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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2011

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2011.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2010.

301202 v.5 Master of Engineering Science (Mine Planning and Design)

MEngSc(Curtin)

This course is not available to International Onshore Students on Student Visas

Introduction

This course provides graduates in mining or mining related fields an advanced understanding of the intellectual processes, concepts, methodologies and tools that are necessary to design and plan safe and efficient mining operations. It is designed especially for graduates currently working within the mining industry who wish to significantly upgrade their knowledge in mine planning and design with a view to furthering their careers in this field. Accordingly, this course is offered as a part-time, block-release, full-fee paying course.

Course Entry Requirements/prerequisites

A four year Bachelors degree with honours in mining engineering or a Graduate Certificate in Mine Planning and Design. Students with lesser qualifications will be directed to enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Mine Planning and Design. All Prospective students are advised to consult the Course Coordinator/Head of Postgraduate Studies regarding eligibility for admission.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis. Up to 50 credits are given to those who have completed tertiary education in a related field of education depending on the relevance.

Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is two and a half years to three years part-time study. The changing nature of this industry and relevance of units requires that students complete this course within four years. The majority of study is modular or block release where students undertake a series of units over an intensive three to four weeks period. Four teaching sessions, each of three to four weeks duration, are required and the final session has been set aside for design project completion. Only eight short course units will be offered in a calendar year.

Intermediate Awards 1

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate award(s) approved for this course are:

Intermediate Awards

Graduate Certificate in Mine Planning and Design.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for the Mine Planning and Design Engineers include in-house specialists in mining companies, consultants, academics, researchers, and technical specialists in mine supply organisations. Graduates can expect to obtain employment within the mining industry or to further their current career within the mining industry.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Study Period 1
301210 v.3   Applied Mining Geostatistics and Resource Estimation 601 25.0 12.5
307319 v.2   Mining Equipment Selection 601 24.0 12.5
307320 v.2   Underground Mine Planning and Design 601 50.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 1 Semester 1
11357 v.3 #   Minerals Special Unit 611 10.0 50.0
  50.0
Year 1 Study Period 6
301234 v.3   Mining Systems Engineering 601 25.0 12.5
301235 v.3   Risk Analysis in Mine Planning 601 25.0 12.5
307318 v.2   Open Pit Mine Planning and Design 601 50.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 2 Study Period 1
10940 v.4   Resource Sector Finance 601 16.0 12.5
306031 v.3   Resource Sector Finance 602 32.0 25.0
  37.5
Year 2 Study Period 6
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  25.0
Year 3 Semester 1
11363 v.3   Mining Project 611 10.0 50.0
  50.0
Year 3 Semester 2
11366 v.3   Minerals Project 614 4.0 25.0
  25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 2 Study Period 6 Hrs/Wk Credit
10750 v.6   Rockmass Characterisation 601 25.0 12.5
10751 v.6   Blast Engineering 603 25.0 12.5
10753 v.6   Engineering Rock Mechanics 601 25.0 12.5
10759 v.5   Numerical Modelling 603 25.0 12.5
10760 v.6   Mine Seismicity 603 25.0 12.5
10761 v.5   Underground Rock Engineering 604 24.0 12.5
10762 v.6   Rock Support and Reinforcement 603 25.0 12.5
10763 v.6   Rock Slope Engineering 602 25.0 12.5
10939 v.6   Natural Resources Economics 601 32.0 25.0
10946 v.4   Socioeconomic Impacts 601 16.0 12.5
10947 v.5   Mineral Market Analysis 601 32.0 25.0
11908 v.4   Mine Backfill 603 25.0 12.5
306032 v.3   Resource Sector Management 601 32.0 25.0

#    Choose equivalent unit, see academic coordinator.