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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

314515 v.1 Mining Engineering Major (BEng)


Major/Stream Overview

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.


Mining engineers are responsible for the planning, design, and operation of a mine. Management of underground mines is restricted to mining engineering graduates. These courses provide a comprehensive knowledge in a broad range of science and technology, including geology, surveying, electrical, civil and mechanical engineering, computing and environmental science, particularly those aspects concerned with conservation of the environment, health and safety, ventilation, pollution and management of people and resources.


Professional Recognition

The Bachelor of Engineering is recognised by the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and is accredited by Engineers Australia. After a set period of practical experience in the industry, graduates can apply to the Department of Mines and Petroleum in Western Australia to sit for examinations, qualifying them for various statutory Certificates of Competency (First Class Mine Manager and Underground Supervisor, Quarry Manager).


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other vital study materials, including a personal computer. Some costs are required for associated field trips and completion of a Senior First Aid certificate.



Major/Stream Entry and Completion Details

Specifically, applicants require TEE Applicable Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry OR At least three of the following four: Mathematics 3C/3D, Mathematics :Specialist 3C/3D, Physics 3A/3B and Chemistry 3A/3B. Engineering Studies 3A/3B is desirable.


Specific Course Completion Details

During the course students are required to obtain a minimum of 12 weeks of approved industrial experience. A written report and a seminar must be presented based on this experience.


Course Entry/Completion Note

Well qualified applicants lacking prerequisites may still be considered. The Enabling Course in Science and Engineering may be used as a pathway into the science course in mining and science students may transfer to engineering after satisfactory performance during their first year at university. Two intakes are offered each year for domestic students, in February and July, but because availability of some units is limited to specific semesters those students commencing mid-year might need to study part-time for one or more semesters and usually will not be able to complete the major within the expected time to complete. There is February intake only for International students. For more information, please contact the WA School of Mines for enrolment assistance. A certificate of successful completion of an approved course in first aid is required before the degree will be awarded.



Major/Stream Organisation

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply scientific, engineering and technological principle to mine development projects

2. think critically and creatively to generate innovative solutions and apply logical and rational processes to analyse mine feasibility studies

3. access, evaluate and synthesise mine planning and design information from multiple sources

4. communicate in ways appropriate to the discipline of mining engineering, using the written word and oral presentations

5. apply information technologies and mining software tools to conduct mine feasibility studies

6. demonstrate responsibility and self learning skills by applying critical reflection and being proactive

7. describe mining in the global environment and apply best practice standards in mining methods and technologies

8. demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in professional life

9. work in accordance with professional standards and demonstrate responsibility towards the broader community; work in teams


Duration and Availability

Two intakes are offered each year for domestic students, in February and July, but because availability of some units is limited to specific semesters those students commencing mid-year might need to study part-time for one or more semesters and usually will not be able to complete the major within the expected time to complete. There is February intake only for International students. For more information, please contact the WA School of Mines for enrolment assistance.



Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 2 Semester 1
11310 v.5   Geology 111 5.0 25.0
11555 v.3   Thermofluids 251 5.0 25.0
303138 v.4   Mining and Metallurgy 231 4.0 25.0
311691 v.1   Mathematics and Statistics 231 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
303146 v.2   Mechanics of Solids 232 4.0 25.0
311694 v.1   Resource and Structural Geology 212 4.0 25.0
314508 v.1   Metallurgical Processes and Materials Handling 252 4.0 25.0
314509 v.1   Mine Surveying and Geographic Information Systems 240 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
303154 v.4   Mining Geomechanics 331 6.0 25.0
309994 v.2   Mining Systems 331 5.0 25.0
310052 v.3   Socio-Environmental Aspects of Mining 331 4.0 25.0
311881 v.1   Resource Estimation 331 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
303150 v.3   Rock Breakage 332 4.0 25.0
309995 v.2   Mine Planning 332 4.0 25.0
310000 v.2   Surface Mining Systems 432 4.0 25.0
  OR  
309996 v.2   Underground Mining Systems 332 4.0 25.0
310055 v.2   Mine Ventilation 332 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 4 Semester 1
309990 v.2   Mining Research Project 431 2.0 25.0
309997 v.3   Hard Rock Mine Design and Feasibility 431 2.0 25.0
312185 v.1   Mine Geotechnical Engineering 431 4.0 25.0
310176 v.2   Advanced Mine Ventilation 431 5.0 25.0
  OR  
311548 v.1   Mine Asset Management and Services 431 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 4 Semester 2
309989 v.2   Mining Research Project 432 2.0 25.0
309999 v.3   Coal Mine Design and Feasibility 432 4.0 25.0
310056 v.3   Mine Management 432 4.0 25.0
309998 v.2   Advanced Mine Geotechnical Engineering 431 4.0 25.0
  OR  
309996 v.2   Underground Mining Systems 332 4.0 25.0
  OR  
310000 v.2   Surface Mining Systems 432 4.0 25.0
  100.0



Further Information

Students are not permitted to enrol in any fourth year units if they still have first year units to complete. For further information contact the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) on freecall telephone: 1800 688 377, email: wasmadmin@curtin.edu.au or visit our website: http://www.wasm.curtin.edu.au.





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