Bi9100 Ergonomics and Applied Anthropology

Faculty of Science
Spring 2026
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Paride Bollettin, MSc., Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Martin Čuta, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
doc. RNDr. Mgr. Miroslav Horák, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
doc. RNDr. Mgr. Miroslav Horák, Ph.D.
Department of Anthropology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: Mgr. Martin Čuta, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Anthropology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Mon 16. 2. to Fri 22. 5. Tue 8:00–9:50 Bp2,01015a
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 20 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 8/20, only registered: 0/20, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/20
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Abstract
The overall purpose of the course is to integrate interdisciplinary anthropological knowledge from biological and social/cultural anthropology and to apply it in commercial fields. The student should be able to use anthropological expertise in these areas: ergonomics, human factors, application of anthropology knowledge base in addiction treatment in different parts of the world. Special attention will be paid the subdiscipline of ergonomics and human factor; the students will familiarize with the goals, specializations and basic as well as advanced methods. The whole course is oriented toward practical tuition – the students will elaborate short case studies and mini-projects from areas of applied physical, social and cultural anthropology to better prepare them to thrive in the commercial sphere. Practical classes (evaluation of cognitive capabilities, special ergonomics-dynamometry) will include a measuring device to assess heart-rate and blood perfusion (non-invasive) with the goal to analyze stress levels. To improve the chances of graduates to succeed in the labor market this course is taught in English.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this course the student should be able to use anthropological expertise in the commercial sector, especially in the area addiction treatment and to be familiar with basic and specialized diagnostic methods of ergonomics. He/she should be able to use basic methods of social, psychological, IT and biological sciences in the paradigm of applied anthropology . The student should be proficient in basic methods of ergonomics (metric and visual/recording) used in human locomotor system health risk (caused by repeated work- or non-work-related activity and load) diagnostics, including testing cognitive, manipulation and strength capacities.
Key topics
1. Ergonomics and human factors. Specifics of non-academically oriented approaches/methods. 2. Case studies/mini-project: ergonomics and human factors. 3. Advanced methods in data collection and processing 4. Ergonomic design of consumer goods - a mini project 5. Fine motor skills - manipulation/manual dexterity capabilities testing in ergonomics 6. "Handheld dynamometry" - measuring strength in on-site settings 7. User satisfaction evaluation. Methods of data collection and processing. Mini-project 8. Introduction to applied anthropology (research areas, methods, and theories) 9. Substance use disorders Treatment in the Cross-Cultural Perspective 10. Fieldwork 11. Experiences and information on application of ergonomics and anthropological background in practice/fieldwork/excursion 12. Methods of research of shared realities in cultural anthropology settings
Study resources and literature
Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching
Theoretical preparation in form of in-person lectures, complemented with commented multimedial presentations (video etc.) and e-learning methods. Theoretical lectures are connected and alternated with practical training classes/mini-project sessions.
Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements
The course is concluded by a combined written exam, which includes a test and protocols from the in-semester mini-projects. To pass successfully the test, the students need to prove sufficient knowledge acquired during the semester. The exam may be organized either online or face-to-face.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2007 - for the purpose of the accreditation, Autumn 2002, Autumn 2003, Autumn 2004, Autumn 2005, Autumn 2006, Autumn 2007, Autumn 2008, Spring 2017, spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025.
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