CQUniversity Unit Profile

ENAR12006 - Rock Engineering

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All details in this unit profile for ENAR12006 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

You will be introduced to critical concepts in the application of rock mechanics to mining and geotechnical operations. The methods and procedures you will learn will cover rock testing, design of underground openings, and pillar and ground support design. You will gain an understanding of how underground mining methods can impact infrastructure and aquifers through subsidence. You will also learn how to analyse the stability of slopes generated by open-pit mining operations. Throughout the unit, you will be required to demonstrate professional levels of teamwork and communication. In this unit, you must complete compulsory practical activities. Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for proposed dates.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate

Unit Level: Level 2

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 2 - 2026

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).

Website

This unit has a website, within the Moodle system, which is available two weeks before the start of term. It is important that you visit your Moodle site throughout the term. Please visit Moodle for more information.

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

Regional Campuses

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville

Metropolitan Campuses

Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment

Weighting: 45%

2. Written Assessment

Weighting: 45%

3. Practical Assessment

Weighting: 10%

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.

CQUniversity Policies

All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.

You may wish to view these policies:

Grades and Results Policy
Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
Review of Grade Procedure
Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure

This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.

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 Email

Feedback

Most of the students are full-time workers. The residential school time should be in the same week as other mining units in T2.

Recommendation

The residential school should be scheduled for the same week as other mining units in T2, as this will reduce travel for students.

Feedback from Email

Feedback

The current unit has 5 assessment sections, which is above the average.

Recommendation

The new unit proposal has been developed to reduce the assessment items from 5 to 3. Two writing assignments should be combined into one, resulting in more comprehensive knowledge coverage.

Unit Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

Apply various methods of rock testing to determine the relevant design properties of specific rock types
Design openings, pillars and ground supports for given situations in underground mining
Describe subsidence associated with various mining methods and identify potential impacts on infrastructure and aquifers
Analyse slope instabilities for given situations in surface mining operations
Provide evidence in individual and team-based scenarios of a professional capacity to work, learn, and communicate effectively in oral and written domains.

The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers in the areas of 1. Knowledge and Skill Base, 2. Engineering Application Ability and 3. Professional and Personal Attributes at the following levels:

Introductory
2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects. (LO: 2N 5N )

Intermediate
1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 2I 3I 4I )
1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 2I 3I 4I )
1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline. (LO: 1I 2I 3I 4I )
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving. (LO: 2N 3I 4I )
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (LO: 2I 4I )
2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. (LO: 2I 3N 4I )
3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. (LO: 1I 2I 3I 5N )
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. (LO: 1I 2I 3I 4I 5I )
3.4 Professional use and management of information. (LO: 1I 2I 3N 4N 5N )
3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. (LO: 1I 2I 5N )
3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership. (LO: 5I )

Advanced
1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. (LO: 1A 2I 3I 4I )
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 2A 3I 4I )
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline. (LO: 1A 2I 3A 4I )

Note: LO refers to the Learning Outcome number(s) which link to the competency and the levels: N - Introductory, I - Intermediate and A - Advanced.
Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for further information on the Engineers Australia State 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers and course level mapping information. https://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=1511

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
1 - Written Assessment - 45%
2 - Written Assessment - 45%
3 - Practical Assessment - 10%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes	Learning Outcomes
	1	2	3	4	5
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 - First Nations Knowledges
11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

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)
Australian Standards (through CQU library)
CQU Library Resources

Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts

Xiaohan Yang Unit Coordinator
x.yang@cqu.edu.au

Schedule

Week 1

Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026

Module/Topic

Unit Introduction

Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026

Module/Topic

Engineering classification of rock masses

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Tutorial for engineering classification of rock masses

Preparation for Assessment 3 Residential School and Presentation

Vacation Week

Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

The residential school (26-28 Aug) will run on the Mackay Ooralea campus with lab sessions, site tour, guest speaking session, and individual presentatio .

Week 7

Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026

Module/Topic

Design of structures in rock

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Tutorial for design of structures in rock

Events and Submissions/Topic

Final Tutorial

Assessment 2 Due: Week 12 Friday (11 Oct 2026) 11:59 pm AEST

Mining Design and Support Due: Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2026) 11:59 pm AEST

Exam Week

Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation/Exam Week

Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title

Rock properties and analysis

Task Description

Writing assignment. This assessment item relates to the learning outcome. Apply various methods of rock testing and data analysis to determine the relevant design properties of specific rock types.

Level of GenAI use

No AI: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge. Your final submission should show how you have developed to solve the questions.

Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Monday (10 Aug 2026) 11:59 pm AEST

Return Date to Students

Week 6 Friday (21 Aug 2026)

Reurn within one week after submission.

Weighting

45%

Minimum mark or grade

50%

Assessment Criteria

Provide the correct answer and unit.

Marking will depend on the answer and the calculation process.

Submit the word and the corresponding Excel spreadsheet.

Referencing Style

Harvard (author-date)

Submission

Online

Submission Instructions

Report must be completed using the provided report template and submitted before the deadline.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

Apply various methods of rock testing to determine the relevant design properties of specific rock types
Design openings, pillars and ground supports for given situations in underground mining
Provide evidence in individual and team-based scenarios of a professional capacity to work, learn, and communicate effectively in oral and written domains.

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title

Mining Design and Support

Task Description

Use clear, coherent sentences to explain the mining design questions. Use mining terminology correctly. Do not directly copy the answers from the study guide or textbook.

Level of GenAI use

AI Planning: You may use Al for planning, idea development, research and information review. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.

Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2026) 11:59 pm AEST

Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (16 Oct 2026)

Marked report will be returned within 1 weeks of submission

Weighting

45%

Minimum mark or grade

50%

Assessment Criteria

Ensure formulae and workings are shown in sufficient detail to explain how the answer was derived clearly.

Ensure equations are included in the spreadsheets so that different values can be entered to check the sensitivity of the solutions.

Equations need to be numbered for ease of referral within the text of the report. Formulae included in the spreadsheet need to be accessible for marking.

Answers should show correct units of measure, e.g. (m, MN, m2, tonnes, m3, oC, etc.).

Correctly cite and reference sources of information. Include a list of references at the end of the assignment.

Referencing Style

Harvard (author-date)

Submission

Online

Submission Instructions

Report must be completed using the provided report template and submitted before the deadline.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

Describe subsidence associated with various mining methods and identify potential impacts on infrastructure and aquifers
Analyse slope instabilities for given situations in surface mining operations
Provide evidence in individual and team-based scenarios of a professional capacity to work, learn, and communicate effectively in oral and written domains.

3 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title

Residential School of Presentation

Task Description

Attend the residential school (26-28 August) and deliver the presentation (28 Aug) based on the residential school tests (27 Aug). There will be a networking session at noon 26 August, supported by BBUGS followed by a guest presentation and an RCOE tour. The schedule will be available from Week 2.

Level of GenAI use

AI Planning: You may use Al for planning, idea development, research and information review. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.

Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Monday (31 Aug 2026) 11:59 pm AEST

Presentation file due to submission after residential week.

Return Date to Students

Week 8 Monday (7 Sept 2026)

Marked report will be returned within 1 weeks of submission

Weighting

10%

Assessment Criteria

Prepare the individual presentation based on the given template and topics.

Deliver the presentation at the end of the residential school.

Submit the presentation slides online.

Referencing Style

Harvard (author-date)

Submission

Online

Submission Instructions

Submit the presentation slides (PDF version) online.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

Provide evidence in individual and team-based scenarios of a professional capacity to work, learn, and communicate effectively in oral and written domains.

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.