Course coordinator
Professor Peter Knights
Consultation periods: Immediately following lectures or Wednesday ﾠmornings 10:00 am - 12:00 noon.ﾠ
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
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
Fundamentals of Reliability Engineering: failure intensity functions; system reliability; exploratory data analysis; the Weibull function; design for reliability; HAZOP; FMECA. Maintenance Management; preventive, predictive, proactive and corrective methods and their place in maintenance strategy; maintenance performance indices; workforce estimation and organisational structure; spare parts administration; maintenance contracts and contract administration; reliability centred maintenance; total productive maintenance. Preventive component replacement and capital equipment replacement decisions.
Most engineers will find themselves makingﾠdecisions concerning the design, acquisition, maintenance and renewal of engineering assets throughout their professional careers. This course aims to provide 3rd and 4th year engineering students of all disciplines a sound background relating to:
- Asset management
- Reliability engineering
- Capital equipment and component replacement decisions.
Team project courses address a wide range of goals for the learner from personal development to technical experience. Due to the division of work within your group,ﾠyou may be only lightly exposed to some technical skill areas, while deeply developing your abilities in other technical areas. You will be responsible for your learning - choose your areas of expertise and interest in conjunction with your team. The goals related to personal development, on the other hand, are the core learning goals for the course that will relate to every member of the team.
Course requirements
Assumed background
3rd and 4th year engineering students of all disciplines. Some understanding of project evaluation fundamentals and physics and material properties is desirable.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please read your timetable carefully - classes start in week 1!
A course schedule, containing ﾠdates and times of all lecture, workshop, mentor meeting andﾠseminar sessionsﾠas well as due dates for deliverables,ﾠis available on the course ﾠBlackboard site.
Students do not need to Sign on via mySI-net for IT classes, theseﾠwill be scheduled according to project teams.ﾠScheduling of teams will be done in class and a roster will be available on Blackboard.
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to impart the fundamentals of: (i) asset management, (ii) reliability engineeringﾠand (iii) optimisation of component and capital equipment replacement decisions to 3rd and 4th year engineering students of all disciplines.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand and apply asset management principles - Recognise that Asset Management involves life-cycle decisions
LO2.
Understand and apply asset management principles - Appreciate that Asset Management is holistic and involves working as part of multidisciplinary teams
LO3.
Understand and apply asset management principles - Appreciate that Asset Management drives value
LO4.
Understand and apply asset management principles - Design maintenance support systems for assets
LO5.
Understand and apply asset management principles - Specify appropriate maintenance tactics
LO6.
Understand and apply asset management principles - Specify appropriate maintenance intervals
LO7.
Analyse data in reliability engineering processes - Identify functions, functional failures and failure modes
LO8.
Analyse data in reliability engineering processes - Specify appropriate maintenance and inspection controls for failure modes
LO9.
Analyse data in reliability engineering processes - Analyse failure data to determine principal failure modes
LO10.
Analyse data in reliability engineering processes - Be familiar with equipment performance metrics
LO11.
Evaluate economic decisions related to assets - Develop quantified risk assessments
LO12.
Evaluate economic decisions related to assets - Use EAC approaches to determine life cycle costs
LO13.
Evaluate economic decisions related to assets - Determine economic optimum for asset replacement
LO14.
Work competently as part of a team - Coordinate and contribute to team projects involving engineering assets
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Tutorial Exercises
|
20% |
Weibull curve fitting (10%) 27/03/2025 5:00 pm Capital replacement (10%) 8/05/2025 5:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Assignment 1: Maintenance Strategy Formulation
|
30% Includes Peer Assessment |
4/04/2025 5:00 pm |
| Quiz |
Quiz
|
20% |
12/05/2025 3:00 pm |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Assignment 2: Case Study Analysis
|
30% |
16/05/2025 5:00 pm |
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
Tutorial Exercises
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Weibull curve fitting (10%) 27/03/2025 5:00 pm
Capital replacement (10%) 8/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L06, L09, L11, L12, L13
Task description
Part 1 of 2 Weibull curve fitting
Weibull curve fitting exercise. Individual submission one week following tutorial.
Part 2 of 2 Capital Replacement
Analyse capital replacement of equipment. Individual submission due one week following tutorial.
Assessment tasks prohibits use of AI or MT. 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.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Hurdle requirements
A hurdleﾠ of ﾠ40% on the total of individual assessments (Assignment 2, Tutorial exercises Parts 1 and 2 and Quiz) is required in order to receive a passing grade for this course.Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
To facilitate timely feedback to students.
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 Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
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.
Assignment 1: Maintenance Strategy Formulation
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30% Includes Peer Assessment
- Due date
4/04/2025 5:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L14
Task description
Formulation of a maintenance strategy for a wind generator. Group report (4 students per group). Ability to analyse and formulate program using engineering reliability tools.
Please refer to Blackboard for detailed marking criteria.
If, for whatever reason, you find that your group is not functioning effectively, please contact your Course Coordinator for support. A Peer Assessment Factor of between zero and 1.1 will be applied to your team mark in order to derive your individual assignment mark.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Students may use AI and/or MT technologies for evaluating maintenance controls and the frequency with which they should be applied, 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 TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
To facilitate timely feedback to students.
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 Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
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.
Quiz
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
12/05/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13
Task description
Reading: 5 minutes
Duration: 30 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Problem solving
The quiz covers modules 1 to 10 inclusive.
Please refer to Blackboard for detailed marking criteria.
Students are expected to undertake the quiz during the timetabled session.
Assessment tasks prohibits use of AI or MT. 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
A hurdleﾠ ofﾠ 40% on the total of individual assessments (Assignment 2, Tutorial reports Parts 1 and 2 and Quiz) is required in order to receive a passing grade for this course.Submission guidelines
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.
The nature of the assessment does not allow for late submission.
Assignment 2: Case Study Analysis
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
16/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L10, L11
Task description
Individual assignment. Written presentation, Analysis of case study and downtime data, determining improvement priorities, Ability to understand maintenance indices and formulate action plans.
Please refer to Blackboard for detailed marking criteria.
Assessment tasks prohibits use of AI or MT. 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
A hurdleﾠ of 40% on the total of individual assessments (Assignment 2, Tutorial reports Parts 1 and 2 and Quiz) is required in order to receive a passing grade for this course.Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
To facilitate timely feedback to students.
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 Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
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.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.00 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student fails to demonstrate any relevant knowledge. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student fails to demonstrate any relevant knowledge of the underlying concepts. Much of the information provided is inaccurate and irrelevant. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Some knowledge of the subject is evident but the student only demonstrates a limited understanding of the underlying concepts. Requires an acceptable level of achievement (expect 3 or above). All practicals and assignments must be completed and required material submitted. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and at least a partial understanding of the underlying concepts. Has some correct and incorrect information. Requires an acceptable level of achievement (expect 4 or above) All practicals and assignments must be completed and required material submitted. A hurdleﾠ of ﾠ40% onﾠ the total of individual assessments (Assignment 2, Tutorial reports Parts 1 and 2 and Quizzes) is required in order to receive a passing grade for thisﾠ course. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and a sound understanding of key concepts. There are only minor factual inaccuracies. (expect 5 or above) All practicals and assignments must be completed and required material submitted. A hurdleﾠ of ﾠ40% onﾠ the total of individual assessments (Assignment 2, Tutorial reports Parts 1 and 2 and Quizzes) is required in order to receive a passing grade for thisﾠ course. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Key concepts are understood. There is a demonstrated ability to solve previously unseen problems. There are only minor factual inaccuracies and no irrelevant information. (expect 6 or above) All practicals and assignments must be completed and required material submitted. A hurdleﾠ of ﾠ40% onﾠ the total of individual assessments (Assignment 2, Tutorial reports Parts 1 and 2 and Quizzes) is required in order to receive a passing grade for this ﾠcourse. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Key concepts are understood and can be used to solve previously unseen problems.There is evidence of critical analysis and an ability to synthesize information from different aspects of the subject. All practicals and assignments must be completed and required material submitted. A hurdle ﾠof ﾠ40% onﾠthe total of individual assessments (Assignment 2, Tutorial reports Parts 1 and 2 and Quiz) is required in order to receive a passing grade for this ﾠcourse. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Assessment items submitted using the Turnitin link on the course Blackboard site, will check your work for evidence of plagiarism, collusion, and other forms of academic misconduct.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. See individual assessment descriptions for conditions related to the use of Generative AI.
Peer Assessment: Group performance is a key component of the assessment for this course. The sole measure of performance of team work is by peer review. Teams which are having problems with unproductive or non-cooperative members are encouraged to seek the intervention of the course coordinator as early as possible. Do not leave these problems to the last minute. Team members will be asked to allocate 100 points acrossﾠtheir team member's contribution toﾠthe (i) team, (ii) project and (iii) report. A maximum PAF of 1.1 is permitted. A minimum PAF of zero is possible.ﾠ
The Individual mark = (Group mark x Individual’s PAF) - Any applicable late penalty.
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
Group Work Resources for Students:
UQ Library Modules:
- Communicate and collaborate online - effective online communication, email and discussion forum etiquette, group work tools
- eProfessionalism - communicating in an online professional environment
- Social media - social media as a learning tool, your online brand, online safety
The Student Services website covers the following topics:
- Forming a group
- Working as a group
- Resolving group work issues
Templates for team contracts: UQ library group charter example, Teams101x Team Contract Template
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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Module 1: Physical Assets (2 hours)
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L14 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Module 2: Asset Management Strategy
RELEASE OF ASSIGNMENT 1 Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Module 3 : Asset Management Tactics
Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Module 4: Asset Management Processes and Organisation (3 hours)
Learning outcomes: L04, L10 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Module 5: Asset Management Measurement, Control & Improvement
Learning outcomes: L08, L09, L10 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Module 6 Learning outcomes: L04 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Module 7 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Module 8: Spares and Repairs Management
Learning outcomes: L10 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Module 9: Contracts, Contractor Management
RELEASE OF ASSIGNMENT 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L11 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Module 10: Life Cycle Cost Estimation Learning outcomes: L10, L12, L13 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Module 11: ISO 55000 Asset Management Standards and the Future of Asset Management Learning outcomes: L09, L10 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Module 12: Maintenance Data Analytics Learning outcomes: L10 |
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.