CQUniversity Unit Profile
AINV20009 Accident Forensics and Engineering
Accident Forensics and Engineering
All details in this unit profile for AINV20009 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

In this unit, you will develop an advanced understanding of the role forensic engineering methods and victim pathology play in informing accident investigation and causation. You will also appraise the contribution of engineers and the engineering profession, safety engineering concepts, safe design, and engineering failure analysis to accident investigation and prevention. The contribution of principles and methods of fire investigation and the role of meteorology are also analysed. You are required to attend a Residential School.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 8
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 1 - 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 Postgraduate 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. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%

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 Have your say and general student feedback

Feedback

Residential School is of enormous value to learning

Recommendation

Maintain residential school activities

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Discuss the role and effect of safety engineering and prevention through design on the causation and prevention of accidents
  2. Analyse forensic investigation contexts and methods from the engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical, civil and chemical engineering for establishing accident causation factors
  3. Examine the methods of engineering failure analysis and their contribution to accident forensics
  4. Examine the contribution of victim pathology in identification of the biomechanics of injury causality and the implication for future design and injury prevention
  5. Explore the nature of fires and the principles and techniques for fire investigation
  6. Examine the impact of meteorology on accident causation and associated methods of investigation.
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 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - 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
1 - Group Discussion - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%
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
Prue Howard Unit Coordinator
p.howard@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 09 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

Introduction to Unit and Moodle

Safety Engineering & Prevention

(Engineering Design)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Live Zoom Session

Week 2 Begin Date: 16 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

 Engineering Failure Analysis

(Stress, Strain, Forces, Materials)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Live Zoom Session

Submit topic for Oral Presentation at Residential School

Week 3 Begin Date: 23 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

Engineering Failure Analysis

(Metallurgy, Fatigue)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Live Zoom Session

Confirmation of Oral Presentation topics for Residential School

Contribute to Moodle Group Discussion 1

Week 4 Begin Date: 30 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

Forensic Engineering Investigation Methods

(Surveying, Physical and Laboratory Testing, Event data recorders)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Live Zoom Session

Week 5 Begin Date: 06 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Forensic Engineering Investigation Methods

(Computer Modelling, Photography, Videos)

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Live Zoom Session

Vacation Week Begin Date: 13 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 20 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Safety engineering & prevention

(Crashworthiness)


Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Live Zoom Session


Literature Review Due: Week 6 Monday (20 Apr 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 7 Begin Date: 27 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Compulsory Residential School

Note - attendance at this residential school is a requirement to be eligible for a pass grade in this unit.

Residential School activities will include:

  • fatigue testing
  • vibration demonstrations
  • surveying
  • tension testing
  • site visit to investigate crashworthiness
  • visit by QPS Forensic Crash Unit
  • oral presentations

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Residential School - Mon 27 April (approx 1pm) - Thurs 30 April (Approx 12 noon) 2020 - Bundaberg Crash Lab

This allows travel to Bundaberg with arrival approx 12.30pm.

Week 8 Begin Date: 04 May 2020

Module/Topic

Vehicle Dynamics


Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Live Zoom Session

Read Vehicle Accident Case Study

Week 9 Begin Date: 11 May 2020

Module/Topic

Meteorology and Accidents

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Live Zoom Session


Residential School Portfolio Due: Week 9 Monday (11 May 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 18 May 2020

Module/Topic

Victim Pathology

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Live Zoom Session

Week 11 Begin Date: 25 May 2020

Module/Topic

Fire Investigation

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Live Zoom Session

Contribute to Moodle Group Discussion 2

Week 12 Begin Date: 01 Jun 2020

Module/Topic

Review & Reflection

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Contribute to Moodle Group Discussion 3

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 08 Jun 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Contribute to Moodle Group Discussion 4

Exam Week Begin Date: 15 Jun 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Group Discussion

Assessment Title
Class Discussion and Moodle Activities

Task Description

Discussion topics related to the unit content of Accident Forensics and Engineering will be introduced in the News forum at stages throughout the term. These will then be discussed by the cohort on the Moodle discussion forum, where you will develop and share your final understandings.

You are expected to participate in each of these discussions as they form a part of the assessment activities for this unit.

4 topics will be introduced throughout the term. You must initiate one discussion per topic and respond to at least one discussion per topic. Your response will be aimed at extending the knowledge of the cohort on that topic. This process will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of key concepts.

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

  • initiate a discussion within one week of the topic being given.
  • repond to a discussion within 2 weeks of the topic being given.

The submissions will be marked at the end of the three week period. This will allow for feedback for further submissions. No responses will be allowed after the end of the two week period.

Topics will include:

  • The role of safety engineering through design.
  • Vicim pathology
  • Meteorology
  • Fire investigation



Assessment Due Date

As per unit schedule


Return Date to Students

Within three weeks of submission


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

A suggested length of 300 words per discussion item, and 200 words per response is a guide for this assessment item.

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 constructively extends the conversations (2 marks)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submission via the discussion forum in Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Discuss the role and effect of safety engineering and prevention through design on the causation and prevention of accidents
  • Examine the contribution of victim pathology in identification of the biomechanics of injury causality and the implication for future design and injury prevention
  • Explore the nature of fires and the principles and techniques for fire investigation
  • Examine the impact of meteorology on accident causation and associated methods of investigation.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Residential School Portfolio

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: Oral Presentation (10%)

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. While your presentation will be assessed at the residential school, a copy of the slides/supporting media must be submitted as part of the Part B written report.


Part B: Written report (30%)

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
  • Investigate the function and benefit of contemporary accident forensics technologies
  • Discuss the results of the practical activities and include the results (including the survey map) in your report
  • Discuss the role of engineering design in impacting crashworthiness
  • Include slides/supporting media from oral presentation as an appendix

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

More details will be provided on Moodle and in the class sessions.


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Monday (11 May 2020) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Within three weeks of submission


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

The report will be assessed as shown below.

  • Description of the activities undertaken at the residential school.
  • Results of the practical activities
  • Discussion of the results of practical activities
  • Development of survey map
  • Reflection of learnings from the visit by experts
  • Reflection on learnings from the site visit
  • Reflection with examples on where the knowledge gained at the residential school may be applied by accident investigators.
  • 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

A detailed marking rubric will be available in moodle at the commencement of the residential school.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Discuss the role and effect of safety engineering and prevention through design on the causation and prevention of accidents
  • Analyse forensic investigation contexts and methods from the engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical, civil and chemical engineering for establishing accident causation factors
  • Examine the methods of engineering failure analysis and their contribution to accident forensics


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Literature Review

Task Description

You are required to find and identify case studies where engineering forensics were used to help identify the cause of the accident.

You will discuss how at least 4 engineering forensics methods were used and contributed to the investigation/s. You may be able to identify more than one forensic engineering method in a single case study. The number of case studies you identify will be dependant on how many engineering methods were used in the investigation. You will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of those methods and what their contributions were to the investigation. 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.

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

The report shall not exceed 3000 words.

More details will be provided on Moodle and in the class sessions.


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Monday (20 Apr 2020) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Within three weeks of submission


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

The report will be assessed as shown below.

  • Identified and explained at least 4 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
  • accuracy and consistency of referencing
  • quality of report style, grammar and spelling

More details will be provided on Moodle and in the class sessions.

A detailed marking rubric will be available on Moodle, at the commencement of term


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Analyse forensic investigation contexts and methods from the engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical, civil and chemical engineering for establishing accident causation factors
  • Examine the methods of engineering failure analysis and their contribution to accident forensics


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

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?