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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.

180706 v.8 Graduate Diploma in Mining

GradDipMine(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 003967J
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1 Year


Course Overview

Graduate diplomas prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.


This course is designed for those outside the discipline of mining engineering who wish to become knowledgeable in the specialist skills of the mining industry and in particular become familiar with mining engineering methods. It prepares students for positions in the mining inustry, both operational and management, in both open-pit and underground work and partially satisfies the entry requirements for the postgraduate Master of Engineering Science (Mining) study.


Career Opportunities

Career paths for the graduate diploma holders may include underground and/or open pit mining engineers, quarry managers, and other senior management positions once the necessary experience is gained. Graduates may obtain employment within these sectors or to further their current careers in mining engineering.


Additional Course Expenses

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



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Applicants generally require a bachelor degree or graduate certificate.


Specifically, applicants require a bachelor degree in applied geology or civil/geological/geotechnical engineering from a recognised institution. Some industrial experience is preferred. Candidates with a bachelor degree in surveying or mechanical/metallurgical engineering and relevant industrial experience will be considered on a case by case basis.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for Credit for Recognised Learning are not considered within this course.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to some master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Graduate diplomas contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study.


Students will study 200 credits of core units encompassing the key aspects of mining engineering skills and knowledge, across the breadth of the industry, including mineral exploration, mine planning, design, engineering, optimisation and management of mining operations.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply scientific, engineering and technological principles 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

This course is one year full-time or equivalent part-time study. This course can be studied externally.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Kalgoorlie Campus Semester 1   Y   Y  
2014 Kalgoorlie Campus Study Period 7   Y   Y  
2014 Kalgoorlie Campus Semester 2   Y   Y  

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
11715 v.4   Mineral Processing 601 12.5
11716 v.4   Mineral Exploration 601 8.5 12.5
304961 v.4   Applied Geomechanics for Mining 531 5.0 25.0
310885 v.3   Mining Methods and Processes 531 5.0 25.0
311548 v.1   Mine Asset Management and Services 431 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
12585 v.5   Mine Systems Engineering 532 4.0 25.0
304803 v.4   Rock Excavation Technology 532 4.0 25.0
304959 v.4   Underground Mine Ventilation 532 4.0 25.0
310887 v.2   Mine Design and Optimisation 532 4.0 25.0
  100.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Science and Engineering on telephone (08) 9266 4600, email ssse@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://scieng.curtin.edu.au


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.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.