Areas of Study

Subtracks

Ergonomics

The MPH in ergonomics is designed to take advantage of the multi-disciplinary talents and interests of faculty members from the College of Public Health, College of Engineering, and College of Medicine at The University of Iowa.

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 MPH in ergonomics 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 these 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 MPH in ergonomics 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.

MPH:5100/170:101	Intro to Public Health	3 s.h.
BIOS:5110/171:161	Intro to Biostatistics	3 s.h.
CBH:5105/172:101	Intro to Health Promotion and Disease Prevention	3 s.h.
EPID:5400/173:140	Epidemiology I: Principles	3 s.h.
HMP:4000/174:102	Intro to the US Healthcare System	3 s.h.
OEH:4240/175:197	Environmental Health	3 s.h.

Required Courses (16 s.h.)

OEH:5010/175:180	Occupational & Environmental Health Seminar*	0-1 s.h.
OEH:4310/175:190	Occupational Ergonomics I	3 s.h.
OEH:6310/175:295	Clinical Ergonomics	3 s.h.
OEH:5620/175:230	Occupational Health	3 s.h.
GRAD:7270/650:270	Principles of Scholarly Integrity	0 s.h.
IE:3400/056:144	Human Factors	3 s.h.
IE:3450/056:147	Ergonomics: Design & Evaluation	3 s.h.

*Enroll in OEH Seminar 3 times: twice for 0 s.h. and once for 1 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 advisor.

EPID:6510/173:251	Injury Epidemiology	3 s.h.
EPID:6530/173:253	Epidemiology of Occupational Injuries	3 s.h.
EPID:5410/175:192	Occupational Safety	3 s.h.
OEH:6420/175:231	Industrial Hygiene Fundamentals	3 s.h.

Practicum Requirement (3 s.h.)

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

MPH:7000/170:299

The MPH Practicum Experience

3 s.h.

Pre-Requisite to MPH Practicum:
Students must complete all of their MPH core courses and the majority of other MPH coursework prior to registering for the Practicum. For additional information, regarding the practicum experience, please visit the official practicum website.

Summary of Requirements

MPH Core	18 s.h.
Practicum	3 s.h.
Required courses	16 s.h.
Electives	5 s.h.
Total	42 s.h.