of desert and maritime survival, basic first aid.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures and tutorials.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
TestProgress test 110%
TestProgress test 215%
AssignmentEssay15%
ExaminationEnd of semester examination60%

Core Reading(s)

  • Harris, D. (2011). Human performance on the flight deck. Farnham, Surrey: Ashgate.

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCA1117|2|2