Human Performance and Limitations in Aviation

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
AERO 1009
Course ID icon
Course ID
202893
Campus icon
Campus
Mawson Lakes
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Elec and Mech Eng
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Silvia Pignata
Course level icon
Course level
1
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of the relationship between human physiology/psychology and the aviation environment by focusing on the function and limitations of the human body.
This course covers human factors terminology and principles; the role of psychology in human performance; flight deck and ergonomic design; sleep, jet lag and fatigue: physiological aspects such as circadian rhythms; the influence of lifestyle factors on health, fitness and performance: including alcohol, smoking and drugs; and memory and mnemonic devices for increasing memory capacity.

Course learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of human physiology/psychology and the special restrictions which apply in the aviation environment
  • Describe how the human body is affected by the flight environment
  • Apply this knowledge and awareness to their own performance in aviation operations

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Mawson Lakes

Class number
Class number 25628
Section
Section SE01
Size
Size 120
Available
Available 120
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
24 Feb - 14 Apr Tuesday 9:10am - 11am Mawson Lakes Building P, P1-14
5 May - 12 May Tuesday 9:10am - 11am Mawson Lakes Building P, P1-14
Notes:
Only available to B.Aviation students.
Class number
Class number 25629
Section
Section TU01
Size
Size 50
Available
Available 50
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
26 Feb - 16 Apr Thursday 11:10am - 12:30pm Mawson Lakes Building A, A2-36A
7 May - 14 May Thursday 11:10am - 12:30pm Mawson Lakes Building A, A2-36A
Class number
Class number 25630
Section
Section TU02
Size
Size 50
Available
Available 50
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
26 Feb - 16 Apr Thursday 9:10am - 10:30am Mawson Lakes Building A, A2-36A
7 May - 14 May Thursday 9:10am - 10:30am Mawson Lakes Building A, A2-36A
Class number
Class number 25631
Section
Section TU03
Size
Size 38
Available
Available 38
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
25 Feb - 15 Apr Wednesday 11:10am - 12:30pm Mawson Lakes Building GP, GP1-08
6 May - 13 May Wednesday 11:10am - 12:30pm Mawson Lakes Building GP, GP1-08

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed AERO1017 Human Performance & Limitations in Aviation at the University of South Australia

Assumed knowledge

N/A

Textbook(s)

N/A

Inherent requirements

N/A

Other resources

N/A

Assessment

N/A

Fee calculator

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Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology or Clinical Psychology program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.