Human Factors
- How can we improve the interaction between humans and computers?
- How can the usability of technologies be improved and how can we make them more user-friendly?
- How can we use IT methods in order to get a better understanding of psychological phenomena?
- How do the wearable computer devices of tomorrow look like?
- How do technologies influence the way we communicate with each other?
These are the kind of very interesting questions you will dive deeper into in the specialization Human Factors, which combines Psychology with Computer Science.
In the Human Factors specialization, you will address core topics in cognitive psychology as well as current issues in decision research and analyze findings from behavioral and neuroscientific studies. You will conduct empirical research on the psychology of human factors and will also address other research topics, such as artificial life and robotics, complex system modelling, or quantitative research methods. You will become proficient in the use of concepts and technologies of human-computer interaction, such as wearable computer devices.
For you to be able to choose the specialization Human Factors, you will need to fulfill two separate requirements: prior knowledge of Computer Science and prior knowledge of Psychology. You should generally be able to fulfill one of the two requirements based on your prior studies. The other you will acquire during the first part of the Master’s Program.
The prerequisite Computer Science knowledge can be fulfilled through a degree in Computer Sciences or with the attendance of the Module 1.6. Introduction to Computer Science for students with background in Business Administration, Law, Sociology, Psychology or comparable.
You can fulfill the prerequisite prior knowledge of Psychology with a degree in Psychology or with the attendance of the Module 1.4. Introduction to Human Factors for students with Computer Science background.
The respective courses of Modules 1.4 and 1.6 can be found in the curriculum.
The specialization consists of three modules, which all together account for 42 ECTS credit points.
In the first module, you will learn about the fundamentals of Human Factors through three compulsory courses. You will learn about cognitive psychology, research in decision making and the design of interactive systems. The module consists of 10 ECTS credit points.
The second module consists of one compulsory course, in which you will be conducting your own empirical research, and many elective courses in four major topics. You can choose to learn about topics such as the modeling of complex systems, quantitative research methods or robotics. At least 11 ECTS credit points must be completed within the module.
The third module consists of restricted elective courses in the field of Computer Science. You have to complete at least 11 ECTS credit points. You can choose between topics such as human computer interaction, user interfaces, game design and development, and many more.
