Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The sole purpose of track is to support the safe and speedy passage of trains carrying passengers, minerals, freight, primary produce and so on. This unit is intended to provide you with an understanding of the interaction between track and trains, and deepen your knowledge of the deterioration factors and resulting dynamic forces in the track. This builds on and synthesises your knowledge of the track structure from UDN500, UDN501 and UDN502, explains aspects of vehicle design, and provides you with a further basis for appreciating safety incidents when you come to study UDN505.

Aims

The aim of this unit is develop your knowledge of the interdependency of mechanical actions between track and trains.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. 1. Argue the influences of track characteristics and vehicle parameters on the safe operation of trains.


2. 2. Critically analyse and solve problems related to train-track interaction within diverse ethnic and organisational contexts.


3. 3. Analyse, synthesise and communicate knowledge through group collaboration using emerging technologies.

Content

The content of this unit will include aspects of:

• Track geometry, alignment and rectification, effect on train passage.


• Basic vehicle design and its components.


• Navigation of a vehicle along straight and curved track, role of wheel conicity and rail head shape, derailment.


• Quasi-static and dynamic loadings on track, their sources, effects and mitigation.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

You will undertake this unit entirely in an external study mode; the teaching approaches in this unit are based on principles of adult learning, where theory is connected with workplace situations and issues. Approaches used in this unit include:

• Use of short weekly quizzes early in the semester to help you come to grips quickly with initial technical issues.


• Simulation of a networking situation to solve a problem based on those technical issues.


• Collective learning approach.


• Peer assessment - your peers will write the criteria for the discussion forum assessment -and submit feedback of the group's performance.
  This builds the skills of giving and receiving constructive feedback, as required in any supervisory, team and management environment.

The study notes and some of the resources you will need are contained within the online materials you will access via QUT Blackboard. A number of the authors of the modules that comprise the study materials in this unit are also those who will be interacting with you during your study and will be assessing the assignments you submit. The authors are all highly experienced and senior personnel in the railway industry. They and the academic staff at QUT are keen to provide you with assistance via telephone, email, fax and mail. Although the supplied study materials direct you to certain texts and standards for you to read, the external nature of the unit also requires you to draw on your own skills and other human and written resources at your disposal for information to complete some assignments.

Assessment

This unit incorporates combined formative/summative assessment through submission of three assignments, which will be marked using criterion referenced assessment (CRA) and returned with feedback to enable you to understand how you are progressing and how your work can be improved. The purpose of the assessment as defined in this Unit Information document is to classify your abilities in respect of professional capabilities and unit objectives.Formative assessment: feedback is provided to you progressively, focusing on how your work can be improved, rather than the standard of the outcome.

Summative assessment: grading focusing on outcome, standard achieved and comparison with criteria.

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: You will undertake five quizzes, one each week for the first 5 weeks of the semester.
Relates to objectives: 1
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 5

Assessment name: Report
Description: You will prepare and submit a track maintenance report for a case study in a third world country.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 12

Assessment name: Discussion Forum
Description: You will undertake a live forum debate with a number of your colleagues in the unit on a topic related to the case study you'll be considering. You will be evaluated by your peers and by teaching staff in the unit.
Relates to objectives: 3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 15

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

You will find all the primary resource materials you'll need are provided through the unit's Blackboard website. The course study text is there as well as standards and other documents from a number of rail authorities. In the Course Materials Database you'll find a number of articles reproduced under Australian copyright law. You will be expected at times to find additional information through your company's resources.
Recommended reading:

• Esveld, C. (2001). "Modern Railway Track". MRT Productions. Netherlands.


• International Heavy Haul Association. (2001). "Guidelines to Best Practices for Heavy Haul Railway Operations: Wheel and Rail Interface Issues". IHHA, Virginia, USA.


• Tew, G.P., Marich, S., Mutton, P.J. (1991). "A Review of Track design Procedures". Railways of Australia.

Risk assessment statement

There are no unusual risks associated with this unit; you are not required to undertake activities that attract risks different from those in an ordinary office environment.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Oct-2012