Now Registering for October 7 – December 8, 2024 (Online).

This course is designed to prepare you to be a competent consumer of research by applying a thorough critique of various papers and applying conclusions from published research into ergonomic practice. You will read various research articles and identify the study objectives, aims and hypotheses as well as critique the study methods for appropriate study design, generalizability, sources of bias and threats to validity. You will also learn about observational studies (cross-sectional, prospective, retrospective and case-control), intervention (parallel and multi-factorial randomized control trials, cross over studies), reliability and validity studies.  Approaches to statistical analysis for parametric and non-parametric data and interpretation of effect estimates from analyses using ANOVAs, correlation, and logistic/linear regression will be presented. Finally, you will apply your knowledge through developing a simple study/project with an objective, aims and testable hypotheses, and methodology based on a question of interest and need at a current or future worksite/place.

Course Learning Outcomes:

At the completion of this activity, the learner will be able to:

• Describe the process involved in asking relevant, researchable questions
• Evaluate the rigor of qualitative research studies
• Recognize the difference between independent and dependent variables and be able to identify them in various types of studies
• Explain how subject population in a study extends to the generalizability of results as well as potential sources of bias
• Based on the stated objectives, complete critical critiques of studies including the subject population chosen, the study design, independent and dependent variables including measurement methods and timepoints chosen
• Identify sources of error and whether they contribute to random or systematic bias
• Analyze a statistical plan for appropriateness and evaluate the interpretation of results
• Given a study design and statistical analysis plan, select the appropriate statistics (both parametric and non-parametric) to describe the data, compare the data, or make predictions using the data
• Interpret the results of statistical analyses including regression analysis, measures of disease and associations (risk ratios, predictive values, number needed to treat), descriptive statistics (chi square, frequencies, proportions), and comparison statistics (ANOVA, comparisons of medians/means)
• Succinctly develop study methodology to carry out a simple research study that one might do in the workplace, including a review of the current literature; a justification of need; study purpose, aims and hypotheses; data collection methods that control for confounding while increasing validity and reliability; and resource needs to perform the study
• Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the science of human factors and ergonomics and ethical responsibility in practice, specifically when designing a workplace study

Instructor Information:

Carisa Harris, PhD, CPE – Dr. Harris is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California at San Francisco, and in the School of Public Health at the University of California at Berkeley.  She is also the Director of the UCSF/UCB Ergonomics Research & Graduate Training Program and the Director of the Northern California Center of Occupational & Environmental Health (COEH). She received her PhD in Environmental Health Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley and teaches a variety of classes including Occupational Biomechanics and Industrial Engineering Human Factors Design. Dr. Harris and her team perform research in a variety of areas focused on understanding and preventing work related injuries and improving human performance, productivity and health. Her epidemiological research assesses and adjusts for healthy worker survivor bias in the assessment of physical, personal and work psychosocial factors associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and subsequent work disability. Additionally, her team is developing a variety of exposure assessment devices (wearables) for primary and secondary prevention purposes and performs various intervention studies on occupational tasks with high risk of musculoskeletal injuries. The lab has a history of performing research in the construction, computer, medical, hotel and manufacturing sectors.  From a global health perspective, Dr. Harris collaborates on research assessing the impact of heavy load carrying among women in developing countries (Nepal, Tanzania, Ethiopia) on associated morbidity.

Course Format: 

This asynchronous online course engages students with weekly activities posted on the course site.  Each week students will read and/or watch resource materials, participate in online discussion forums and complete individual and paired assignments. There are no required textbooks, but some reference books are recommended, and sections of texts are provided and assigned for reading. The information needed to complete the assignments and prepare for the online midterm and final exams will be included in the resource material on the course site. Grades are determined by participation in assignments and discussions and performance on midterm and final exams.

This is an 8-week accelerated course, with a workload roughly equivalent to a full semester of 3 credit hour graduate coursework. We anticipate the weekly content and assignments to require anywhere between 10-20 hours of student involvement, depending on the individual student's strength and familiarity with HF/E.

Accreditation:

This course is offered on a pass / fail basis for continuing education credit. Learners must obtain a final grade of 70% or higher, and a final exam grade of 60% or higher, to pass the course and to obtain a Certificate of Completion.

Certified Professional Ergonomists
Certified Professional Ergonomists may be eligible to earn up to 45 contact hours for this course. Visit https://bcpe.org/continuance-of-certification/ for more information.

Certified Athletic Trainers

COEH (BOC AP#: P10242) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Certified Athletic Trainers. This program is eligible for a maximum of 45 Category A hours. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.

Industrial Hygienists
ABIH® Diplomates may be eligible to earn up to 45 contact hours for this course. Visit https://gobgc.org/applicants_CIH/ for more information.

Certified Safety Professionals
Certified Safety Professionals may be eligible to earn up to 45 contact hours for this course. Visit https://online.fliphtml5.com/pbcyp/eprz/#p=19 for more information.

Registered Nurses
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 12983, for 45 contact hours.

Registered Environmental Health Specialists
This course has been approved for 45 contact hours, REHS. The Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH) UC Berkeley is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) Program Continuing Education Accreditation Agency approved by the California Department of Public Health.

Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapists may be eligible to earn up to 45 contact hours for this course. Visit http://www.bot.ca.gov/board_activity/laws_regs/cc_regulations.shtml for more information.​

Registration Cancellation Policy

Written cancellation notification must be received no later than one week before the start date of an Online Ergonomics Program class in which you are registered in order to qualify for a refund, less a $65.00 administrative fee per registration. Substitute attendees are welcome.

Transfer Policy

You can transfer your registration and payment to a later Online Ergonomics Program class one (1) time with no penalty within ten days of the start date of a class. Subsequent transfers will incur a $65.00 administrative fee per registration. Course Credits must be used within 12 months and are not transferable.

Course Withdrawal Policy

Within the first ten days of an Online Ergonomics Program class, you may withdrawal from the class and receive a refund, less 10% of your course payment. There is no tuition refund following the tenth day of the start date of a class.

Class Cancellation Policy

In the unlikely event that an Online Ergonomics Program class must be cancelled, the entire submitted registration fee will be refunded without further liability on the part of COEH. COEH is not responsible for travel or other costs incurred by students for canceled classes.