Ergonomics Integrated into Degree Program in Health Promotion in the University of Eastern Finland

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe studies in Ergonomics integrated into degree program in Health Promotion in the University of Eastern Finland (until 2010 University of Kuopio), where Ergonomics has been major subject since 1990. The studies in Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) have been a part of the degree program in Health Promotion since 2016, including Bachelor in Health Sciences and Master in Health Sciences. The duration of the qualification is five years (180 + 120 ECTS). The objective of the degree program is to educate specialists in Ergonomics, who can design work and work environments based on scientific knowledge. The content of the education corresponds to the qualification of the European Ergonomists set by Centre for Registration of European Ergonomist (CREE). The students are mainly adult learners living in different areas of Finland. Integrating their thesis into the ongoing development projects in working life provides a meaningful way of learning. In addition, our degree programme utilizes web based learning varying from tutored courses and blended learning to self-study and case-based courses on central topics in HFE. Web-based learning is particularly suitable in Finland due to long distances. The graduates in Ergonomics have commonly been employed in many occupations where they can utilize the knowledge from their studies. The field of Ergonomics in working life is broad, and it is impossible for one educational organization to offer comprehensive education, but in collaboration with different stakeholders we believe we have a good chance to develop the discipline in Finland.