Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
This course is designed to build on the occupational hygiene knowledge, principles and practices developed in OHSS7002. Through a range of lectures, practicals and field visits, students will develop advanced skills for measuring and monitoring exposure to physical and biological hazards in the workplace. In addition students will acquire the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to evaluate exposure information in respect to assessing and managing risk. The course focuses on key physical and biological health hazards including: lighting, noise and vibration, heat and cold, and ionising and non-ionising radiation. The course will also introduce students to emerging issues in occupational hygiene and explore exposure to psycho-social hazards.
This course explores three key occupational hygiene hazard categories: physical, biological, and psychosocial hazards. Students will develop skills and knowledge in the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of common occupational health hazards across these three categories. Lectures, practicals, general contact and a field visit will be used to explore the following hazards and their controls: biohazards, noise, vibration, thermal environment, lighting, ionising and non-ionising radiation, stress, bullying and violence, fatigue management and emerging issues such as nanoparticles.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students have completed OHSS7002 Occupational Hygiene 1.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
OHSS7002
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
OHSS3003
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
The course includes a 3-hour lecture and 2-hour contact or practical session each week. This year the course will include a field trip in week 13 when we will visit a government mining laboratory and testing facility (SIMTARS).ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to further develop student's knowledge and skills in the principles of Occupational Hygiene, including anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of workplace health hazards. Focusing on physical, biological and psychosocial health hazards.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Devise strategies to monitor exposure to physical, biological and psychosocial health hazards.
LO2.
Critically analyse and apply knowledge of measurement processes, legislative requirements and exposure effects to the assessment and evaluation of physical, biological and psychosocial health hazards.
LO3.
Develop and implement control strategies for physical, biological and psychosocial health hazards, with reference to the hierarchy of controls and legislative requirements.
LO4.
Develop criteria for the design and/or modification of the workplace and systems of work to minimize hazards related to physical, biological and psychosocial hazards.
LO5.
Critically analyse and interpret information and be able to explain to a range of stakeholders the health effects of physical, biological and psychosocial hazards, the way harm can be caused, the level of risk in the workplace and the rationale for control strategies.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Case study | 20% |
19/08/2024 5:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Oral Presentation
|
15% |
17/09/2024 1:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Practical Report Noise
|
25% |
14/10/2024 5:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
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
Case study
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
19/08/2024 5:00 pm
Task description
Students will be provided with a case study including monitoring data and will be required to prepare a response. The word limit is 2500 words.
Submission guidelines
Submission via Turnitin on 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.
Oral Presentation
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
17/09/2024 1:00 pm
Task description
Students will required to prepare and provide a 10-minute presentation in the style of a presentation given to the senior management of an organisation about an occupational hygiene issue related to the semester's content. Students will be required to upload a copy of their PowerPoint slides for their oral presentation by the due date and time. More details about the assessment will be provided on the Course Blackboard site.
Submission guidelines
Students will upload a copy of their PowerPoint slides they will use for the oral presentation to the Turnitin link on the Course Blackboard site. Students will give their oral presentation during class time in weeks 9 and 10.
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.
Practical Report Noise
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
14/10/2024 5:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
Task description
Students will be required to carry out a noise survey and prepare a report on their findings. The word limit is 2500 words.
Submission guidelines
Submission via Turnitin on 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.
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Task description
End-of-semester theory exam assessing content from the whole semester and including short answer and short essay style questions.
Hurdle requirements
Students must pass the end of semester exam in order to pass the course. If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of intra-semester assessment and the end of semester exam and the student does NOT score a pass mark (50% or greater) in the end of semester exam, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (fail grade) for the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved , labelled calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
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% OR A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of 50% or greater and less than a pass mark (50% or greater) in the end of semester exam. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of at least 50%, and a pass mark (50% or greater) in the end of semester exam. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of at least 65%, and a pass mark (50% or greater) in the end of semester exam. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of at least 75%, and a pass mark (50% or greater) in the end of semester exam. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative score for all intra-semester and end of semester assessment items of at least 85%, and a pass mark (50% or greater) in the end of semester exam. |
Additional course grading information
Students must pass theﾠEnd of Semester Exam in order to pass the course. If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of intra-semester assessment and the End of Semester Exam and the student does NOT score a passﾠmarkﾠ(50% or greater) in the End of Semester Exam, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (fail grade) for the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Courses graded 1-7
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ 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
Information on applying for an extension can be found here - my.UQ Applying for an extension
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a Word document outlining why you cannot provide the documentation and upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
Please note: While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks in a semester, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses. You might need to consider applying for removal of course. We strongly recommend you seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)
For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. A maximum of two applications may be submitted for any one assessment item, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
Artificial Intelligence Use (AI)
The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
ﾠ
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, or after five days, will receive zero.
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
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 |
|---|---|---|
Lecture |
<font color="red">EKKA DAY (Public Holiday) |
|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
The Thermal Environment Ross Di Corleto will present a lecture on thermal environment hazards. The lecture will cover the identification, assessment and control of both heat and cold work environment hazards. |
Workshop |
The Thermal Environment Ross Di Corleto will conduct a practical on the risk assessment of thermal environment hazards. |
|
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lighting This lecture will cover lighting in the workplace including: why lighting is important; types of lighting; terms of units of measurement; measurement of lighting; and implications for occupational health. |
Problem-based learning |
Thermal Environment Workshop on thermal comfort in the workplace environment. |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Biological Hazards This lecture covers biological hazards and will look at specific at risk occupations and work environments. The lecture will also cover risk assessment and methods of control. |
Workshop |
Biological Hazards Workshop on biological hazard assessment and management in the workplace. |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Nanomaterials Lecture on the emerging health issue of nanomaterials |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Noise Lecture 1 Beno Groothoff will provide a lecture and practical series on occupational noise. The lectures and practicals will cover physical characteristics of sound and noise, sound pressure, decibels and loudness; effects of noise on hearing; assessment and control of noise in the workplace. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Workshop |
Noise Workshop 1 Beno Groothoff will provide a lecture and practical series on occupational noise. The lectures and practicals will cover physical characteristics of sound and noise, sound pressure, decibels and loudness; effects of noise on hearing; assessment and control of noise in the workplace. |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Noise Lecture 2 Beno Groothoff will provide a lecture and practical series on occupational noise. The lectures and practicals will cover physical characteristics of sound and noise, sound pressure, decibels and loudness; effects of noise on hearing; assessment and control of noise in the workplace. |
Workshop |
Noise Workshop 2 Beno Groothoff will provide a lecture and practical series on occupational noise. The lectures and practicals will cover physical characteristics of sound and noise, sound pressure, decibels and loudness; effects of noise on hearing; assessment and control of noise in the workplace. |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Noise Lecture 3 Beno Groothoff will provide a lecture and practical series on occupational noise. The lectures and practicals will cover physical characteristics of sound and noise, sound pressure, decibels and loudness; effects of noise on hearing; assessment and control of noise in the workplace. |
Practical |
Noise Practical Beno Groothoff will provide a lecture and practical series on occupational noise. The lectures and practicals will cover physical characteristics of sound and noise, sound pressure, decibels and loudness; effects of noise on hearing; assessment and control of noise in the workplace. |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Vibration Beno Groothoff will present a lecture on vibration. The lecture cover whole body and hand-arm vibration, measurement of vibration, motion sickness, and the assessment and control human exposure to vibration in the workplace. |
Workshop |
Vibration Beno Groothoff will conduct a practical on whole-body and hand arm vibration. |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
General contact hours |
Student Presentations Students will give their oral presentations. |
General contact hours |
Hearing Protection Fit Testing A practical class on hearing protection fit testing (E-A-Rfit). Learning outcomes: L03 |
|
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Managing Occupational Hygiene Programs A presentation on managing occupational hygiene programs in the workplace, plus case studies. |
Lecture |
Health Risk Assessments Lecture detailing the completion of health risk assessments. |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Ionising and Non-Ionising Radiation The lecture will cover sources of ionising and non-ionising radiation; effects of exposure to radiation; and assessment and control of exposure. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05 |
Practical |
Ionising and Non-Ionising Radiation A practical session on ionising and non-ionising radiation. |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Psychosocial Hazards Series of two lectures on psychosocial hazards in the workplace including, stress, bullying and harassment. |
Lecture |
Psychosocial Hazards Series of two lectures on psychosocial hazards in the workplace including, stress, bullying and harassment. |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Excursion |
Site Visit Students will be taken on a site visit to an occupational hygiene laboratory - SIMTARS. Learning outcomes: L02 |
General contact hours |
Review for Exam Review of course content. |
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.