Fundamentals of Ergonomics
EX 1111 is offered this spring and fall:
The study of ergonomics will result in reductions of injury and increases in productivity by improving the “fit” between the worker and the work environment. This is achieved by matching the physiological and psychological capabilities of a person to the design of the equipment, tasks to be performed and the total workplace environment. This course will introduce the student to the need for ergonomics, methods for problem identification, solution development and effectiveness evaluation of implemented changes.
Course at a glance
- Fully online asynchronous course, accessible through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool.
- Aimed at entry-level and practicing health and safety coordinators, professionals, officers, technicians, supervisors, trainers, management, and administrators.
What you will learn
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Recognize the importance of user-oriented design.
- Consider the relationship between human characteristics and work performance.
- Recognize ergonomic hazards that contribute to workplace injuries and illnesses.
- Identify basic design principles that optimize human performance in job settings.
Offered:
Take note:
- This is an asynchronous course, meaning that you can complete your reading and activities throughout the week at your own leisure.
- You will be pre-placed into groups of 5-10 students in order to encourage interaction throughout the week. These groups will be referred to as the ‘Collaborative Classroom’.
- In your readings and in the course videos there are references to activities that you will be asked to complete.
- Required textbook: The Rules of Work: A Practical Engineering Guide to Ergonomics, 2nd edition, Dan MacLeod, Taylor & Francis, 2013.
Apr 4, 2022Jun 12, 2022
Asynchronous online learning, eClass
39 hours of instruction
In asynchronous online courses, students are expected to move through the course material at the same pace as their peers, but there are no real-time virtual classroom sessions to attend. All components of this type of course are accessible through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool. format details

Your Instructor
Donald MacDonaldID: donald-macdonald
Donald MacDonald (MSc Erg, CCPE) is the president of EWI Works International, Western Canada’s leading ergonomics and wellness company. With two decades of experience in ergonomics and consulting, Donald has built a reputation for consistency, quality, and practicality. Based in Calgary, he oversees EWI Works’ team there and manages the company’s relationship with many of its largest clients. Donald highly values networking and education, presenting regularly at conferences across North America.
Textbook
Required
MACLEOD
Rules Of Work
ISBN 9781439899069
Class info
-
39 course hours in total
-
Cost assistance: may be eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant, the Canada Training Benefit, and the Skilled Immigrant Micro-Loan.
— view all 27 funding opportunities -
Department consent required to register. Please contact us at extnreg@ualberta.ca
Take note:
- This is an asynchronous course, meaning that you can complete your reading and activities throughout the week at your own leisure.
- You will be pre-placed into groups of 5-10 students in order to encourage interaction throughout the week. These groups will be referred to as the ‘Collaborative Classroom’.
- In your readings and in the course videos there are references to activities that you will be asked to complete.
- Required textbook: The Rules of Work: A Practical Engineering Guide to Ergonomics, 2nd edition, Dan MacLeod, Taylor & Francis, 2013.
Aug 22, 2022Oct 30, 2022
Asynchronous online learning, eClass
39 hours of instruction
In asynchronous online courses, students are expected to move through the course material at the same pace as their peers, but there are no real-time virtual classroom sessions to attend. All components of this type of course are accessible through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool. format details
Textbook
Required
MACLEOD
Rules Of Work
ISBN 9781439899069
Class info
-
39 course hours in total
-
Cost assistance: may be eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant, the Canada Training Benefit, and the Skilled Immigrant Micro-Loan.
— view all 27 funding opportunities -
Open for registration until August 22, 2022. Register at least one week before the course start date to secure your spot. If space is available you may register until the day the course starts. Refunds, withdrawals & transfers policies
This course has no prerequisites
Students from all educational backgrounds welcome. You can register for this course without applying and enrolling in a program.
Take note:
- This is an asynchronous course, meaning that you can complete your reading and activities throughout the week at your own leisure.
- You will be pre-placed into groups of 5-10 students in order to encourage interaction throughout the week. These groups will be referred to as the ‘Collaborative Classroom’.
- In your readings and in the course videos there are references to activities that you will be asked to complete.
- Required textbook: The Rules of Work: A Practical Engineering Guide to Ergonomics, 2nd edition, Dan MacLeod, Taylor & Francis, 2013.
Currently counts towards:
-
└39-hour elective course
-
└39-hour elective course
Applicants intending to enrol in a program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to lock in their course requirements since they are prone to change.
*If you are already enroled in this program, please refer to your specific program requirements as outlined at the time of your admission: Bear Tracks > Academic Advisement.
Looking for different course dates?
New course schedules are released each June and November.