CQUniversity Unit Profile
AINV12005 Forensic Engineering
Forensic Engineering
All details in this unit profile for AINV12005 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit will provide you with an understanding of the role and effect of engineering on the causation, prevention and investigation of accidents. You will study the concepts, drivers and language of the engineering profession, the engineering domains (eg civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical) and their contribution to accident forensics, engineering failure analysis methods and failure in the engineering design process (such as solving the wrong problem, wrong user consultation, failure to understand user requirements, the designed system vs operational system), and understanding of engineers' reports. You will examine the principles of forensic engineering, forensic engineering investigation methods and the application of contemporary investigation technologies. In addition, this unit will provide you with an opportunity to explore the tenets of the key forensic investigation disciplines such as fire and meteorological investigations.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 3 - 2020

Mixed Mode

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Residential Schools

This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Group Discussion
Weighting: 20%
2. Practical and Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Both Have Your Say and face-to-face communication.

Feedback

The residential school is recognised as the best part of the unit, allowing engagement with the lecturer and teaching staff.

Recommendation

Keep time in the residential school for engagement with the teaching staff.

Feedback from Have Your Say and face-to-face discussions at the residential school.

Feedback

The level of mathematics and physics is very high for the majority of students.

Recommendation

Review the level of mathematics and physics required in this unit.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Appraise the role and effect of engineering practice on the causation, prevention and investigation of accidents
  2. Discuss the concepts, drivers, language and practice of the engineering profession
  3. Explain the accident forensics contexts of the engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical, civil and chemical engineering and their contribution to accident forensics and multidisiplinary teams
  4. Examine the methods of engineering failure analysis, failures in design, forensic investigation and related technologies, and their contribution to accident forensics
  5. Critique engineering reports in relation to causation, prevention and investigation of accidents
  6. Examine key forensic investigation disciplines including fire and meteorological investigations.

N/A

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Group Discussion - 20%
2 - Practical and Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Group Discussion - 20%
2 - Practical and Written Assessment - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Kevin Perry Unit Coordinator
k.perry@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 09 Nov 2020

Module/Topic

Lecture: Introduction to the Unit

  • Introduction to Forensic Engineering.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 16 Nov 2020

Module/Topic

Lecture: Engineering concepts for accident investigation
  • Introduction to advanced mathematics

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 23 Nov 2020

Module/Topic

Lecture: Engineering concepts for accident investigation
  • Introduction to Newtonian physics

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 4 Begin Date: 30 Nov 2020

Module/Topic

Lecture: Engineering concepts for accident investigation
  • Introduction to the mechanics of materials

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Discussion 1 Due Monday 9.00am (30 November 2020)


Vacation Week Begin Date: 07 Dec 2020

Module/Topic


Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 14 Dec 2020

Module/Topic

Lecture: Engineering concepts for accident investigation
  • Introduction to thermofluids

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Discussion 2 Due Monday 9.00am (14 December 2020)

Week 6 Begin Date: 21 Dec 2020

Module/Topic

Lecture: Engineering concepts for accident investigation
  • Introduction to engineering drawings



Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 28 Dec 2020

Module/Topic


Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 04 Jan 2021

Module/Topic

Lecture: Engineering concepts for accident investigation
  • Introduction to electronics

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Discussion 3 Due Monday 9.00am (4 January 2021)
Week 8 Begin Date: 11 Jan 2021

Module/Topic

Residential school
  • Materials and Manufacturing

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Residential School
Bundaberg
Starts 9am  11 January 2021
Finishes 4.30pm 13 January 2021
Week 9 Begin Date: 18 Jan 2021

Module/Topic

Introduction to Failure Analysis testing

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 10 Begin Date: 25 Jan 2021

Module/Topic

Understanding Legislation and Standards


Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 01 Feb 2021

Module/Topic

Technical reporting & presentation

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic

Discussion 4 Due Monday 9.00am (1 February 2021)


Practicum Report Due: Week 11 Monday (1 Feb 2021) 9:00 am AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 08 Feb 2021

Module/Topic

Review engineering concepts

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 15 Feb 2021

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Forensic Analysis Due: Exam Week Monday (15 Feb 2021) 9:00 am AEST
Assessment Tasks

1 Group Discussion

Assessment Title
Group Discussion

Task Description

During term, 4 discussion topics related to the unit lecture material will be posted in a Forum on Moodle.

For each topic (5 marks), you are expected to:

  • post in the applicable Forum. Submissions of approximately 400 words are more likely to be successful
  • support your post to each question with at least one reference from the relevant literature
  • respond constructively to at least two posts of your fellow students with comments that further demonstrate your understanding of the related lecture material


Assessment Due Date

As per unit schedule


Return Date to Students

Within three weeks of submission


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

Each topic discussion will be assessed as shown below.

  • Original topic post demonstrates an understanding of the concept being assessed (2.5 marks)
  • Original topic post is referenced correctly (0.5 marks)
  • Responses to other students extend the conversations (2 marks)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Posts and responses will be made in the appropriate Moodle forum discussion thread.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Appraise the role and effect of engineering practice on the causation, prevention and investigation of accidents
  • Discuss the concepts, drivers, language and practice of the engineering profession
  • Explain the accident forensics contexts of the engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical, civil and chemical engineering and their contribution to accident forensics and multidisiplinary teams
  • Examine key forensic investigation disciplines including fire and meteorological investigations.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

2 Practical and Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Practicum Report

Task Description

You will be required to report on your activities undertaken during your practicum experience at the residential school.

The task will require you to complete two components.

Part A: Presentation

You will be allocated a topic by the end of week 3. Prepare and present an oral presentation, supported by visual media, which you will deliver to the class during the residential school. In this presentation you will investigate the role of engineering within accident investigation through research into a specific piece of engineering equipment or an engineering process. You are required to submit your visual supporting materials into Moodle.

Part B: Written report

During the residential school you will visit a site to investigate crashworthiness, and be visited by accident investigators. You will also conduct engineering tests. You will write a report that addresses the following points:

  • Assess the forensic engineering methods used in establishing accident causation factors
  • Assess the impact of design decisions on crashworthiness
  • Discuss the results of the practical activities and include the results in your report.

Further details will be provided to you at the residential school.


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Monday (1 Feb 2021) 9:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Within three weeks of submission


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

The report will be assessed as shown below.

  • Description of the activities undertaken at the residential school.
  • Results of the practical activities
  • Depth of discussion of the results of practical activities
  • Quality of development of survey map
  • Depth of reflection of learnings from the visit by experts
  • Depth of reflection on learnings from the site visit
  • Depth of reflection with examples on where the knowledge gained at the residential school may be applied by accident investigators.
  • Depth of discussion of design improvements that could be made to impact crashworthiness - based on site visit.

The presentation will be assessed as shown below.

  • Quality of content of presentation
  • Quality of presentation skills
  • Quality of visual media used

Where necessary, your lecturer may provide additional assessment criteria during the residential school for this unit, or in Moodle.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Appraise the role and effect of engineering practice on the causation, prevention and investigation of accidents
  • Discuss the concepts, drivers, language and practice of the engineering profession
  • Explain the accident forensics contexts of the engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical, civil and chemical engineering and their contribution to accident forensics and multidisiplinary teams
  • Examine the methods of engineering failure analysis, failures in design, forensic investigation and related technologies, and their contribution to accident forensics


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Forensic Analysis

Task Description

Report & concept questions(50%)

You will be required to access case study/s.  The choice of the case and the subsequent analysis should allow you to demonstrate your learning and knowledge in assessing the forensic engineering methods used in establishing accident causation factors.

You will identify and explain at least 3 forensic engineering methods.  Aim to illustrate the breadth of methods and techniques that were available to the investigators. Draw conclusions about the efficacy/usefulness of the forensic analysis in establishing accident causation.

You will also be provided with some questions that will require answers that demonstrate your understanding of the concepts delivered during the term

The format of your assessment will be a report in Word or pdf.  It should contain all the relevant figures, tables and diagrams.

Further information will be provided during lectures.



Assessment Due Date

Exam Week Monday (15 Feb 2021) 9:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Within three weeks of submission


Weighting
50%

Assessment Criteria

Part A

The report will be assessed as shown below.

  • Identified and explained at least 3 forensic engineering methods
  • quality of the assessment of the forensic engineering methods identified
  • breadth of methods and techniques that were available to the investigatons
  • conclusions about the efficacy/usefulness of the forensic analysis in establishing accident causation
  • Depth and understanding of the concepts referred to in the questions provided
  • accuracy and consistency of referencing
  • quality of report style, grammar and spelling



Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Examine the methods of engineering failure analysis, failures in design, forensic investigation and related technologies, and their contribution to accident forensics
  • Critique engineering reports in relation to causation, prevention and investigation of accidents
  • Examine key forensic investigation disciplines including fire and meteorological investigations.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?