Tufts HFE/ENP Classes
Question About Classes?
If you want some advice about being a HFE/ENP major, choosing classes, or deciding on your academic path, reach out to us at tuftshumanfactors@gmail.com. You can also contact us through the Contact page on the menu bar.
For specific questions about classes, feel free to submit it to this google form. During the class selection period in the fall and spring semester, E-Board will be checking it diligently.
Major Classes
ENP 53:
Intro to Engineering Psychology
Fall Semester
A general introduction of the field by exploring research studies and the applied areas of psychology that have proven useful in human-machine systems and equipment for human use. Emphasis on how humans process information. Frequent guest speakers to examine the wide variety of professional fields available to Human Factor Engineers and Engineering Psychologists.
ENP 130:
Advanced Engineering Psychology
Spring Semester
Seminar course focusing on the various applications of Human Factors Engineering and Engineering Psychology. Students examine a research topic and present their findings to the class to better understand how various psychological and engineering models relate to the development of modern human-machine systems.
ENP 64:
Methods for Human Factor Engineers
Fall Semester
Examining the qualitative and quantitative methods and techniques used in human factors engineering research, such as: usability testing, structured observation, questionnaire design, focus group design, ergonomics and biomechanics, signal detection theory, etc. Further exploration into the possible applications of human factors engineering and introductions to various prototyping software
ENP 161:
Human Factor Product Design
Spring Semester
A practical course of human-centered design meant for students to apply ENP 64 techniques. Topics include design methodologies, user feedback techniques, consumer product design, design thinking, and more. Students work on semester-long group projects sponsored by companies and startups, allowing them to become familiar with the entire product cycle, from user research to prototyping.
ENP 162:
Human Machine System Design
Fall Semester
A practical course to learn design principles for general man-machine system designs. Introduces students to a broad range of applications including computer-interface design, auto/semiautomated systems, biomedical systems, machine learning, and IOT with topics such as information processing, decision making, and signal detection theory. Multiple individual and group projects.
ENP 166:
Computer Interface Design
Spring Semester
Hands-on course that challenges students to design user-friendly computer-based products and systems. Topics include: user interface-design process, basic design principles, design evaluation methods, computer-based prototyping tools, and modeling. Multiple in-class exercises and projects based on industry problems in addition to frequent guest lectures by user-interface design specialists. Either ENP166 or COMP171
COMP 171:
Human Computer Interaction
Spring Semester
Introduction to the technical side of human-computer interaction. Methodology for designing and testing user interfaces, interaction styles (e.g. command line, virtual reality), interaction techniques (e.g. voice, gesture, eye movements), design guidelines, and user-interface management system software. Students design a small user interface, program a prototype, and test the result for usability. Either ENP166 or COMP171
ENP 120:
Human Factor Senior Capstone
Spring Semester
A semester long capstone focused on usability testing and human factor evaluation methods. Students participate in teams to complete problems from industry sponsors. A culmination of all the techniques and experience gained from the other courses in the major.
More details coming soon....
ENP 164:
Applied Behavior Stats Engineering
Fall Semester
Behavioral statistics for human factors and applied behavioral research. Parametric, nonparametric, descriptive and inferential concepts. Small n and case study designs, factor analysis and power analysis. Use of modern statistical software package(s). Applications to product design and development, human performance, and survey methods.
ME 20:
Mechanics 1
Fall Semester
Analysis and problem solving in statics. Vector and matrix analysis. Force-moment balance equations. Analysis of stress and strain. Behavior of isotropic materials. Area moments of inertia. Behavior of members subjected to axial, torsional, and flexural loadings, combined stress, compression members and columns.
ME 30:
ElectroMech System and Robotics 1
Fall Semester
Analysis and design of circuits using ideal voltage and current sources, resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Actuators such as electric motors, solenoids, and heaters. Amplifiers. Microcontrollers. Sampling sensors and driving actuators. Applications of proportional-integral-derivative control. Hardware implementation. Use of oscilloscopes to test and debug circuits. Printed circuit board (PCB)
ES 3:
Intro to Electrical Systems
Fall or Spring Semester
Various Professors
Definitions of circuit elements, fundamental laws, selected network theorems, controlled sources, introduction to the oscilloscope, energy and power, natural response and complete response of first order circuits, steady state sinusoidal behavior, algebra of complex numbers, phasors, impedance, average and reactive power, introduction to analog and digital systems, frequency response and filters, measurements and instrumentation, introduction to computer applications for circuit analysis and design. Associated laboratory project work.
Elective Courses
ENP 105:
Assistive Technology Development
Fall Semester
Examination of problems in designing and providing assistive devices to individuals with disabilities (e.g. mobility, communication, environmental control, daily living). Topics include basics of occupational therapy, needs assessment, resource evaluation, funding, and design and delivery of devices. Students will work in teams in order to design a product for specific user groups.
ENP 109:
Medical Technology Development
Spring Semester
"Med School for Engineers." An introductory course for engineers to learn human anatomy, medical conditions, medical care environments, and various factors that affect medical technology development and healthcare delivery. Students will study user interfaces of diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring technologies and work on projects structured on real world problems. Guest lectures and visits to clinics.
ENP 110:
Human Factors in Medical Technology
Fall Semester
Techniques to ensure safety and efficacy of medical technologies ranging from over-the-counter devices to complex diagnostic systems to therapeutic workstations. Students will become familiar with global standards and regulations (e.g. FDA), usability engineering program planning, applied user interface design, design verification, design validation, and user interface simulation. Weekly projects based on real-life problems.
ENP 163:
Analytical Methods in Human Factors
Spring Semester
In-depth dive into the advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis methods applied in Human Factors Engineering. Topics include longitudinal data analysis, root cause analysis, inter-rater reliability analysis, utility analysis, usability analysis, heuristic review, and applications of machine learning to human factors work.
ENP 112:
Engineering Forensics
Fall Semester
Examining high-profile (aka "infamous) accidents in transportation and related industries. Students will become familiar with accident-investigation methods, techniques to discover system-safety faults, and user-interface design errors in order to prevent future accidents for reoccurring. Class structured around real-life case studies and individual analyses and presentations.
ENP 165:
Industrial Design
Spring Semester
An introduction to the history of industrial design, the industrial design process, and general industrial design principles. Students will be given a sketchbook for project work and learn how to design for user needs and expectations. Emphasis on product safety, efficacy, and consumer satisfaction.
Additional Courses/Electives
PSY 1:
Introduction to Psychology
Fall Semester
Introductory course about the field of psychology. Covers important general principles about psychological development, sensory processes, perception, motivation, emotion, learning, thinking, intelligence, aptitudes, social problems, and personality.
ME 10:
Materials & Manufacturing
Fall Semester
Basic principles of the manufacturing process. Topics include product teardown, component and sub-assembly identification, and identifying/selecting materials for engineering work. Students will learn CAD modeling of parts and assembly and do hands-on component manufacturing.
ME 40:
Engineering Design I
Spring Semester
Heavily focused on the user-centric design process, learning to conduct task analysis, identify user needs and engineering requirements, develop user profiles and personas, and rank needs. Students will practice ideation techniques by working with design challenges sponsored by vendors. Students will also become familiar with engineering drawings in CAD, prototype fabrication, project planning, and intellectual property.
