CQUniversity Unit Profile
OCHS13016 Advanced Occupational Health
Advanced Occupational Health
All details in this unit profile for OCHS13016 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 problem based unit, you will be faced with a range of hazards, learning to apply both current problem solving approaches and a systems oriented approach to analysis with common systematic principles. The learning process is focused on specific hazards, chosen because they represent important issues in occupational health today and in the future. You will be expected to be able to extend your knowledge of the process to tackle new issues, although these may be issues that you have not previously dealt with. You will learn advanced approaches to the treatment of hazards and risk management, including knowledge of managing risk where a hazard cannot be eliminated. You will also learn the nature of illness and injury, as well as the pathogenesis to organs of the body caused by occupational exposure to a broad range of hazards. After graduation, you will be able to apply the problem solving and systems oriented approaches taught in this unit to contemporary employment settings, in particular to solving hazards not previously known to you.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Successful completion of 48 credit points.

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 - 2018

Brisbane
Bundaberg
Distance
Gladstone
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Sydney

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. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
2. Group Work
Weighting: 40%
3. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 20%

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 Self reflection and student feedback.

Feedback

Two assessment items meant that there was significant overlap between items. It also mean that one assessment was worth 70% of the final grade.

Recommendation

Review the number, type and percentage for each assessment item.

Feedback from Self reflection and student feedback.

Feedback

Group assessment by distance can be problematic.

Recommendation

Review the way the group assessment is graded and the way that it is presented to students.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Analyse actual occupational health cases and demonstrate individual initiative and effective problem solving in occupational health
  2. Apply a systems approach to complex problem solving in occupational health. thereby acquiring an ability to extend the reach of managing risk in diverse settings
  3. Apply the principles of critical assessment of severity and urgency in occupational health
  4. Identify the real problems in occupational health, including indoor and outdoor environments
  5. Apply knowledge of routes of exposure to the principles of exposure monitoring
  6. Describe the nature of illness and injury associated with occupational exposure to certain hazards.

Not applicable

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 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Group Work - 40%
3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%

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 - Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Group Work - 40%
3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
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
Ryan Kift Unit Coordinator
r.kift@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 05 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Introduction to unit

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 2 Begin Date: 12 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Occupational toxicology

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 3 Begin Date: 19 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Risk management and exposure

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 4 Begin Date: 26 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Chemical hazards 1-Dusts and particulates

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 5 Begin Date: 02 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Chemical hazards 2-Chemical contaminants

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Vacation Week Begin Date: 09 Apr 2018

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 6 Begin Date: 16 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Biological hazards

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic

Moodle quiz is open all week

Week 7 Begin Date: 23 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Control of Hazards- Chemical and biological

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 8 Begin Date: 30 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Physical hazards 1- Noise, vibration and lighting

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic

Chemical and biological hazards Due: Week 8 Monday (30 Apr 2018) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 07 May 2018

Module/Topic

Physical hazards 2- Radiation and temperature

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 10 Begin Date: 14 May 2018

Module/Topic

Control of Hazards- Physical

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 11 Begin Date: 21 May 2018

Module/Topic

Biological monitoring and fitness for work

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 12 Begin Date: 28 May 2018

Module/Topic

Unit summary

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Moodle quiz is open all week


Information Booklet Due: Week 12 Monday (28 May 2018) 11:59 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 04 Jun 2018

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Jun 2018

Module/Topic


Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic


Term Specific Information


Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Chemical and biological hazards

Task Description

 The lecturer will give you a list of real case studies. You are to choose one and identify one hazard that is a chemical or biological hazard.

You will be required to

  • Identify all potential hazards in this case study.
  • Identify the hazard that the report will focus on including the class of hazard that it is.
  • Explain what the routes of exposure are and the states of matter (if relevant) that the hazard occurs as.
  • Explain why the hazard presents a risk to workers’ health. This section must be justified using the literature such as legislation, texts and journal articles. You may include information about the toxicology of the chemicals, exposure, acute and chronic health effects as well as the health effects to workers and to industry as a whole.
  • Describe the different ways that the hazard would be monitored and analysed. This must be related to the case study given and include information about the standard methodology that is used for both the monitoring techniques and comparison of the findings against a benchmark or standard. You must include information about how the sampling and analysis would actually be carried out for each hazard.
  • Describe the relevant Legislation, Codes and Standards which apply to this hazard and the issues involved with meeting these requirements.
  • Use the hierarchy of control to outline the ways that the hazard can be controlled.

The report should be written as a Consultant would write to a Client.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Monday (30 Apr 2018) 11:59 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Monday (21 May 2018)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

This assessment will be graded with the following criteria:

  • Correctly identifies all possible hazards, explains the route of exposure for the two selected hazards (15%)
  • Explains exposure and effect, and describes the potential health effects (20%)
  • Describes the way that you would carry out monitoring for the hazards (15%)
  • Outlines relevant legislative requirements and identifies the issues of compliance (15%)
  • Proposes appropriate control measures (15%)
  • Report structure and presentation including referencing (20%)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Via the link on Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Analyse actual occupational health cases and demonstrate individual initiative and effective problem solving in occupational health
  • Apply a systems approach to complex problem solving in occupational health. thereby acquiring an ability to extend the reach of managing risk in diverse settings
  • Apply the principles of critical assessment of severity and urgency in occupational health
  • Identify the real problems in occupational health, including indoor and outdoor environments
  • Apply knowledge of routes of exposure to the principles of exposure monitoring


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

2 Group Work

Assessment Title
Information Booklet

Task Description

Working as a group you are required to develop a booklet on one physical hazard. You will be required to design a technical information/educational information booklet with the main emphasis of the assignment on the quality of the content presented:

Your assignment should include (but not be restricted to):

  • Introduction to the workplaces where the exposure occurs, important factors and specific concepts related to the working environment and exposure.
  • The physics/chemical breakdown of the hazard (what it is) and its relationship to the related health effects, mechanisms of injury and so on (a literature based discussion with references).
  • An explanation of the health effects of exposure, its manifestation and progression. Draw on theoretical sources such as journal articles, website, documents etc. (reference and acknowledge all sources).
  • The monitoring techniques, equipment, methodologies, benchmarks and standards that should be used in relation to the evaluation of the hazards. This section should be supported by information from a variety of sources.
  • Control (using the hierarchy of control) and containment measures that could be introduced to reduce workplace exposure and prevent the occurrence of the adverse health effects or reducing its severity (all suggestions referecned).

Bear in mind that this course has an emphasis on the quantitative evaluation of occupational hazards, utilising standards, accepted methodologies, specialised equipment and benchmarks, so it is expected that your information booklet will focus on developing an accurate, useful, and technically detailed information source that will cover the aspects mentioned previously. You are encouraged to use graphics and other relevant resources in order to develop a visually appealing yet informative resource.

Ensure you reference and acknowledge all sources of information, graphics, etc.

You will be assigned a group and allocated a physical hazard in Week 7.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Monday (28 May 2018) 11:59 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (15 June 2018)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

Length- 10 pages max.

This assessment will be graded with the following criteria

  • Identifies and explains the background to the hazard to be covered, including the identification of the workplaces where exposure can be an issue. (15%)
  • Explains exposure and effect, and describes the potential health effects (25%)
  • Describes the way that you would carry out monitoring for the hazards (20%)
  • Proposes appropriate control measures (20%)
  • Booklet structure and presentation including referencing (20%)


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
Via the link on Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Identify the real problems in occupational health, including indoor and outdoor environments
  • Describe the nature of illness and injury associated with occupational exposure to certain hazards.


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

3 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Moodle Quizzes

Task Description

In week 6 and in week 12 you will be required to access a Moodle quiz. (40% of total marks, 20% for each quiz)

Each quiz will be based on the information that has been covered in lectures until (and including) that week.


Number of Quizzes

2


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 quiz will close at 11:55pm on 22/04/18. Week 12 quiz will close at 11:55pm on 03/06/18


Return Date to Students

Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

Marks will be awarded for correct answers


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Access each quiz at the quiz link on Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply a systems approach to complex problem solving in occupational health. thereby acquiring an ability to extend the reach of managing risk in diverse settings
  • Apply knowledge of routes of exposure to the principles of exposure monitoring
  • Describe the nature of illness and injury associated with occupational exposure to certain hazards.


Graduate Attributes
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking

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?