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CQUni Handbook
Overview
Compulsory Residential School
Some units in this course require you to attend a compulsory Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.Course Overview
The Accident Forensics degree develops expertise in the investigation and analysis of the factors which lead to accidents and the interventions required to prevent their recurrence. Accident Forensics graduates demonstrate advanced skills at systematically breaking down the factors leading to an accident and making the necessary findings and conclusions for prevention.
The course provides core studies in:
- Accident Phenomenology;
- Investigation Methods;
- Forensic Engineering;
- Accident Analysis;
- Human Factors Investigation and
- Occupational Health and Safety.
You will complete a capstone accident investigation project based on a ‘real' accident reconstruction at the university ‘crash lab'. The 120 hour work placement with practising accident investigators in the field ensures you are well prepared to integrate into your chosen career. The course has been developed in consultation with Australia's leading accident investigation professionals from air, rail, road and industrial contexts, and the leading organisations and government authorities which inform public safety strategies. You will also graduate with professional skills in occupational health and safety and will be well prepared to work in that area. You may apply for the award, Diploma of Workplace Health and Safety in addition to the Bachelor of Accident Forensics.
Career Information
Employment opportunities exist for graduates in management, consultancy and practice within industry in safety and accident investigation roles. Many large companies have staff appointed specifically to investigate the accidents and failures that occur to maximise the opportunity to prevent such failures in the future. Many others have occupational health and safety or similar staff roles which are assigned, as part of a more broad set of responsibilities within their organisations, with the responsibility for carrying out those investigations. Graduates of the Bachelor of Accident Forensics course would be suited for employment in these roles as the course addresses the specifics of accident investigation as well as principles of OHS practice. Employment opportunities exist in most industries, especially primary industries, rural safety, manufacturing, mining, services industry, transport industry, aviation industry, employer associations, the defence forces, health industry and government departments and authorities such as the police force.
Course Details
| Duration | 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time |
|---|---|
| Credit Points that Must be Earned | 144 |
| Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
| Expected Hours of Study | One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term. |
| Course Type | Undergraduate Award |
| Qualification (post nominal) | BAccidForensics |
| AQF Level | Level 7: Bachelor Degree |
Admission Codes
|
Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
Not Applicable |
|---|---|
|
International Students CRICOS Codes |
Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.
Domestic Availability
Term 2 - 2020
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Gladstone
Melbourne
Mackay
Online
Perth
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 1 - 2020
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Gladstone
Melbourne
Mackay
Online
Perth
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 2 - 2019
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Gladstone
Melbourne
Mackay
Online
Perth
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 1 - 2019
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Gladstone
Melbourne
Mackay
Online
Perth
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 2 - 2018
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Gladstone
Melbourne
Mackay
Perth
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 1 - 2018
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Gladstone
Melbourne
Mackay
Perth
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 2 - 2017
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Gladstone
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2017
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Gladstone
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2016
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Gladstone
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2016
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Gladstone
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2015
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2015
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2014
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2014
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Rockhampton
Show All
International Availability
Term 2 - 2020
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Online
Term 1 - 2020
Bundaberg
Online
Term 2 - 2019
Bundaberg
Online
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2019
Bundaberg
Online
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2018
Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2018
Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2017
Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2017
Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2016
Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2016
Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2015
Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2015
Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2014
Distance
Term 1 - 2014
Distance
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at
http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Entry Requirements
English Language Proficiency Requirements
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:
- A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
- An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or
- Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0
completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.
If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall and minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
- An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.
International Students should visit http://www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information.
Each student will be assessed individually.
Security Requirements
No information available at this time
Health Requirements
No information available at this time
Assumed Knowledge
Recommended study - English (4, SA) and a science subject
Fees and Charges
Course Features
Awards and Accreditation
| Interim Awards | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Exit Awards | Not applicable |
| Professional Accreditation | Not applicable |
| Learned Society Accreditation |
It is expected that graduates will meet the education requirements for professional membership with the Safety Institute of Australia and should apply after gaining relevant field experience. Graduates may also meet the specialist investigation education criteria of the Australian, New Zealand and International Society of Air Safety Investigators and it is expected that graduates of the course will gain professional grade membership of the Society after completing the course and gaining relevant field experience. |
Residential School Requirements
| Compulsory Residential School | There are several compulsory residential schools/workshops attached to the following course. There are compulsory residential schools at the Crash Lab in Bundaberg in terms 3, 4 and 5. In addition to these there are compulsory requirements for other units in other locations. |
|---|---|
| Click here to view all Residential Schools | |
Practicum/Work Placement
| AINV13005 - Students are required to undertake 120 hours of work placement. |
Previous Enrolments
| Year | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 110 |
| 2019 | 142 |
| 2018 | 150 |
| 2017 | 150 |
| 2016 | 152 |
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
Examples are:
- Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
- Demonstrating respect for cultural and professional diversity as well as individual differences and capacities in the safety science environment.
- Treating personal information obtained in the professional environment as private and confidential.
Examples are:
- Successfully processing your own emotions and behaviour when dealing with stressful situations that can arise in the safety science environment.
- Maintaining behavioural stability through successfully distinguishing your own personal behaviours, experiences and emotions from others and situations in a professional setting.
- Being reflective with personal behaviours appropriate to professional performance and being positive and receptive to processing constructive supervisor/lecturer/peer feedback or criticism.
Examples are:
- Complying with university and workplace policy with the use of social media, online discussion forums, email and other electronic forms of communication.
- Complying with the relevant workplace policies and practices including relevant OHS legislative requirements pertaining to the safety science environment.
- Complying with the policies and practices of organisations in which you may be placed or find employment.
Examples are:
- Verbally communicating in English your knowledge with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness in a wide variety of contexts.
- Actively participating in discussion and course activities with appropriate use and command of language to the context.
- Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual, group or workplace.
- Establishing rapport with all stakeholders in the delivery of professional practice and responding appropriately to stakeholders and other professionals.
- Using appropriate facial expressions, body movements and gestures, being mindful of space boundaries.
- Recognising and interpreting on-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately during activities related to the course and in professional practice.
- Adopting non-threatening body language during challenging and/or stressful situations with others.
- Competently and appropriately producing written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar and punctuation to the required academic standards.
- Expressing complex and detailed information and knowledge in logical and legible formats, in a timely manner that meets professional standards and clearly communicates the intended message.
- Accurately conveying and documenting information in a written form to develop and execute a case of cohesive argument that meets academic, professional practice requirements.
- Competently using a desktop operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X.
- Having access to a computer and having sufficient computer skills to engage in on-line learning, reading, initiating and responding to emails and other forms of electronic communication, and completing relevant assessments for the course. This includes being able to regularly access the Internet for coursework and research.
- Competently using productivity software such as Microsoft Office, and operate associated electronic technologies such as (but not limited to) digital scanners, cameras and video cameras, a tablet computer or a mobile phone in the contemporary academic, professional and transport and safety science practice requirements.
- Analysing, manipulating and displaying scientific information using a variety of specific programs and applications.
Examples are:
- Conceptualising, analysing and using appropriate knowledge and evidence in response to academic assessment items and in the professional practice with organisations in which you may be placed or find employment.
- Completing academic learning activities and assessment tasks, and performing professional skills within reasonable set time-frames.
- Constructing written text proficiently, in English, using appropriate vocabulary, correct grammar and conventions of speech, including being able to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic and professional conventions.
- Competently reading, writing and accurately interpreting information to convey language effectively in a professional setting.
- Completing documentation that is accurate, clear and concise.
- Demonstrating competency in applying mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills to accurately read and interpret various measurements.
- Demonstrating effective use of mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills in the application of professional practice.
- Demonstrating competency in manipulating and analysing numerical data.
Examples are:
- Having sufficient visual acuity to accurately measure and assess.
- Having sufficient visual acuity to work in a team-based transport and safety sciences environment.
- Having sufficient visual acuity to identify hazards to self and others.
- Perceiving fine detail on a computer screen and/or mobile/portable device.
- Perceiving fine detail in photographs, drawings and maps.
- Discerning an object from its background.
- Having sufficient auditory capacity to hear verbal communication from other professionals in transport and safety sciences practice.
- Having sufficient auditory capacity to work in a team-based transport and safety sciences environment where verbal and non-verbal communication is essential to practice.
- Having sufficient auditory capacity to capture auditory warning circumstances, movements or signals where other senses may not detect such stimuli.
- Interacting with a computer through input devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
- Interacting with mobile devices through inputs such as buttons and a touchscreen.
- Interacting with the physical environment.
Examples are:
- Reflecting critically on topics taught during the course.
- Identifying when a practice issue is outside one's scope or expertise and being able to reflect and learn from this experience.
- Identifying when one's practice may be negatively affected by personal experience and/or reactions and be able to reflect and learn from this experience.
- Reflecting on situations that may be difficult and sensitive.
- Identifying, reflecting and learning from successful situations as well as opportunities for improvement.
Examples are:
- Actively participating safely and effectively in intensive transport and safety sciences tasks that require sustained levels of physical energy and concentration over a long duration.
- Actively participating in a variety of transport and safety sciences tasks in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Examples are:
- Incorporating a range of gross motor skills while participating effectively in activities related to transport and safety science practice.
- Moving with ease while undertaking activities related to transport and safety science practice.
- Working safely and effectively in a variety of physical environments applicable to transport and safety science practice.
- Using a variety of fine motor skills in various transport and safety sciences activities.
- Interacting with a computer through input devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
- Interacting with mobile devices through inputs such as buttons and a touchscreen.
Examples are:
- Competently using a desktop operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X.
- Having access to a computer and having sufficient computer skills to engage in on-line learning, reading, initiating and responding to emails and other forms of electronic communication, and completing relevant assessments for the course. This includes being able to regularly access the Internet for coursework and research.
- Competently using productivity software such as Microsoft Office, and operate associated electronic technologies such as (but not limited to) digital scanners, cameras and video cameras, a tablet computer or a mobile phone in the contemporary academic, professional and transport and safety science practice requirements.
- Analysing, manipulating and displaying scientific information using a variety of specific programs and applications.
Core Learning Outcomes
- 1. Systematically analyse the knowledge, principles and concepts related to accident forensics.
- 2. Communicate in a professional manner appropriate for accident forensics and transdisciplinary practice.
- 3. Evaluate and research new information and evidence from a range of sources relevant to accident forensics.
- 4. Conduct accident investigations and analysis based on knowledge and techniques appropriate to accident forensics.
- 5. Critically reflect on own learning needs and to seek ongoing professional learning opportunities.
| Course Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | |||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | |||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | |||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | |||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | |||||
| 6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | |||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | |||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | |||||
Course Structure
In order to complete this course, you must:
- Complete the core structure
Core Structure
| Number of units: 24 | Total credit points: 144 |
|---|
The following units have compulsory residential schools. Introductory Science; Introductory Anatomy and Physiology; Investigative Methods Practice; Accident Forensics; Safety Engineering; Crash Lab Project 1 and Crash Lab Project 2. See the residential school timetable for details.
Compulsory residential schools are held in Rockhampton and are conducted for these units taken by distance students (non AINV units). AINV units are generally held in the Bundaberg Forensic Investigation Crash Lab.
| Year 1 - Term 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| AINV11001 | Real World Investigation | |
| OCHS11025 | Health and Safety Risk Management | |
| SCIE11022 | Introductory Science | |
| OCHS11026 | Introductory Occupational Health and Safety | |
| Year 1 - Term 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| AINV11002 | Socio-technical Systems | |
| AINV11003 | Introduction to Investigative Methods | |
| BIOH11005 | Introductory Anatomy and Physiology | |
| OCHS11027 | OHS Fundamentals | |
| Year 2 - Term 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| AINV12001 | Investigative Methods Practice | |
| AINV12002 | Accident Phenomenology | |
| OCHS12018 | Safety Science | |
| OCHS12019 | Human Factors | |
| Year 2 - Term 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| AINV12003 | Victim Pathology | |
| AINV12004 | Investigation Domain Contexts | |
| AINV12005 | Forensic Engineering | |
| Year 2 - Term 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| SCIE11018 | Introduction to Forensic Science | |
| Year 3 - Term 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| AINV13001 | Accident Analysis | |
| AINV13003 | Crash Lab Project 1 | |
| OCHS13016 | Advanced Occupational Health | |
| OCHS13018 | Safety Systems | |
| Year 3 - Term 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| AINV13002 | Human Factors Investigation | |
| AINV13004 | Learning From Failure | |
| AINV13005 | Accident Forensics Professional Practice | |
| AINV13006 | Crash Lab Project 2 | |
More Details
Residential Schools
There are seven core units with a compulsory residential school for external students. These are Introductory Science; Introductory Anatomy & Physiology; Investigative Methods Practice; Accident Forensics; Safety Engineering; Crash Lab Project 1 and Crash Lab Project 2.
Residential dates for these units are documented within the residential school timetable. Generally, the residential schools for the AINV core units will be held at the ‘Crash Lab'.
The ‘crash lab' contains real accident wreckage and other artefacts to give you hands on experience in a realistic accident environment and significantly enhance your learning experience. In year three of the bachelor degree, you will undertake a capstone investigation project where you will apply your learning from the course to a complex accident.
You will be required to ‘investigate' the accident using the techniques and methods delivered in the course, establishing the causal factors involved and prepare a report of your findings, conclusions and recommendations. Personal protective equipment and a ‘crash kit' will be required for learning sessions at the ‘crash lab' (see individual units for requirements).
Application for Credit Transfer
Credit transfer will only be granted where a student is able to demonstrate that tertiary studies undertaken equivalent in content and depth to the CQUniversity course have been successfully completed. Students should examine the unit synopses in this handbook to determine the units for which they may be eligible to claim exemption.
Refer to the Credit Transfer website at http://www.cqu.edu.au/credittransfer for further details on the guidelines and application process.
You can apply for direct credit against CQUniversity units, if equivalent tertiary level study has been completed. You must supply relevant documentation (study guides, unit profiles, etc) to do this. Or, in some courses you can apply for electives outside of CQUniversity range of units. If your study was undertaken more than 10 years old, you may not be eligible to apply for this as credit.
Computing Requirements
It is a requirement of enrolment in this course that students have access to the CQUniversity website. Students may be required to undertake various components of study in the course using email and the Internet.
It is strongly recommended that students have access to a broadband connection or higher to access online student resources that would include but not limited to, email, internet, video streaming, electronic assessment submission.