Online Courses Handbook 2003

301202 v.3 Master of Engineering Science (Mine Planning and Design)

MEngSc(Curtin)

Introduction
All successful mining operations are based on a carefully considered and documented mine planning and design process that continues unabated throughout the life of the mine. This process requires a number of skills that combine practical experience, common sense and judgement with highly developed engineering and economic evaluation expertise. Consequently, the principal objective of this course in Mine Planning and Design is to provide an advanced understanding of, and to endow practising professionals with, the intellectual processes, concepts methodologies and tools that are necessary to design and plan safe and efficient mining operations.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
The minimum entry requirements for this course are as follows - An honours degree in the first or second class designated as Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science (Engineering)) in Mining Engineering, Mining Geology or Mineral Resource Engineering; or the Curtin Graduate Diploma of Mining Engineering; and at least one year of professional experience in the mining industry; or an ordinary (pass) degree designated as Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science (Engineering) in Mining Engineering, Mining Geology or Mineral Resource Engineering; or a four year degree (honours equivalent) in geological engineering, geology, civil engineering, engineering geology, surveying or other relevant field from a recognised university; and at least two years of professional experience in the mining industry. All prospective students should consult the Senior Academic in Mining Engineering regarding eligibility for admission.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability
This fee paying course is two to two and a half years part-time study. The changing nature of this industry and relevance of units requires that students complete this course within four years. The mode 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 fifth and final session has been set aside for design project completion. Only eight short course units will be offered in a calendar year.

Intermediate Awards
A student who has successfully completed all the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Mine Planning and Design may apply under exceptional circumstance provisions for graduation in that award subject to approval of the Senior Academic. For further definition refer to the Intermediate Awards Heading under General Information.

Course Organisation
This course has been designed to suit candidates with different professional backgrounds. For example, candidates with strong technical qualifications and skills in mining engineering may elect to take most of their options from the list of Mineral Economics units. Alternatively, candidates from background disciplines other than mining engineering, or mining engineers, who wish to enhance their existing engineering skills, may elect to take most of their options from the list of Mining Engineering units.

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Summer Period

301210 v.2 WASM Applied Mining Geostatistics and Resource Estimation 601 25.0 12.5

307319 v.1 WASM Mining Equipment Selection 601 24.0 12.5

307320 v.1 WASM Underground Mine Planning and Design 601 50.0 25.0

50.0

Year 1 Short Period 6

301234 v.2 WASM Mining Systems Engineering 601 25.0 12.5

301235 v.2 WASM Risk Analysis in Mine Planning 601 25.0 12.5

307318 v.1 WASM Open Pit Mine Planning and Design 601 50.0 25.0

50.0

Year 2 Summer Period

10940 v.3 WASM Resource Sector Finance 601 16.0 12.5

306031 v.1 WASM Resource Sector Finance 602 32.0 25.0

SELECT 1 OPTION 12.5

50.0

Year 2 Full Year

301288 v.3 WASM Mine Planning and Design Project 601 120.0 75.0

75.0

Year 2 Short Period 6

SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0

25.0

Optional Units to Select From in Year 2 Hrs/Wk Credits

10750 v.5 * WASM Rockmass Characterisation 601 25.0 12.5

10751 v.5 * WASM Blast Engineering 603 25.0 12.5

10753 v.5 * WASM Engineering Rock Mechanics 601 25.0 12.5

10759 v.4 * WASM Numerical Modelling 603 25.0 12.5

10760 v.5 * WASM Mine Seismicity 603 25.0 12.5

10761 v.4 * WASM Underground Rock Engineering 604 24.0 12.5

10762 v.5 * WASM Rock Support and Reinforcement 603 25.0 12.5

10763 v.5 * WASM Rock Slope Engineering 602 25.0 12.5

10939 v.4 # WASM Natural Resources Economics 601 32.0 25.0

10943 v.3 # WASM Cost and Capital Investment Estimation 602 16.0 12.5

10946 v.3 # WASM Socioeconomic Impacts 601 16.0 12.5

10947 v.3 # WASM Mineral Market Analysis 601 32.0 25.0

10948 v.3 # WASM Resource Sector Management 602 16.0 12.5

11908 v.3 * WASM Mine Backfill 603 25.0 12.5

13005 v.2 # WASM International Resource Competitiveness 601 16.0 12.5

306032 v.1 # WASM Resource Sector Management 601 32.0 25.0

# Optional Mineral Economics Units

* Optional Mining Engineering Units

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