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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.

314644 v.1 Mining Major (BSc Science)


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.


The discipline of Mining major deals with the application of scientific methods initially to establish the economic viability of mineral deposits, and subsequently to plan and develop surface and underground mining operations for safe and economic exploitation of the mineral resources. Mining specialists work with the mining engineers in developing and implementing mine plans, as well as conducting safe and efficient mine production operations. The students with sufficient background in mathematics and other sciences, along with strong communication skills pursue a successful career as mining specialists.



Major/Stream Entry and Completion Details

The Mining major requires WACE Mathematics 3C/3D and WACE Physics 3A/3B or WACE Chemistry 3A/3B.



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. Third year is only available at the Kalgoorlie Campus.



Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 2 Semester 1
11310 v.5   Geology 111 5.0 25.0
303138 v.4   Mining and Metallurgy 231 4.0 25.0
11555 v.3   Thermofluids 251 5.0 25.0
311691 v.1   Mathematics and Statistics 231 4.0 25.0
  OR  
7492 v.5   Mathematics 104 5.0 25.0
  OR  
10926 v.5   Mathematics 103 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
311694 v.1   Resource and Structural Geology 212 4.0 25.0
303146 v.2   Mechanics of Solids 232 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
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
303154 v.4   Mining Geomechanics 331 6.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
310055 v.2   Mine Ventilation 332 4.0 25.0
309995 v.2   Mine Planning 332 4.0 25.0
303150 v.3   Rock Breakage 332 4.0 25.0
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




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