Course coordinator
Associate Professor Margaret Cook
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
This course will develop the research & evaluation knowledge and skills required for OHS research and evaluation of OHS interventions in the workplace. This course will further develop research skills and evidence based practice by the critical evaluation of OHS research information, including the development of a journal article suitable for publication and the interpretation and critique of current OHS data to improve the management of OHS issues. Students will develop a workplace OHS intervention, including the application of a business case methodology and strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of the OHS intervention.
This course will develop the research & evaluation knowledge & skills required for OHS research & evaluation of OHS interventions in workplaces. Concepts & topics covered will include: business cases, cost-benefit analysis, project planning, program evaluation, data management & analysis, and communication of results.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students will be required to reflect on their Industry Research Project (OHSS4014) during this course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
OHSS4014
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Margaret Cook
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course is delivered via a three hour weekly contact. The course will be modelling workplace activities and students are required to actively participate in the role of "employees". As such absences must be notified prior to the contact time and valid reasons provided.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to further develop the student as a critical consumer of research and to provide skills in the development, implementation and evaluation of OHS interventions.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poster |
Research into Practice: Research Poster
|
20% |
14/08/2025 9:00 am |
| Presentation |
Board Presentation
|
20% |
4/09/2025 9:00 am |
| Presentation, Project |
OHS Initiative
|
60% |
Part 1 - The Pitch 11/09/2025 9:00 am Part 2 - Business Case 9/10/2025 9:00 am Part 3 - Project Plan 23/10/2025 9:00 am Part 4 - Presentation 30/10/2025 9:00 am |
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
Research into Practice: Research Poster
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Poster
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
14/08/2025 9:00 am
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Work integrated learning.
Task description
Students will develop a research poster suitable for a professional conference, based on their industry project completed in OHSS4014 (or other suitable work).
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
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.
See the Additional assessment information section below for information relating to extension applications.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Board Presentation
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
4/09/2025 9:00 am
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
Task description
Students will develop a 10 minute presentation as suitable for the UQ Senate.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Oral presentations will be given during class time.
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.
See the Additional assessment information section below for information relating to extension applications.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
OHS Initiative
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Presentation, Project
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
Part 1 - The Pitch 11/09/2025 9:00 am
Part 2 - Business Case 9/10/2025 9:00 am
Part 3 - Project Plan 23/10/2025 9:00 am
Part 4 - Presentation 30/10/2025 9:00 am
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning, Longitudinal.
Task description
You are required to identify an OHS initiative for UQ, your choice of initiative should be based on your knowledge of UQ as an organisation, and can address either staff or student needs (or both). It may address a whole of organisation issue or be targeted at a particular sub-group or hazard. Your initiative can cost up to $200 000 and should be able to be implemented within a 12-month timeframe. There are a range of UQ documents on Blackboard that may assist you to identify your issue.
There are four components to this assessment reflect a real-world approach:
- Development and presentation of a “pitch” on your proposed OHS initiative – this is a quick 3 minute presentation to gauge interest and feedback on your proposed “problem”
- Preparation of a business case for your OHS initiative – this would typically be a written proposal to senior management clearly identifying a need, demonstrating the options on offer and proposing the best solution, it will be supported by a cost-benefit analysis – this is a “marketing” focused document aimed to convince management to spend the $200 000;
- Development of a project plan for your OHS initiative – once senior management have “signed off” on the concept it is time to develop and document all the details of the initiative, including the evaluation component. This document should be able to stand alone and allow a third party to undertake the initiative as required.
- Presentation of your OHS initiative to senior management – once your project has been fully planned it is normal to present the total package to senior management, the presentation should include key elements from both the business case and the project plan, it is at this point that the funds will get full approval.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets required.
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.
See the Additional assessment information section below for information relating to extension applications.
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
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: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdle
In order to pass this course, you must meet the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
You must obtain 45% or more in the combined marks for the OHS Initiative.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to the UQ website for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
- Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
- For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
- For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184
- Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates
Turnitin
By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment”.
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty.
In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
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.
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 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Workshop |
Translating research into practice This workshop will explore translating research into practice. |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Workshop |
Research Poster Design This workshop will explore the creation of research posters. |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Workshop |
Workplace Data and Safety Reporting This workshop will explore the role of data and safety reporting metrics. |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Workshop |
Data Analysis # 1 & OHS Initiative #1: Introduction This workshop will teach basic data analysis and presentation skills using Excel, and will introduce the OHS initiative assessment item. |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
Data Analysis # 2 Students will work independently on data analysis and creation of Board presentation. |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Workshop |
Data Analysis # 3 Students will present their Board presentation assessment item during class time. |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Workshop |
OHS Initiative #2: The Pitch Students will pitch their ideas for their OHS initiative to the class |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Workshop |
OHS Initiative #3: Developing a Business Case Students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to develop a business case, including exploring the application of cost-benefit models within the field of OHS. |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Not Timetabled |
OHS Initiative #4: Draft Business Case Students will work independently on their Business Case. |
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Workshop |
OHS Initiative #5: Project plans and Evaluations This workshop will explore the development of OHS project plans and the evaluation of OHS interventions. |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
OHS Initiative #6: Draft Project Plan Students will work independently on their Project Plan |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Workshop |
OHS Initiative #7: Review of Presentations Students will workshop their Initiative Presentations. |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Workshop |
OHS Initiative #8: Presentations Students will present their OHS Initiative to the class and UQ representatives. |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.