Course coordinator
Dr Grant Edwards
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
Extension of CHEE4002 and themes integrated through the course. It will address issues of how to manage safety from two stand-points: Inherent safety in design and safety management of operations (safety indicators, human factors, reward systems etc). This will look at different tools (currently) used in industry as well emerging trends. Numerous case studies abound in this area and students will be asked to link these with current literature in the area.
Major accidents continue to occur in the process and related industries. It is vital that a systems perspective is taken on these issues which truly accounts for the effects of failure in plant, people and procedures. These system models which account in some way for the components of plant, people and procedures must lead to resilient systems that can adjust their functioning before, during and after major disturbances and/or failures. This course considers these issues, particularly around human factors in engineered systems as well as looking at the roles of inherent safety and safety instrumented systems in dealing with risk.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Completion of a UQ BE Chemical Engineering degree program with particular knowledge of basic risk management principles and practice (via CHEE4002) and a range of chemical engineering fundamentals (process control, unit operations, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering etc.). This course is incompatible with ENGG7020.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(CHEE4060 or CHEE2020) and CHEE4002
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ENGG4020 and ENGG6020 and ENGG7020
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Grant Edwards
Mrs Nyssa Nair
Professor Maureen Hassall
Tutor
Mrs Loreto Codoceo
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetables are available on mySI-net.
Aims and outcomes
The course will extend the principles and practices developed in CHEE4002 Impact and Risk in the Process Industries. It will develop the knowledge areas, graduate application skills and engineering attitudes to tackle complex risk issues that lead to solutions that address the engineering design as well as the operations. It will consider such issues as: large scale system models for risk management, inherently safer design as well as the role of human and organizational factors in developing resilient systems. The outcomes will be driven by major industry case studies and a project in collaboration with industry. It will provide approaches and applications to enhanced decision making in complex risk situations.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Discern and evaluate existing and emerging system models that underpin approaches to dealing with risk and safe operation in complex industrial systems. Develop Acci-Map representations of system failures
LO2.
Analyse complex industrial systems to determine best actions in design to address risks through inherently safer design principles
LO3.
Critique and perform layer of protection analysis (LOPA) studies so as to assess risk levels and risk reduction strategies related to process plant
LO4.
Design and specify safety instrumented systems (SIS) for specific industrial case studies along with their implementation and assurance
LO5.
Evaluate the interaction of humans within complex engineered systems in order to enhance system resilience
LO6.
Investigate, analyse and design strategies for operator actions in industrial applications using cognitive work analysis (CWA) and strategy development and assessment
LO7.
Communicate assignment and project outcomes clearly, concisely and persuasively, in both written and oral formats, appropriate to the target audience
LO8.
Improve team work and communication skills through practice on projects
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project |
Project A report
|
20% |
26/03/2025 3:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Individual exercise
|
20% |
11/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Project |
Project B Preparation report and presentation
|
40% |
Individual - Preliminary Site Report (7.5%) 4pm 17/04/2025 - 17/04/2025 Group - Final Written Report Individual - Oral Presentation (5%) Group- Team Charter Reporting (2.5%) 4pm 21/05/2025 - 21/05/2025
Presentations submitted before class. |
| Examination |
Exam During Exam Period (School) - Oral Defence
|
20% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Examination Period |
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 A report
- Team or group-based
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
26/03/2025 3:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Group Assignment
Case study investigation using key approaches for improving risk and safety management. More detailed guidance will be given in class.
Submissions will be through Blackboard. A Turnitin link will be made available before the due date.
This task 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
PDF must also be submitted through Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
Individual exercise
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
11/04/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Overview of key systems approaches for improving risk and safety management in process industry. More detailed guidance will be given in class.
This task 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.
Hurdle requirements
Hurdle is set at 50%.Submission guidelines
Report to be submitted via Turnitin.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
Project B Preparation report and presentation
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Individual - Preliminary Site Report (7.5%) 4pm 17/04/2025 - 17/04/2025
Group - Final Written Report
(25%) 4pm 21/05/2025 - 21/05/2025Individual - Oral Presentation (5%)
In-Class 27/05/2025 - 28/05/2025Group- Team Charter Reporting (2.5%) 4pm 21/05/2025 - 21/05/2025
Presentations submitted before class.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Group project.
Industry based project dealing with course content and skills applied to actual process design and/or operational issue.
It will involve preparing a preliminary site report (7.5%), developing a team charter and reporting on progress against charter (2.5%), a written report (25%) and team-based presentation (5%) to the client(s).
Submissions will be through Blackboard. A Turnitin link will be made available before the each sections due date, as well as a submission portal for prepared questions for the site visit.
This task 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
Submissions will be through Blackboard. A Turnitin link will be made available before the due date.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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) - Oral Defence
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Examination Period
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
This is an oral assessment where you are asked to speak on a topic of your choosing for 3 minutes and then defend your comments on that topic but also any other topic related to the course. This will consist of an interview session which will be held during the exam period. 20 minutes will be allocated to each student.
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.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 20 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
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: Typically <20%. Grade scores below 3 indicate lack of professional competence in the course material and/or students have failed to complete sufficient assessment items for these requirements to be assessed. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically 20-44%. Grade scores below 3 indicate lack of professional competence in the course material and/or students have failed to complete sufficient assessment items for these requirements to be assessed. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Overall grade typically 45-49% AND/OR grade <50 % across individual assessment items. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: For an overall grade of 4 in this course, students typically require an aggregate score of 50-64% AND overall grade >=50 % across individual assessment items. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: For an overall grade of 5 in this course, students typically require an aggregate score of 65-74% AND overall grade >60 % across individual assessment items. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: For an overall grade of 6 in this course, students typically require an aggregate score of 75-84% AND overall grade >70 % across individual assessment items. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: For an overall grade of 7 in this course, students typically require an aggregate score of at least 85% AND overall grade >80 % across individual assessment items. |
Additional course grading information
Assignment Assessment
Rubrics will be provided for assignments, presentation and oral defence. These rubrics will be based on the Critical Thinking skills template also provided. These rubrics and the critical thinking template describe the separate elements and their weighting that will be used to arrive at the report grade. Note that Individual grades are derived from the report grade and an individual correction based upon: peer assessment, participation and team meetings with course staff.
The overall course grade will be the weighted average of the Project A report + Project B series + Individual Exercise + Oral defence.
Peer Assessment
Group members are expected to participate equally in group assignments. To ensure marks are allocated fairly according to contribution, each group member will be required to complete the individual peer assessment form on the course Blackboard site within 5 working days after each group assignment is due. A 10% penalty is applied to an assignment if peer assessment is not completed.
Peer assessment factors are moderated by teaching staff based upon group contribution and observations. The moderated peer assessment factor is used to help determine individual marks.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
The project assessment rubric and critical thinking skills template forms the basis for the course assessment grades.
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
The use of a ﾠwide range of other resources will be encouraged, including online materials such as the US Chemical Safety Board resources, industry specialists, site visits and operations staff.
Use of materials on Blackboard site.
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 |
Workshop |
Workshop tutorials There are two-hour workshop sessions each week that will provide students with theory as well as opportunities to discuss and practically apply the theory and techniques taught. These are compulsory for all students to attend. The attendance and participation in these session will be in part reflected in the moderated peer assessment. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08 |
Lecture |
Lecture Lectures are pre-recorded and available to students on Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
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:
- School of Chemical Engineering site
- 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.