CQUniversity Unit Profile
AVAT11010 Aviation Safety Fundamentals
Aviation Safety Fundamentals
All details in this unit profile for AVAT11010 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.
Corrections

Unit Profile Correction added on 12-11-24

Assessment 2 (report requirements) should state:

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Report Requirements: You must complete your report using either Overleaf or Word. You must follow the attached templates. Length: The report should be between 5–10 pages, excluding the reference list. Format: Follow APA formatting guidelines, such as: Use a 1-inch margin on all sides. Utilize 12-point Times New Roman font. Ensure the document is double-spaced. Visuals: Incorporate relevant figures and tables to support your analysis. If you have extensive visuals, place them in an appendix. Your report must be uploaded to Moodle by the specified deadline in the unit profile. ---------------------------------

General Information

Overview

This unit will provide you with a broad understanding of the application of safety processes within the aviation industry. You will learn basic concepts of system safety as they developed alongside the aviation industry. You will also learn about standards and practices for safety management with reference to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and CASA. You will recognize a systematic approach that is established using four main components including Safety Policy, Safety Assurance, Safety Risk Management, and Safety Promotion to manage safety and how human factors are related within the four components of safety. You will also develop a solid understanding of safety culture and its associated subcultures.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
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 - 2024

Cairns
Online

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).

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. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 30%
2. Case Study
Weighting: 30%
3. Online Test
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 SUTE

Feedback

Increased feedback on assessments.

Recommendation

Should provide more opportunities for assessment review.

Feedback from Results

Feedback

Improve student pass rate.

Recommendation

Should add intervention strategies for students at risk of failing.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Describe the aviation industry organizational accident assessment process, including basic concepts of hazards, risks and losses.
  2. Justify the development of contemporary safety management systems.
  3. Explore applications of safety management used in aviation organizations.
  4. Justify the importance of safety culture and sub-cultures to aviation safety management

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
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30%
2 - Case Study - 30%
3 - Online Test - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
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
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Handbook of Aviation Human Factors

Edition: 2 (2010)
Authors: Garland, Wise, Hopkin
ISBN: 1-04-007280-1
Prescribed

Managing the Risks of Organizational Accidents

(2016)
Authors: James Reason
ISBN: 1-134-85542-7

Additional Textbook Information

Both texts are available online through the CQU library website

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • APA Style Writing - https://apastyle.apa.org/products/publication-manual-7th-edition
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Qilei Zhang Unit Coordinator
q.zhang@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 04 Nov 2024

Module/Topic

Unit introduction

Historical Overview of Aviation Human Factors

Individual and organizational accidents

Nature and variety of defences

Chapter

JR1

JW1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 11 Nov 2024

Module/Topic

Swiss Cheese Model

Active failures and latent conditions

Accident trajectory

Chapter

JR1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 18 Nov 2024

Module/Topic

Human contribution to accidents

Human performance

Processes underlying human performance  

Chapter

JR4

JW7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 25 Nov 2024

Module/Topic

Module/Topic
Errors and successful actions

Violations

Rule-related behaviors

Team Process

Chapter

JR4

JW9

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 02 Dec 2024

Module/Topic

Group Presentations

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Submit both your presentation slides and written report  to Moodle before the class.


Case Study Project Due: Week 5 Monday (2 Dec 2024) 11:59 am AEST
Week 6 Begin Date: 09 Dec 2024

Module/Topic

Error management

Blame cycle

Chapter

JR7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 16 Dec 2024

Module/Topic

CRM

Engineering a safety culture

Safety Subcultures

Chapter

JR9

JW10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 23 Dec 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 30 Dec 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 06 Jan 2025

Module/Topic

Safety subcultures continued

Chapter

JR9

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 13 Jan 2025

Module/Topic

SMS1

Chapter

Reference materials provided

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 20 Jan 2025

Module/Topic

SMS2

Chapter

Reference materials provided
 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 27 Jan 2025

Module/Topic

SMS3

Chapter

Reference materials provided
 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 03 Feb 2025

Module/Topic

SMS4

Chapter

Reference materials provided
 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Feb 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Final Test Due: Exam Week Friday (14 Feb 2025) 5:00 pm AEST
Term Specific Information

Communication

Please use AVAT11010 as the first word in the subject line for emails. Typically, I will be able to answer emails within 2 business days, unless I am away for an extended period of time. In your emails, always end the email with your name and CQU email address.

Writing Style

Students are recommended to purchase the Manual of Publication by the American Psychological Association (APA) (7th Ed.). It is the major reference source for style or format questions in aviation program. The format of references, citations, quotation, and headings should be identical to APA requirements. Be sure to read and understand the plagiarism sections. 

Use of Generative AI

The use of generative AI (e.g. ChatGPT) to create original text is strictly prohibited in this unit. Students may use AI-based support tools to enhance the quality of existing text or improve spelling, grammar, etc. To ensure appropriate use of generative AI tools and avoid accidental misuse, students should liaise with the CQU Academic Learning Centre (ALC) at https://www.cqu.edu.au/study/experience/support/academic-learning-centres.

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quizzes

Task Description

There are 3 quizzes throughout this unit:

  1. Quiz 1 will be conducted at the end of Week 2, covering basic safety concepts and SCM.
  2. Quiz 2 will be conducted at the end of Week 4, covering human contribution to accidents and performance concepts.
  3. Quiz 3 will be conducted at the end of Week 8, covering safety culture and safety subcultures.

You have 30 minutes to complete each quiz, and only one attempt is permitted. Each quiz will be available on Moodle from Monday evening of the scheduled week and must be submitted by Friday at 5:00 PM (AEST) via the relevant portal in Moodle. 


Number of Quizzes

3


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Return Date to Students

Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

All quizzes will be scored automatically.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit via the relevant Moodle portal.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the aviation industry organizational accident assessment process, including basic concepts of hazards, risks and losses.
  • Justify the development of contemporary safety management systems.
  • Explore applications of safety management used in aviation organizations.


Graduate Attributes

2 Case Study

Assessment Title
Case Study Project

Task Description

Overview

You are required to choose an airline or airport accident to research and analyze using the Swiss Cheese Model. You may work individually or collaborate in pairs (maximum of two people per group). This project involves two components:

  1. Presentation: Prepare a 5~10-minute presentation on your case study to be delivered to the class either in person or via Zoom during Week 5.
  2. Written Report: Submit a comprehensive report detailing your analysis.

Report Requirements:

  • You must complete your report within the MyStudy portal of Moodle, which includes a template that you must follow.
  • Length: The report should be between 5–10 pages, excluding the reference list, figures, and tables.
  • Format: Follow APA formatting guidelines, such as:
    • Use a 1-inch margin on all sides.
    • Utilize 12-point Times New Roman font.
    • Ensure the document is double-spaced.
  • Visuals: Incorporate relevant figures and tables to support your analysis. If you have extensive visuals, place them in an appendix.
  • Your report must be uploaded to Moodle by the specified deadline in the unit profile.

Presentation Requirements

  • Your presentation must adhere to the 5–10 minute time frame. Presentations exceeding the time limit by over one minute will incur a 10% grade deduction.
  • Students are encouraged to be creative with the presentation style and formatting, however students should ensure that the presentation is easy to understand and is not distracting from the content.
  • Your presentation must be uploaded to Moodle by the specified deadline in the unit profile.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Monday (2 Dec 2024) 11:59 am AEST

During regularly scheduled class time


Return Date to Students

Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

The overall objective is to accurately apply the Swiss Cheese Model, including the identification of active failures and latent conditions.

Your Case Study Project will be evaluated based on both the presentation and the written report. The total available points for this assessment are 30 points, allocated as follows:

  1.  Presentation (10 Points)
    • Content Understanding (4 Points): Clear and concise background of the accident.
    • Delivery and Communication (4 Points): Presentation is well-organized and engaging.
    • Professionalism (2 Points): Adherence to presentation guidelines and time management.
  2. Written Report (20 Points)
    • Accident Background and Narrative (5 Points).
    • Application of the Swiss Cheese Model (8 Points).
    • Clarity and Cohesion (3 Points).
    • Writing Quality (2 Points).
    • Formatting and Presentation (1 Point).
    • References and Citations (1 Point).
  3. Submission instructions followed (5 Points)

Total Points: 35


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the aviation industry organizational accident assessment process, including basic concepts of hazards, risks and losses.
  • Justify the development of contemporary safety management systems.
  • Explore applications of safety management used in aviation organizations.
  • Justify the importance of safety culture and sub-cultures to aviation safety management


Graduate Attributes

3 Online Test

Assessment Title
Final Test

Task Description

The final test will be conducted during the exam week and will cover Safety Management Systems and Safety Culture concepts discussed in Weeks 7–12.

You have up to 2 hours to complete the test, and only one attempt is permitted. The test will open on Monday evening in exam week and must be submitted by Friday at 5PM via the relevant portal in Moodle.

 

Instructions:

  • Accessing the Test: The test will be accessible through the designated portal on Moodle starting Monday evening of the exam week.
  • Submission Deadline: Ensure you submit your completed test by Friday at 5:00 PM (AEST) of the exam week. Late submissions will not be accepted.
  • Technical Requirements: Make sure you have a reliable internet connection before starting the test.
  • One-Time Entry: Once you begin the test, you must complete it in one sitting within the 2-hour time limit.


Assessment Due Date

Exam Week Friday (14 Feb 2025) 5:00 pm AEST

Submit via the relevant portal in Moodle.


Return Date to Students

Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

This test is a combination of multiple choice and short-answer questions.  Review all materials and concepts from Weeks 7–12 to ensure you are well-prepared.

 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit via the relevant portal in Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the aviation industry organizational accident assessment process, including basic concepts of hazards, risks and losses.
  • Justify the development of contemporary safety management systems.
  • Justify the importance of safety culture and sub-cultures to aviation safety management


Graduate Attributes

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?