Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
This course will help you to understand, articulate and apply contemporary risk management tools and approaches for managing risks in the process industries. Specific topics covered include: Fundamentals of risk management; Engineering professional practice; People and risk; Identifying, assessing and treating risks; Monitoring and reviewing risks; Environmental and social risk; Process safety; Project risk; Supply chain risk.
The identification, assessment, treatment and management of risk is an essential component of professional engineering. The aim of CHEE4002 is to introduce common industry tools and help you understand, articulate and apply the elements of risk management typically used by process engineers. In industry, risk poses multifaceted challenges for practicing engineers. Risk encompasses process safety, environmental and societal factors, changing economics and a range of process operating and management issues. Importantly risk is not just a technical issue, it is fundamentally about people, their decision making and their behaviours. It is also about you, your colleagues, your bosses, other stakeholders, and society at large. For example, what aspects of the operation do these people consider risky? How do they perceive the risk? How do they think it should be managed? What trade-offs are they willing to tolerate? CHEE4002 will explore multiple aspects of risk and challenge you to develop and demonstrate skills by performing risk management in moderately complex team-based projects, and by applying the tools and techniques learned effectively.
Course requirements
Assumed background
The course requires specific technical background and understanding of chemical engineering processes including unit operations, process flow diagrams, statistics, mass and energy balances, and reactions. General competency in written skills and 1st year level mathematics are also required.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHEE2010
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Mr Cole Walchle
Ms Caitlin Welsh
Mr Greg Siemon
Dr Julius Motuzas
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetable information will be posted on the course Blackboard site.
Aims and outcomes
The overall aim of this course is to understand, articulate and apply, at an introductory level, the elements of risk management processes that are used in industry.ﾠ The course is structured as follows:
- Fundamentals of Risk Management
- The Operational Risks (Process safety; Environmental and social risk; Project risk)
- Engineering Professional Practice and Risk
- People and Risk
- Identification, Assessment and Treatment of Risks
- Monitor and Review Risks
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Knowledge and Comprehension - Provide a definition of risk, explain the key dimensions, and describe some key characteristics of risk (e.g. Hillsons 6 key concepts). Explain the key stages of the standard ISO31000 process for risk management. Describe each of the operational risks, and explain how critical they are for process companies. Describe what it means to be a professional engineer, and why your professional practice is important for how you will manage risk. Explain why human performance dominates risk in hazardous industries, and explain the different roles that humans may adopt in regard to risk. Explain why it is important for system designers to consider how they can better consider human performance to achieve more successful outcomes.
LO2.
Application - Demonstrate competency at identifying, assessing and treating risks, and you should be able to clearly articulate suitable tools for doing this. Demonstrate competency at using a set of tools to perform an incident investigation, and to demonstrate insight by making relevant recommendations in order to prevent reoccurrence of the incident.
LO3.
Analysis - You must be familiar with many key process industry case studies, and you must be able to analyse the case study using appropriate models and frameworks. You should demonstrate an understanding of the many facets that underpin process incidents. Walk in the shoes of project stakeholders, and reflect on their perceptions of risks associated with a project. Analyse and reflect on your own professional risk, and how you plan to manage it. Adopt a professional attitude of self-development. Reflect on your own development and competencies as you progress through the course.
LO4.
Synthesis and Evaluation - Formulate a risk assessment memo, and suitable accompanying documentation, for a real industrial scenario. Formulate list of recommendations. Formulate an incident investigation memo, and accompanying documentation. Formulate recommendations.
LO5.
Operate Effectively In A Team Project Environment - Improve team work skills by working effectively in an engineering project team. Communicate technical and engineering information at a professional standard in both written and oral formats. Locate, evaluate and use relevant information from a wide variety of sources. Take responsibility for and manage your own work, learning, critical thinking and evaluation.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project |
Project 1 Risk Identification and Risk Assessment
|
30% |
21/03/2025 - 17/04/2025
Submissions throughout the semester are due at the conclusion of the corresponding class. If there is no class scheduled on the due date, the submissions are due at 14:00. |
| Examination |
In-Semester Examination During Class
|
15% |
8/05/2025 4:00 pm
The in-semester exam occurs during class time. |
| Project |
Project 2 - Incident Investigation
|
30% |
30/05/2025
Submissions throughout the semester are due at the conclusion of the corresponding class. If there is no class scheduled on the due date, the submissions are due at 14:00. |
| Examination |
Exam During Exam Period (School) (15 Minutes)
|
25% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Project 1 Risk Identification and Risk Assessment
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
21/03/2025 - 17/04/2025
Submissions throughout the semester are due at the conclusion of the corresponding class. If there is no class scheduled on the due date, the submissions are due at 14:00.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
Task description
Project 1 is a team based project. During Project 1 teams of approximately four (4) students will complete risk assessment tasks on a scenario provided by the CHEE4002 teaching team. Project 1 has 2 submissions.
Submission 1a) consists of a Risk Register for the scenario described, due on 21st March at 2pm. Weight 10%.
Submission 1b) consists of a Technical memo, Bow tie, Control Assurance Management System (CAMS) and a team contribution table, due on 17th April at 4pm (at the conclusion of the scheduled tutorial). Weight 20%.
Project 1 has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submit via link on the Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to teams 7-10 days after due date.
Reason quick feedback is required:
Project 1 is split into Submission 1a and Submission 1b, students are provided feedback from 1a to apply to 1b, delayed feedback can impact project progress.
Project 2 is a progression from Project 1, students are provided feedback on Project 1 to apply to Project 2, delayed feedback can impact project progress. This is a team project. Where students are not able to contribute to the team project, with a valid reason, an alternative case study assessment will be provided for students to demonstrate core skills from the project.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
In-Semester Examination During Class
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
8/05/2025 4:00 pm
The in-semester exam occurs during class time.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
The CHEE4002 in-semester examination is a closed book examination completed during class time. The exam covers course and/or project material included in Week 1 to Week 10 of the course. The format of the quiz may include multiple-choice or short answer questions.
The exam will be administered through Blackboard and is scheduled during class time. Students will have 90 mins working time to complete the exam.
You must be present in the tutorial room and bring your own device (computer or tablet) to complete the exam through Blackboard. Attendance will be recorded and you must have your student card for proof of identity.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
To achieve a grade of 4 in this course you must achieve a score of equal to or greater than 50% on the combined individual assessment (a combined score of equal to or greater than 20/40 on the in-semester exam and oral exam).Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | Students may bring blank paper and writing implements AND may make notes while completing the exam |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Submit via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
This exam has a digital timer and is automatically submitted.
Project 2 - Incident Investigation
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
30/05/2025
Submissions throughout the semester are due at the conclusion of the corresponding class. If there is no class scheduled on the due date, the submissions are due at 14:00.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Project 2 is a team based project. During Project 2 teams of approximately four (4) students will complete an investigation on an Industrial Accident. The Accident case study will be provided by the CHEE4002 teaching team. Project 2 is due for submission on 30th May at 2pm. The submission includes a written Memo plus accompanying documentation.
Note: Students will work in the same teams for Project 1 and Project 2.
Project 2 has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submit via link on Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to teams 7-10 days after due date.
Reason quick feedback is required:
Project 1 is split into Submission 1a and Submission 1b, students are provided feedback from 1a to apply to 1b, delayed feedback can impact project progress.
Project 2 is a progression from Project 1, students are provided feedback on Project 1 to apply to Project 2, delayed feedback can impact project progress. This is a team project. Where students are not able to contribute to the team project, with a valid reason, an alternative case study assessment will be provided for students to demonstrate core skills from the project.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Exam During Exam Period (School) (15 Minutes)
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
This individual oral exam will be held in the examination period. All course content and case studies are assessable during the final exam. The focus is on your individual learning from the course.
The oral exam is 15 minutes. The exam timetable will be made available on Blackboard.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
To achieve a grade of 4 in this course you must achieve a score of equal to or greater than 50% on the combined individual assessment (a combined score of equal to or greater than 20/40 on the in-semester exam and oral exam).Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 15 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
This is an oral exam that will take the form of an interview.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Failure to attend the exam without an approved deferral will result in a penalty of 100% and zero (o) marks awarded.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy the requirements for a Pass. A serious lack of evidence of competence in the course material, and you could conceivably inconvenience or endanger people in any future engineering project. [Typically <30%] |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisy the requirements for a Pass. Lack of evidence of competence in the course material, and you could conceivably incovenience or endanger people in any future engineering project. [Typically 30% to 44%] |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. Lack of demonstration of satisfactory understanding of process risk management. Typically an overall mark of 45% to 49%. A grade of 3 may also result if you receive over 50% overall but do not contribute satisfactorily to the two group projects (as indicated by two poor Peer Assessment Factors), OR score less than 50% on the combined individual assessments (less than 20/40). |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Competent level of work demonstrating and understanding the key principles of process risk management (see course Learning Objectives). To achieve a grade of 4 in this course you must achieve an overall mark in excess of 50%, contribute satisfactorily to the two group projects (as indicated by the two Peer Assessment Factors) and achieve a score of equal to or greater than 50% on the combined individual assessment (a combined score of equal to or greater than 20/40 on the in-semester exam and oral exam). |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: In addition to the criteria for a grade of 4, you must demonstrate good and genuine participation in the two projects. To achieve a grade of 5 in this course, you must achieve an overall mark in excess of 65%, demonstrate genuine participation across the projects (as confirmed by the two Peer Assessment Factors). |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: In addition to meeting the criteria for a grade of 5, you must demonstrate consistently very high achievement in all pieces of assessment. It is expected that your project deliverables will be very good, and that you will have been an active contributor. You should clearly demonstrate a very good grasp of the higher level 'professional practice' learning objectives. To achieve a grade of 6, you must have an overall mark above 75%. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: In addition to meeting the criteria for a grade of 6, you must demonstrate outstanding achievement in all pieces of assessment. Demonstrating a great understanding of the fundamentals and application of process risk management. Clearly demonstrating critical thinking for engineering solutions and high quality synthesis and evaluation skills. It is expected that your project deliverables will be excellent, and that you will be an active contributor. You should demonstrate a high level of understanding of 'professional practice' knowledge and behaviours, and you should perform to a very high standard in the individual interview. To achieve a grade of 7, you must have an overall mark above 85%. |
Additional course grading information
Your "Combined individual assessment" score is the combined score of your In-semester examination (15%) and final oral examination (25%). A minimum score of 50% (example: ﾠ20/40) is required across combined individual assessment to pass the course.ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Use of calculators
Only University approved and labelled calculators can be used in all quizzes or exams for this course. Please consult ﾠhttps://my.uq.edu.au/services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/sitting-exam/approved-calculators ﾠfor information about approved calculators and obtaining a label for non-approved calculators.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard: All course materials are available via the course Blackboard site.
Queensland Legislation: ﾠhttp://www.legislation.qld.gov.au.ﾠ All the relevant legislation can be found at this site, including the Environmental Protection Act, the Integrated Planning Act and all subordinate legislation arising from these two acts.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Tutorial |
Tutorials There will be two 2 hour tutorials conducted each week that will provide students with opportunities to discuss and apply the theory and techniques taught within the course. Tutorials are mixed-mode learning that include presentations from course staff, workshop activities, team-based discussions and broader class discussions. Students are expected to review pre-recorded materials and assigned reading prior to attending tutorials. The topic schedule will be placed on Blackboard. Typical weekly content for CHEE4002 includes:
|
Additional learning activity information
Refer to the course Blackboard site.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- Safety Induction for Practicals
Course guidelines
Anyone undertaking courses with a practical component must complete the UQ Undergraduate Student Laboratory Safety Induction and pass the associated assessment.
Specific instructions, usage guidelines and rules for each of the undergraduate laboratories will be delivered as part of each course.
In some cases, students may be required to attend a specific face-to-face laboratory induction/training session.