Dr Hons Wyn
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Civil Engineering School
This course enables students to analyse data and associated data collection methods to establish the origin, validity and limitations of fire safety calculations.
This course provides an introduction to experimental methods of fire testing, with an insight into fire phenomena with practical relevance to fire safety engineering calculations. This external delivery course consists of a series of tasks to evaluate data from standardised and bespoke experimental procedures. Each experimental set-up will be introduced by a briefing on relevant theory, and a video on the experimental process in order to provide students with fundamental knowledge that will allow them to (a) understand the experiments and (b) to interpret and analyse the data obtained from the experiments. The interpretation of results from standard testing and its applicability to fire safety engineering in practice will be highlighted. Each session will also include the formulation of a risk assessment. Lectures will be via zoom and will be recorded. Oral assessments will be conducted as interviews via zoom.
The course will cover a wide range of fire experimentation focused on the following subjects:
- Measurement techniques and data analysis
- Solid decomposition and chemical composition
- Ignition of solids and liquids
- Flammability of solids
- Flame spread
- Fire plumes
- Compartment fires
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
FIRE3700 or FIRE7600
Recommended companion or co-requisite courses
We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:
FIRE7620
Restrictions
Maximum quota of 60 students
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Dr Hons Wyn
Dr Sergio Zarate Orrego
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course enables students to analyse data and associated data collection methods to establish the origin, validity and limitations of fire safety calculations.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
To explain the origin of fire safety calculations.
LO2.
To discuss the ranges of applicability of fire safety calculations.
LO3.
To examine experimental data and examine validation approaches for calculation methods.
LO4.
To evaluate the precision and robustness of fire safety calculations.
LO5.
To design fire experiments and select instrumentation to obtain reliable data.
LO6.
To determine alternative means of calculation and their ideal application.
LO7.
To evaluate the objectives of standardised performance testing.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Report 1: Measurement techniques, Calorimetry, TGA | 20% |
30/08/2024 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Report 2: Ignition and flame spread | 20% |
4/10/2024 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Report 3: Pool fires, plumes and compartment fires | 20% |
8/11/2024 4:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Theoretical background and experimental setup
|
40% |
Measurement techniques 21/08/2024 Bomb calorimeter / TGA 28/08/2024 Ignition of solids 11/09/2024 Flame spread 2/10/2024 Pool fires and fire plumes 16/10/2024 Compartment fires 23/10/2024
Interviews will be conducted between 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on the dates specified. |
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
Report 1: Measurement techniques, Calorimetry, TGA
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
30/08/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
The student shall submit a report for thematically linked laboratory modules. Students will not be able to submit a report if they do not take part in the laboratory sessions associated with a given module. Laboratory reports are to be written individually and will be subjected to plagiarism detection software.
Laboratory reports MUST include a risk assessment for the activity that was undertaken in the lab.
Report 1 covers Measurement techniques, Calorimetry and TGA.
The course coordinator reserves the right to ask individual students to orally defend and explain their work. If a student is unable to satisfactorily defend or explain their work then a mark of zero may be awarded for the report.
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.
Submission guidelines
Assignments must be submitted electronically 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.
Report 2: Ignition and flame spread
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
4/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
The student shall submit a report for thematically linked laboratory modules. Students will not be able to submit a report if they do not take part in the laboratory sessions associated with a given module. Laboratory reports are to be written individually and will be subjected to plagiarism detection software.
Laboratory reports MUST include a risk assessment for the activity that was undertaken in the lab.
Report 2 covers Ignition of solids and Flame spread.
The course coordinator reserves the right to ask individual students to orally defend and explain their work. If a student is unable to satisfactorily defend or explain their work then a mark of zero may be awarded for the report.
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.
Submission guidelines
Assignments must be submitted electronically 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.
Report 3: Pool fires, plumes and compartment fires
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
8/11/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
The student shall submit a report for thematically linked laboratory modules. Students will not be able to submit a report if they do not take part in the laboratory sessions associated with a given module. Laboratory reports are to be written individually and will be subjected to plagiarism detection software.
Laboratory reports MUST include a risk assessment for the activity that was undertaken in the lab.
Report 3 covers Pool fires, plumes and compartment fires
The course coordinator reserves the right to ask individual students to orally defend and explain their work. If a student is unable to satisfactorily defend or explain their work then a mark of zero may be awarded for the report.
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.
Submission guidelines
Assignments must be submitted electronically 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.
Theoretical background and experimental setup
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Measurement techniques 21/08/2024
Bomb calorimeter / TGA 28/08/2024
Ignition of solids 11/09/2024
Flame spread 2/10/2024
Pool fires and fire plumes 16/10/2024
Compartment fires 23/10/2024
Interviews will be conducted between 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on the dates specified.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07
Task description
Oral exams are conducted as interviews to evaluate the theoretical background required for the experimental (laboratory) session and the associated reports, as well as the operational procedure to run the experiments. It will be recorded for re-mark purposes.
Oral exam dates and information will be outlined 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
Students need to achieve at least 40% or grade 3 in the oral assessments in order to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Not a submissible item.
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
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A weighted mark greater or equal to 0% is required for a Grade of 1. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A weighted mark greater or equal to 20% is required for a Grade of 2. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A weighted mark greater or equal to 45% is required for a Grade of 3. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A weighted mark greater or equal to 50% is required for a Grade of 4. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A weighted mark greater or equal to 65% is required for a Grade of 5. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A weighted mark greater or equal to 75% is required for a Grade of 6. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A weighted mark greater or equal to 85% is required for a Grade of 7. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
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 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Introduction to 'Fire Dynamics Laboratory' Lecture Course info, assessment criteria, report writing advice. Learning outcomes: L05 |
Practical |
Virtual laboratory induction Quick virtual lab tour, highlighting the lab environment and some of the apparatus that will be used. Learning outcomes: L05 |
|
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Measurement principles Lecture Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07 |
Practical |
Lab #0: Measurement techniques In this virtual lab students will learn about experimental set-up and data collection principles to two simple problems: (1) Measurement of moisture content, and (2) measurement of plume temperatures of burning hydrocarbons. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L07 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Bomb calorimeter / TGA Lecture Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Practical |
Lab #1: Bomb calorimeter / TGA In this virtual activity students will use data from the bomb calorimeter and thermo-gravimetric analysis to determine material combustion and pyrolisis parameters. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L07 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Ignition of solids Lecture Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Practical |
Lab #2: Ignition of solids In this virtual lab students will determine flammability parameters from experimental data in the cone calorimeter. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05, L07 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Flame spread Lecture Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Practical |
Lab #3: Flame spread Students will use observations and data from the modified LIFT apparatus to determine flame spread rates over different materials. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05, L07 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Pool fires and fire plumes Lecture Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07 |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Practical |
Lab #4: Pool fires and fire plumes Students will assess experimental output from hydrocarbon pool fire to study and comment on diffusion flames. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05, L07 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Compartment fires Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Practical |
Lab #5: Compartment fires Compartment fire analysis. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05, L07 |
Exam week 2 (11 Nov - 17 Nov) |
Practical |
Laboratory visit week This activity is voluntary. Prior confirmation of attendance will be required. Students are invited to visit the fire lab during the exam period to see the equipment and carry out selected experiments themselves. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L07 |
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: