Paper aims This study aims to propose minimum ergonomics course content based on the current situation in top-tier production engineering programs in Brazil. Originality This is a groundbreaking study that brings together two fields of production engineering: engineering education and ergonomics. The findings contribute to the theoretical foundation of ergonomics by demonstrating a standard for the characteristics of teaching plans. Research method A methodological procedure composed of five steps was developed: defining the research problem, identifying universities, investigating the ergonomics course, analyzing data, and proposing a teaching plan. An investigation in online databases of undergraduate production engineering programs aimed to identify course content, teaching strategies, and professors’ qualifications. Main findings This study evaluated 88 courses, and the results showed a trend of programs with only one course with 60 class hours, focusing on general definitions, physical ergonomics, and Ergonomic Work Analysis. Ergonomics courses mainly use traditional teaching approaches, and professors have diverse educational backgrounds, but most have some production engineering in their curriculum. Implications for theory and practice This study provides two standardized plans for teaching ergonomics, as well as an updated overview of how the course is currently taught in production engineering programs.
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Neto et al. (2026) studied this question.
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