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Master of Public Health

E172 General Hospital
200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 384-5991

 

 

  

Ergonomics Subtrack (42 s.h.)

Objective

The MPH with an ergonomics focus is designed to take advantage of the multi-disciplinary talents and interests of faculty members from the CPH, College of Engineering, and COM at the UI.

The interdisciplinary ergonomics program will require approximately two years of study. Students enrolled in this public health specialty will receive academic, practical, and research experience in the field of ergonomics. The objectives of the ergonomics focus are for students to have 1) a thorough understanding of the physical environment and risk factors at the workplace that contribute to human error and musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses, 2) knowledge of the engineering and administrative methods of controlling thee risk factors, and 3) the ability to conduct ergonomics/human factors research and/or provide ergonomics/human factors consultation services at a basic level. Graduates of the MPH in ergonomics may work for industry, unions, government agencies, or pursue further academic training.

Graduates of the Ergonomics MPH will be able to:

  1. Understand ergonomic principles.
  2. Discuss the methods used to measure physical limitations and capabilities of workers.
  3. Describe anthropometric, physiological, and biomechanical aspects of work.
  4. Describe ways to reduce risk factors associated with occupational injuries & illnesses.
  5. Understand the current regulatory issues around ergonomics.
  6. Able to measure physical limitations and capabilities of workers.
  7. Evaluate current ergonomic literature.
  8. Conduct an ergonomic assessment/audit.
  9. Participate in the development, design, implementation, and evaluation of an ergonomic intervention.

Prerequisite

An undergraduate degree is required. The cumulative grade point average should be a minimum of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Although no specific major is required, prerequisite coursework includes one semester each of college algebra and biology.

MPH Core Courses (18 s.h.)

The following course work is required for all MPH students. Students are expected to earn ≥ B- (2.67) on each core course and must earn a ≥ B (3.0) cumulative grade point average on all core courses. When necessary, a student may repeat courses to achieve this standard.

170:101 Introduction to Public Health Practice [Su./Fall] 3 s.h.
171:161 Introduction to Biostatistics [Fall/Spr./Su.] 3 s.h.
172:101 Intro to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention [Fall/Spr.] 3 s.h.
173:140 Epidemiology I: Principles [Fall/Spr./Su.] 3 s.h.
174:102

Introduction to the US Healthcare System [Su.]

or

 3 s.h.
174:200 Introduction to Health Care Organization and Policy [Fall] 3 s.h.
175:197 Environmental Health [Fall/Spr.] 3 s.h.

Practicum Requirement (3 s.h)

170:299 The MPH Practicum Experience [Fall/Spr./Su.] 3 s.h.

The experience from this course, including a final written report and an oral presentation, constitutes the final examination for the MPH.

Pre-Requisite:

Students should complete all Core Courses prior to registering for the Practicum. In special circumstances, students may request to take a Core Course concurrently with the Practicum.

For additional information, regarding the practicum experience, please visit the official practicum website.

Required Courses (16 s.h.)

175:180 Occupational & Environmental Health Seminar [Fall/Spr.] 1 s.h.
175:190 Occupational Ergonomics I [Fall] 3 s.h.
175:295 Clinical Ergonomics [Spr.] 3 s.h.
175:230 Occupational Health [Fall] 3 s.h.
050:270 Responsible Conduct in Research [Fall/Spr./Su.] 0 s.h.
056:144 Human Factors and Ergonomics I [Fall] 3 s.h.
056:147 Ergonomics: Design & Evaluation [Spr.] 3 s.h.

Elective Courses (5 s.h.)

Electives may be chosen from the following list or may include any related course approved by the student's adviser.

173:251 Injury Epidemiology [Spr. - odd years] 3 s.h.
173:253 Epidemiology of Occupational Injuries [Spr. - even years] 3 s.h.
175:192 Occupational Safety [Fall] 3 s.h.
175:231 Industrial HygieneFundamentals [Fall] 3 s.h.

Summary of Hour Requirements
MPH Core 18 s.h.
Practicum 3 s.h.
Required courses 16 s.h.
Electives 5 s.h.
Total 42 s.h.
 
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