INFSCI 1044
Human Factors for System Design 

Fall 2007 (2081)

Instructor: Dr. Stephen Hirtle

    Email: hirtle@pitt.edu

    Office: 2B01 IS Bldg, 135 N. Bellefield

    Office Phone: 624-9434

    Office Hours: Tuesdays 2:15-3:00, or by appt

GSA: Samvith Srinivas

    Email: samvith@gmail.com

    Office: 2B04 IS Building

    Office Phone: 624-1178

    Office Hours: tba

Class Meets: Tuesday & Thursday, 1:00-2:15,   405 IS Bldg

Prerequisite: INFSCI 0010/0011 and an introductory psychology course

Last Update: August 28, 2007

Overview

Examines human-machine designs with special emphasis on human-computer interaction. Topics center on how to analyze, create, and improve equipment and environment to be compatible with human capabilities and expectations.

Email

All email to the instructor about this class must contain "IS1044" in the subject line to be read.  For example, the subject line might read "IS 1044: Question about displays".  Email without this information might be deleted by spam filters or placed in a folder to be read at a later date.  Email with the appropriate identifier will usually be read within 24 hours of receipt.

Courseweb

The University uses a specialized course management package found at http://courseweb.pitt.edu. This class will be involved in a pilot project of the latest version of the software, Courseweb 7.3 (http://blackboard7.cssd.pitt.edu/). If you are using courseweb for another class this term, they will most likely be using Courseweb 6.3. This may cause some adjustments on your part, including an alternate logon procedure that will be described in class. Please remember that we will be helping the University by participating in this project, as they are scheduled to roll out 7.3 for all classes in January. I will look forward to your feedback about the new system during the term.

Classroom Behaviors

I ask that you attend on time and stay for the entire class period. Cellphones should be turned off when entering the classroom and left off for the entire class. Anyone using a laptop will be subject to extra questioning in class as technology should not add to distractions. Text messaging of any kind is not acceptable behavior during class. During exams, no electronic devices of any kind will be allowed including cellphones, pdas, laptops, calculators, etc.

Readings

The following textbook is required and should be purchased at the bookstore or through your favorite on-line distributor.

Special circumstances.  If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accomodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and the Office of Disability Resources and Sevices, 216 William Pitt Union, (412-648-7890/TTY:412-383-7355) as early as possible in the term. DRS will verify your disability and determine reasonable accomodations for this course.  In addition, you should be aware that my office is up a short flight of stairs.  If this problematic, I am happy to arrange a meeting in an accessible location at any time.

Course Requirements and Grading

Homework (50 points)

There will be 5 homework assignments during the term, each worth 10 points.  Homework assignments will be posted one week before the due date.

Exams (150 points)

There will be three exams during the term.  The exams are closed-book, in-class exams.  They will not be cumulative.  Please note that the last exam will be scheduled during the regular class period during finals week.

Grading

Grading will be based on performance on the requirements specified above. Of the possible 200 points that might be earned, grades will be as follows: