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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.

314514 v.1 Metallurgical 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.


Metallurgical engineering requires a sound knowledge and understanding of scientific principles especially chemistry as well as engineering principles, particularly process and minerals engineering. They also need to be skilful managers. Metallurgical engineers are responsible for the design, development, optimisation and management of metallurgical processing plants. As such, they are key professionals in the minerals and mining industry.


Professional Recognition

This has been accredited by the Institution of Engineers, Australia and recognised by The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials. Students may require a laboratory coat.


Course Overview Note

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.



Major/Stream Entry and Completion Details

Specifically, applicants require TEE Applicable Mathematics and Chemistry with either Calculus or Physics.OR at least three out of the following four: Mathematics 3C/3D, Mathematics Specialist 3C/3D, Physics 3A/3B and Chemistry 3A/3B. Engineering Studies 3A/3B is desirable. 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 Extractive Metallurgy and science students may transfer to engineering after satisfactory performance at university.


Specific Course Completion Details

In order to be adequately trained as a professional engineer, it is mandatory that the student undertake 12 weeks of relevant practical experience during the course. This is usuallly undertaken as a paid student engineer employment during the summer months.


Course Entry/Completion Note

Completion of First Aid Certificate is a requirement for graduation.



Major/Stream Organisation

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply scientific and engineering principles to metallurgical process development including sound risk management, environmental and OHS practice

2. think critically and creatively to generate innovative solutions and apply logical and rational processes to analyse metallurgical technology practice

3. access, evaluate and synthesise metallurgical information from multiple sources

4. communicate in ways appropriate to the discipline of minerals engineering and metallurgy

5. use and apply technologies, recognising their advantages and limitations when applied to minerals and metallurgical information

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

7. describe and apply international best practice standards in minerals engineering and metallurgical methods and technologies

8. demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in professional life

9. work ethically and professionally, both within a team and independently


Duration and Availability

4 years' full-time study or equivalent part-time. The first year of this course is only offered at the Bentley campus. The final two years are available only at the Kalgoorlie campus.


Course Organisation Note

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



Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 2 Semester 1
303138 v.4   Mining and Metallurgy 231 4.0 25.0
11310 v.5   Geology 111 5.0 25.0
311691 v.1   Mathematics and Statistics 231 4.0 25.0
11555 v.3   Thermofluids 251 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
310137 v.4   Process Mineralogy 252 5.0 25.0
314508 v.1   Metallurgical Processes and Materials Handling 252 4.0 25.0
311694 v.1   Resource and Structural Geology 212 5.0 25.0
303146 v.2   Mechanics of Solids 232 4.0 25.0
  OR  
314509 v.1   Mine Surveying and Geographic Information Systems 240 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
310538 v.2   Process Control 353 4.0 25.0
11972 v.3   Metallurgical Thermodynamics 351 3.0 12.5
303116 v.2   Mineral Processing 351 6.0 25.0
11971 v.3   Metallurgical Chemistry 351 5.0 25.0
314511 v.1   Metallurgical Laboratory Techniques 351 4.0 12.5
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
303117 v.2   Mineral Processing 352 7.0 25.0
11974 v.4   Hydrometallurgy 352 5.0 25.0
310056 v.3   Mine Management 432 4.0 25.0
303126 v.2   Pyrometallurgy 352 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 4 Semester 1
12519 v.3   Minerals Engineering 451 4.0 25.0
12521 v.5   Metallurgical Engineering Research Project 451 10.5 25.0
303119 v.2   Process Engineering 451 4.0 25.0
310052 v.3   Socio-Environmental Aspects of Mining 331 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 4 Semester 2
311206 v.3   Metallurgical Process Design 456 6.0 50.0
303130 v.4   Metallurgical Engineering Research Project 452 20.0 50.0
  100.0



Further Information

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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