module specification

Human Factors (HF) and our understanding of its effects on safety performance continue to evolve and develop. The human element is vital to the safe and efficient operation of all aspects of the aviation industry. Recently, a better understanding of human behaviour has led to significant safety benefits, with the discipline of human factors forming a cornerstone of every aviation safety management programme. This module explores how an understanding of operational personnel's attitudes, behaviours, and mental wellbeing can help reduce HF-related risks to aviation safety.
Another key area that helps explain why operational personnel make errors is aviation psychology. This field involves the study of human behaviour, actions, and cognitive and emotional processes in the aviation context, as well as the psychological challenges encountered in the workplace. In this module, psychological principles will also be applied to examine the effects of sleep patterns, central nervous system activity, mental functioning, and more on the behaviour and performance of operational personnel.
The module aims to provide students with the ability to:
1. Understand elements of aviation psychology and human factors, and their application in the aviation industry.
2. Identify key issues affecting crew interaction within the commercial aviation industry.
3. Apply models to recognise enabling factors that might contribute to aviation incidents and accidents.
4. Assess the factors that affect the mental wellbeing and stability of operational personnel.

NONE

Human factor elements
Definition, concepts and history LO1
Aviation Human Factors, Management and Organisation LO1
Fatigue And Stress and How to Manage them LO1/2/3
Human Information Processing and Operational Decision-Making LO2

Managing Human Error
Human Error and Threat Management LO1/2
Threat And Error Management in Flight Operations, ATC and Cabin Operations LO1/2
Crew Resource Management LO1/2

Psychology Elements
Pilot Mental Health and Wellbeing LO3
Automation In the Workplace LO3
Psychology Principles LO3

Overall, within all elements of the syllabus, we will review how human factors can lead to operational improvements and the design of systems and processes that consider the human rather than only the operational objectives of the aviation system. This aim will be reflected in the assessment briefing.

The formal delivery of teaching and learning for this module will comprise an average of three contact hours per week across 12 teaching weeks, supplemented by additional enrichment weeks throughout the semester. Each week will typically include a two-hour interactive session employing a range of teaching and learning strategies. These include workshops, lectures, guest speakers, case study discussions, panel debates, video analysis, as well as scenario-based activities and real-time simulations. Peer-to-peer learning is embedded within the module, as students collaborate to develop practical solutions and critically assess their impact.
Group work is a core component of the learning experience, encouraging active engagement as students share their knowledge and experience through discussion and collaboration. In addition, a one-hour seminar each week will adopt a more focused, discussion-led approach to explore current themes and emerging trends within the aviation industry. This will be further enriched through input from alumni, who will offer career insights, and guest lecturers who provide industry-specific context.
The module also makes extensive use of interactive learning spaces, supporting dialogue between students and staff, and facilitating access to a range of academic resources, including journal articles, professional websites, and external materials. Active participation in class discussions and debates is encouraged, recognising the diverse professional backgrounds and experiences that students bring to the programme.
Students are expected to prepare in advance for each session by reviewing the module schedule, which will be shared online and summarised by tutors at the end of each lecture. This preparation involves independent research and reading around the weekly themes to enable meaningful contributions to class discussions and Q&A activities.
Opportunities for reflective learning are embedded throughout the module. Students are encouraged to consider their approaches to tasks and discussions, and to reflect on informal feedback received during lectures and in relation to their submitted assessments.
Assessments will review human factors improvements in the context of real world challenges and operational systems / process and how, given the fact that humans are to be placed at the centre of improvements, we can offer real world, effective solutions.

At the end of this module, students will be able to:

LO1 Evaluate the diverse nature of areas for human factors application within commercial
        aviation
LO2 Evaluate the underlying causes of human error among operational personnel and critically
         assess the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies
LO3 Apply psychology principles in determining the root causes of aviation incidents and
        accidents

Link to online reading list:
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/FECFAA7C-6684-3B7E-D61E-383C0AA736E8.html

Core text book:
Martinussen,M. and Hunter,D.(2023) Aviation Psychology and Human Factors(2nd Edition), CRC pres

Recommended texts:
Seedhouse,E.,Brickhouse,A.,K.,& William,D.(2019). Human Factors in Air Transport. Ashgat

Salas,E and Maurino,D(2010) Human Factors In Aviation(2nd Edition), Elsevier

Wells, T. (2010) Commercial aviation safety (4th Edition), Mc Graw-Hill

Duffey, R. (2008) Managing Risk: The Human Element. Wiley Blackwell

Online Sources
IATA (International Air Transport Association): https://www.iata.org/
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organistaion): https://en-gb.facebook.com/InternationalCivilAviationOrganization/

Online Sources
IATA (International Air Transport Association): https://www.iata.org/
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organistaion): https://en-gb.facebook.com/InternationalCivilAviationOrganization/