Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
Students in this course will conduct an Occupational Hygiene research project supervised by an academic staff member. As well as preparing you for entry into the workforce as an Occupational Hygienist, this course will extend your independence as a researcher and provide the opportunity to plan, design, perform, analyse and report on occupational hygiene research. The components of the course include developing a research plan, proposal, and a research report outlining your findings.
For more information about enrolling in this course, visit science.uq.edu.au/placements.
Students in this course will work in a host workplace on a part-time basis and conduct their agreed occupational hygiene industry research project guided by an academic supervisor (Certified Occupational Hygienist). The project should be the equivalent of 240 hours of work. The course involves planning, executing, interpreting, and reporting on the collection of occupational hygiene data (chemical, physical, or biological hazards) including designing a control strategy.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
OHSS7002, OHSS7003, OHSS7004
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
ENVM7003
Restrictions
Restricted to MOHSSc and dual MOH/MOHSSc students with permission to enrol. See course description for further information.
Course contact
Course staff
Program director
Associate Professor Kelly Johnstone
Timetable
Additional timetable information
Students will work with host organisations to undertake the research project (minimum 240 hours). Students are expected to attend the host organisation for two days per week for 16 weeks. There will also be mandatory fortnightly online meetings with the Course Coordinator (refer to timetable).
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to undertake a significant piece of independent, industry-based, occupational hygiene research. The research will involve applying the skills and knowledge acquired in the courses taught throughout the program combined with critical thinking to plan, execute, interpret, and report on the collection of occupational hygiene data, including designing a control strategy.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project |
Research Plan
|
5% |
15/08/2025 5:00 pm |
| Project | Research Proposal | 25% |
8/09/2025 5:00 pm |
| Project | Research Project Report | 60% |
14/11/2025 5:00 pm |
| Reflection | Reflection | 10% |
21/11/2025 5:00 pm |
Assessment details
Research Plan
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
15/08/2025 5:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Using the provided template, submit a 600 to 800 word summary providing an overview of the proposed project, including the overall aim of the project, research questions and brief overview of the methods. Provide details of how the project is relevant to the workplace and discuss the feasibility of its completion within a 240 hour period. The document must be endorsed by the workplace supervisor.
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 further below for information relating to extension and deferral 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).
Research Proposal
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
8/09/2025 5:00 pm
Task description
Students are to submit a 3000-4000 word project proposal (including literature review) covering the following elements:
• Title
• General Aim
• Specific objectives/research questions
• Rationale - background and justification of the project
• Literature Review
• Methods
• Resources needed
• References
• Risk Assessment
• Ethical considerations
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 further below for information relating to extension and deferral 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).
Research Project Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
14/11/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Students are to present a research report of 6000 - 8000 words. The report should be prepared in accordance with the AIOH Report Writing Guidelines and also include some additional elements using the following structure:
· Title Page
· Abstract/Executive Summary
· Table of Contents
· List of Tables and/or Figures
· List of Terms and Abbreviations
· Introduction
· Relevant Legislation
· Process Description
· Literature Review
· Method (Research design, subjects, data collection tools, procedure)
· Results
· Discussion
· Conclusions and Recommendations
· Implications for further research
· References
· Appendices
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 further below for information relating to extension and deferral 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).
Reflection
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
21/11/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L07
Task description
Students will write a 500 - 800 word reflection on the industry research project.
Machine Translation (MT) may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of MT in each instance.
Use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this task is prohibited.
A failure to reference MT use and/or the use of generative AI 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 further below for information relating to extension and deferral 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% |
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
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.
Additional learning resources information
A range of other learning resources, including information on how to prepare your proposal and final report, will be provided on the course 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 |
|---|---|---|
O-week (21 Jul - 27 Jul) |
Workshop |
Orientation This is an orientation session, which will cover the course requirements and starting your research planning. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Workshop |
Research Plan This session will discuss the research plan, including writing research questions, and thinking about the research methods. |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Workshop |
Research Proposal This session will discuss the research proposal, including the literature review, methods, timelines and budgets. |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Workshop |
Data Collection This session will discuss the process of data collection. |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Workshop |
Data Analysis This session will discuss the analysis and interpretation of collected data. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06 |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Workshop |
Research Report This session will discuss the preparation of the final research report. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Workshop |
Reflection This session will discuss the appraisal and critical reflection on the research process. Learning outcomes: 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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.