The astronaut is interacting with a space system that was designed with human factors in mind. (This image is in the public domain. Source: NASA)
Instructor(s)
Dr. Laurence R. Young
Dr. Divya C. Chandra
MIT Course Number
16.400 / 16.453
As Taught In
Fall 2011
Level
Undergraduate / Graduate
Course Description
Course Features
Course Description
This course is designed to provide both undergraduate and graduate students with a fundamental understanding of human factors that must be taken into account in the design and engineering of complex aviation and space systems. The primary focus is the derivation of human engineering design criteria from sensory, motor, and cognitive sources to include principles of displays, controls and ergonomics, manual control, the nature of human error, basic experimental design, and human-computer interaction in supervisory control settings. Undergraduate students will demonstrate proficiency through aviation accident case presentations, quizzes, homework assignments, and hands-on projects. Graduate students will complete all the undergraduate assignments; however, they are expected to complete a research-oriented project with a final written report and an oral presentation.