307502 v.1 Bachelor of Engineering (Minerals Engineering), Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)

Introduction

This double degree provides the knowledge and skills to become professional chemists in analytical, research and industrial laboratories and prepares for professional work in the minerals industry, which includes involvement in plant design, plant development, metallurgical plant operations and control, management and research. Involvement with colleagues in mining engineering and geology, places students in a favourable position for advancement in the mineral industry.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

TEE Chemistry, Applicable Maths and Calculus. Students will normally be expected to have attained a higher tertiary entrance rank than is required for both single degrees.

Specific Requirements

It is mandatory that the student undertake 12 weeks of relevant practical experience during the course. A First Aid Certificate is required at the completion of the course and prior to graduation.

Recognition of Prior Learning

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

Duration and Availability

This course is five years full-time or equivalent part-time study.

Course Organisation

The course is a five year program with students based for the first two years at the Bentley Campus, the third and fourth year are delivered at the Kalgoorlie Campus and the fifth year at Bentley. The first two years of the course comprises a core of chemistry and minerals engineering units, with additional topics in geology and statistical methods. The third year consists of further topics in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy along with chemistry and a research project. In years three and four, students undertake the core units of mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, process design, management units, process control and a metallurgy research project. In year five, engineering and chemistry units are undertaken, including achemistry research project on the Bentley campus. In some circumstances, it may be possible for students to undertake the fourth and fifth year in reverse order if desired.

Professional Recognition

The degrees in Applied Chemistry and Minerals Engineering are recognised by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and the Australasian Institute for Mining and Metallurgy as fulfilling the academic requirements for graduate membership. On obtaining the necessary professional experience, graduates will qualify for admission to higher levels of membership of those professional bodies.The Minerals Engineering degree (single degree) is accredited by the Institution of Engineers.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are readily accepted into the minerals industry as professionals in metallurgical plant operations and world wide as graduate metallurgists and minerals engineers. Many mining companies operate internationally and opportunities exist for international placement. With experience in operations minerals, engineers are also able to work in consulting and design companies servicing the minerals industry. For those graduates interested in research, postgraduate opportunities exist leading to research positions in private or public organisations or universities. Graduates will also have the skills and knowledge to become professional chemists in analytical, research and industrial laboratories.

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. Some costs are required for associated field trips. A requirement for graduation is the successful completion of a Senior First Aid certificate which participants are expected to pay.

Special Note

Students transferring from the existing Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), Bachelor of Science (Extractive Metallurgy) double degree are not entitled to graduate on completion of this double degree from the Bachelor of Science (Extractive Metallurgy). Students who commenced the Chemistry component within another program prior to and who are continuing in this double degree program from 2003 have the choice to graduate with either a Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry) or Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) award subject to approval by the Head of School.

Availability

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.