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Postgraduate DiplomaHealth, Biomechanics, Wearables & Operational Safety Applications open

Postgraduate Diploma in Spatial Disorientation and Vestibular Factors

Online 800 h Postgraduate Diploma in Spatial Disorientation and Vestibular Factors. 8 modules covering Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 (aircrew, including Part-MED), Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 (air operations) and X-Plane. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration800 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Explain the physiology of the vestibular system and motion perception.

02

Identify somatogyral, somatogravic and visual illusions.

03

Analyse the factors contributing to spatial disorientation.

04

Evaluate the role of instrumentation and displays in its prevention.

05

Design simulator training programmes.

06

Apply aviation medical assessment criteria.

07

Develop a plan for preventing and managing disorientation risk.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Physician or specialist in aviation medicine who wishes to specialise in Spatial Disorientation and Vestibular Factors.
  • Aviation human factors instructor who wishes to specialise in Spatial Disorientation and Vestibular Factors.
  • Flight simulator engineer who wishes to specialise in Spatial Disorientation and Vestibular Factors.
  • Cockpit display designer who wishes to specialise in Spatial Disorientation and Vestibular Factors.
  • Aircraft accident investigator who wishes to specialise in Spatial Disorientation and Vestibular Factors.
  • Operational safety manager who wishes to specialise in Spatial Disorientation and Vestibular Factors.
  • Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter commercial aviation.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 (aircrew, including Part-MED)
  • Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 (air operations)
  • ICAO Annex 1 (personnel licensing)
  • EASA CS-FSTD(A) (flight simulation training devices)
  • ICAO Doc 9625 (flight simulator qualification criteria)
  • MIL-STD-1787 (aircraft display symbology)
Syllabus

8 modules · 800 h

  1. 1.1Anatomy of the inner ear
  2. 1.2Semicircular canals and angular acceleration
  3. 1.3Otolith organs and linear acceleration
  4. 1.4Vestibular thresholds
  5. 1.5Vestibulo-ocular reflex
  6. 1.6Visual, vestibular and proprioceptive integration
  7. 1.7Adaptation and habituation
  8. 1.8Motion sickness
  9. 1.9Vestibular disorders
  10. 1.10Practical: analysis of vestibular thresholds in flight
  1. 2.1Type I, II and III disorientation
  2. 2.2Somatogyral illusion and the leans
  3. 2.3Graveyard spiral
  4. 2.4Coriolis illusion
  5. 2.5Somatogravic illusion on take-off
  6. 2.6False horizon and visual illusions
  7. 2.7Black hole in approach
  8. 2.8Helicopter illusions
  9. 2.9Disorientation in night flight with NVG
  10. 2.10Case study: analysis of a graveyard spiral accident
  1. 3.1Instrument meteorological conditions
  2. 3.2Fatigue and workload
  3. 3.3Experience and flight hours
  4. 3.4Medication and alcohol
  5. 3.5Distraction and attention
  6. 3.6Visual-to-instrument transition
  7. 3.7Automation management
  8. 3.8Instrument design
  9. 3.9Accident statistics
  10. 3.10Workshop: analysis of factors in CIAIAC reports
  1. 4.1Artificial horizon and designs
  2. 4.2Synthetic vision displays
  3. 4.3HUD and symbology
  4. 4.4Helmet-mounted displays
  5. 4.5Tactile orientation cues
  6. 4.6Spatial audio
  7. 4.7Unusual attitude alerts
  8. 4.8Automatic recovery systems
  9. 4.9Display evaluation
  10. 4.10Practical: comparison of attitude indicator designs
  1. 5.1Theoretical Training in Disorientation 5.2 Bárány Chair 5.3 Disorientation Simulators 5.4 Unusual Attitude Recovery Training (UPRT) 5.5 Centrifuge Training 5.6 Training Scenarios 5.7 Learning Assessment 5.8 EASA Requirements 5.9 Helicopter Crew Training 5.10 Laboratory: Designing a Simulator Scenario
  1. 6.1Vestibular assessment in aviation medicine
  2. 6.2Caloric tests and VNG
  3. 6.3Posturography
  4. 6.4Medical fitness criteria
  5. 6.5Vestibular adaptation in microgravity
  6. 6.6Space adaptation syndrome
  7. 6.7Readaptation after flight
  8. 6.8Countermeasures in space missions
  9. 6.9Current research
  10. 6.10Case study: assessment of a pilot with vertigo
  1. 7.1Safety management systems (SMS)
  2. 7.2Operating procedures
  3. 7.3Crew resource management (CRM)
  4. 7.4Safety indicators
  5. 7.5Flight data analysis (FDM)
  6. 7.6Incident investigation
  7. 7.7Reporting culture
  8. 7.8Safety recommendations
  9. 7.9Continuous improvement
  10. 7.10Practical: flight data analysis with unusual attitude
  1. 8.1Selection of the operating environment
  2. 8.2Risk analysis
  3. 8.3Accident review
  4. 8.4Proposal of countermeasures
  5. 8.5Training design
  6. 8.6Display improvement proposal
  7. 8.7Assessment plan
  8. 8.8Conclusions
  9. 8.9Report and presentation
  10. 8.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

Training is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which allows them to combine study with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is X-Plane, MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy), Prepar3D, R, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures on a spatial disorientation rotating chair, a flight simulator with motion platform, and analysis of aviation accident reports. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.

Accredited laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-driven final project:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operating limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as core pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Selection of the operating environment

Explain the physiology of the vestibular system and motion perception.

Risk analysis

Identify somatogyral, somatogravic and visual illusions.

Accident review

Analyse the factors contributing to spatial disorientation.

Proposal of countermeasures

Evaluate the role of instrumentation and displays in its prevention.

Training design

Design simulator training programmes.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Physician or specialist in aviation medicineAviation human factors instructorFlight simulator engineerCockpit display designerAircraft accident investigatorOperational safety manager
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme consists of 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.

The programme uses X-Plane, MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy), Prepar3D and R. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

An own diploma from SEIUM upon passing the continuous assessment and the final integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the advanced programme. Please check the recognition policy when you enrol.

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