Bachelor of Engineering Honours Degree in Mining Engineering (HMINE)
| Degree Profile of Bachelor of Engineering Honours Degree in Mining Engineering (HMINE) | |
| Institution: | Midlands State University |
| Type of Degree: | Honours (5 years) |
| Credit Load: | 684 credits |
| Level: | SADC-QF – 8 |
| Accreditation Organisation(s): | Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education |
| Period of reference: | Accredited by ZIMCHE in TBA |
| Purpose of the Programme |
| To develop knowledge, skills and competences in the field of Mining Engineering relevant to various entrepreneurial and employment possibilities in Zimbabwe and other mining economies in the region, Africa and abroad. To prepare students for higher degree studies within the minerals field, and to be able to achieve top level environmental stewardship in sustainable exploitation of mineral resources. |
| Entry Requirements |
| Normal Entry: 5 O-Levels including English Language and Physics; two ‘A’ level passes including Mathematics and Physics, or Mathematics and Chemistry.Special Entry: Refer to Section 3.2 of the General Academic Regulations
Mature Entry: Refer to Section 3.3 of the General Academic Regulations Visiting School: Rrecognised diplomas in Mining, Geology, Metallurgy, Mine Surveying, Metallurgical Assaying or other equivalents may be considered.
|
| Programme Characteristics | |
| Areas of Study: | Engineering principles, minerals beneficiation, surface and underground mining practices and strategies for different deposits, minerals legislation, engineering geology, geological processes and deposits, planning and design of mines, ventilation and environmental engineering of subsurface plus surface environments, geotechnical engineering, assessment of minerals projects and feasibility, mineral resources management practices, safe and and professional ethics and practice. |
| Specialist Focus: | Development, operation and technical assessment of minerals projects. |
| Orientation: | Strong hands-on components, including laboratory and on-site activities. A special emphasis on efficient computer-aided methodologies. |
| Distinctive Features: | The programme focuses on production of practically orientated engineers who are able to create wealth, achieve sustainable economic development and empowerment of society through application of sound theoretical foundations. |
| Career Opportunities and Further Education | |
| Employability: | Employment and entrepreneurships in mining and minerals projects at all levels including top management and research. Opportunities for graduates with the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Degree in Mining Engineering exist in quarrying, tunneling and mining among many possible areas. Mining engineering graduates find employment as tunneling engineers, explosives engineers, mine planning engineers, mining superintendents, mine managers, rock mechanic engineers, scheduling engineers, mine ventilation and refrigeration engineers, earth moving specialists, consultants, chief executive officers and investment analysts among many opportunities. Some graduates engage in their own ventures. |
| Further Studies: | Master’s and doctoral studies applied to the minerals industry. |
| Programme Delivery | |
| Teaching and Learning Methods: | Lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes, seminars, group work, hands on site-based learning, mine visits, work-related learning, research projects, and independent study. |
| Assessment Methods: | Written examinations, tests, laboratory reports, field reports, seminar presentations, work-related learning report, project reports, and continuous assessments. |
| Programme Competences |
| Generic:· Multidisciplinarity: Ability to draw appropriately from multiple academic disciplines to define and solve problems based on understanding of complex phenomena
· Quantitative and innovative reasoning: Capability to draw on big data and use analytics for informed decision making and strive to seek new ways of doing things · Communication skills: Ability to communicate effectively and to present information orally and in writing and using ICTs to both expert and non-expert audiences · Analysis and synthesis: Capacity for analysis and synthesis using logical arguments and proven facts. · Ethical commitment: Professional integrity and awareness of impact of science and technology on society and the environment · Entrepreneurial skills: Capability to identify and create new business ventures based on knowledge and new thinking paradigms |
| Discipline specific:· Deep knowledge: Ability to analyse minerals project and production phenomena in terms of underlying principles and knowledge and by means of appropriate research and technological methods
· Production skills: Ability to design and implement minerals projects practices and tools for a competitive and profitable mining industry · Technology development skills: Ability to develop new technologies across the mining value chain with a view to enhance production efficiencies and outputs · Problem-solving skills: Ability to solve a wide range of problems in minerals projects by identifying their fundamental aspects and using both theoretical and experimental methods · Analytical and computational skills: Ability to use data to analyse minerals phenomena and trends using appropriate ITC packages |
| Intended Learning Outcomes |
| A graduate of this programme can:· demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mining engineering principles and practices in formation of mineral deposits, identification of mineral deposits, assess viability of minerals projects, build projects, maintain projects, operate and sustainably abandon minerals projects
· collect and synthesise multiple minerals project data sets to make interpretations that account for scientific uncertainty · effectively communicate and disseminate findings of investigations · manage time and other resources efficiently and effectively in executing minerals project tasks · effectively deploy appropriate technologies to collect and interpret minerals project data as part of a scientific investigation. · independently acquire and utilise new minerals project knowledge from a diversity of sources. · use appropriate research methods to create new insights into minerals projects. · Develop new minerals project practices and technologies that enhance efficiencies and outputs of the mining industry · Create new business ventures in the mining industry · Mitigate risks of mining near surface, deeply buried deposits and deposits in other environments safely handling any adverse operating conditions · Plan, design and operate safe and viable minerals projects · Evaluate and assess viability of minerals projects · Acceptably initiate projects in synch with the economic, social and environmental framework existing where mineral deposits happen to occur · Assess environmental impacts of mining and acceptably manage, rehabilitate and reclaim mining properties · Apply remediation measures to counter hazards due to mining activity |
| PROGRAMME STRUCTURE* denotes core module | |||
| Code | Module Description | Pre-requisites | Credits |
| Level 1 Semester 1 | |||
| *HMINE111 | Engineering Drawing | 12 | |
| *HMTE101 | Engineering Mathematics I | 12 | |
| HMINE112 | Physics for Engineering | 12 | |
| HMINE113 | Chemistry for Engineering | 12 | |
| CS101 | Communication Skills | 12 | |
| HCS101 | Introduction to Computers and Computer Applications | 12 | |
| *HMINE 114 | Fundamentals of Geology | 12 | |
| *HMINE115 | Workshop Practice | 12 | |
| Level 1 Semester 2 | |||
| *HMINE120 | Engineering Mechanics I | 12 | |
| *HMINE 121 | Mining Geology | HMINE114 | 12 |
| *HMINE 122 | Surface Mining | 12 | |
| HMETE120 | Materials Science | 12 | |
| HMINE124 | Computer Programming | 12 | |
| HMINE125 | Electrical Principles | HMINE112 | 12 |
| *HMTE102 | Engineering Mathematics II | HMINE101 | 12 |
| Level 2 Semester 1 | |||
| HMINE 210 | GIS and Remote Sensing | 12 | |
| *HMINE211 | Fluid Mechanics | 12 | |
| *HMINE212 | Mine Surveying | 12 | |
| *HMINE213 | Mineral Beneficiation | 12 | |
| *HMTE 201 | Engineering Mathematics III | HMTE101 | 12 |
| GS 201 | Introduction to Gender Studies | 12 | |
| ENT 205 Entrepreneurship | 12 | ||
| Level 2 Semester 2 | |||
| *HMINE 220 | Thermodynamics | 12 | |
| *HMINE 221 | Engineering Mechanics II | HMINE 120 | 12 |
| *HMINE 222 | Underground Mining | 12 | |
| *HMINE 223 | Ventilation Engineering | HMINE220 | 12 |
| HMINE 224 | Mine Machinery and Materials Handling | HMETE120HMINE125 | 12 |
| *HMTE 202 | Engineering Mathematics IV | HMTE102 | 12 |
| LEVEL 3 SEMESTER 1 | |||
| HMINE 310 | Statistical Ore Evaluation | HMTE202 | 12 |
| *HMINE 311 | Engineering Geology | HMINE114 | 12 |
| HMINE312 | Safety, Health and Environment | 12 | |
| *HMINE 313 | Mine Planning and Design | 12 | |
| HMINE 314 | Research Methods and Technical Writing | 12 | |
| *HMINE315 | Mining Law | 12 | |
| LEVEL 3 SEMESTER 2 | |||
| HMINE 321 | Database Management and Modeling | 12 | |
| HMINE 322 | Small Scale Mining | 12 | |
| *HMINE323 | Geotechnical Engineering | 12 | |
| *HMINE 324 | Third Year Project | HMINE314 | 12 |
| LEVEL 4 SEMESTER 1 and 2: Work-Related Learning | |||
| *HMINE 401 | Work Related Learning Report | 45 | |
| *HMINE 402 | Academic Supervisor’s Report | 45 | |
| *HMINE 403 | Employer’s Assessment Report | 30 | |
|
LEVEL 5 SEMESTER 1 |
|||
| HMINE 511 | Fuels and Energy | 12 | |
| HMINE 513 | Technological Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 12 | |
| *HMINE 515 | Engineering and Mineral Economics | 12 | |
| *HMINE 516 | Professional Ethics, Practice and Engineering Management | 12 | |
| LEVEL 5 SEMESTER 2 | |||
| *HMINE 521 | Mineral Resources Management | 12 | |
| *HMINE 523 | Dissertation | 36 | |
LEVEL 1 SEMESTER 1
HMINE111 Engineering Drawing
This module covers: Use of drawing instruments and lettering; Drawing standards and conventions; Projection methods; Engineering graphics; Measurement of areas; Introduction to CAD and Machine drawing; Sectional views; ISO conventions in sectioning; Elementary assembly drawing.
HMTE 101 Engineering Mathematics I
Calculus in One Variable; Differentiation and Integration; Functions of Several Variables; Multiple Integrals; Sequences and Series; Complex Numbers.
HMINE 112 Physics for Engineering
The module covers fundamentals concepts of electrical and magnetic energy; Electrostatics and electric fields; Capacitance and Dielectrics; Magnetic circuits; Electromagnetism; Electromagnetic induction; Magnetic field; Electromagnetic induction, conservation of energy; lateral and volumetric expansion; laws of thermodynamics; ideal gas laws, equilibrium of forces; simple beams and trusses; shear force diagrams and bending moment diagrams; simple stress and strain.
HMINE113Chemistry for Engineering
Chemistry for Engineering covers basic concepts of physical, organic, analytical and inorganic chemistry; Experiments involving mole concept, stoichiometry, percent composition and empirical formula determination; Synthesis, analysis, purification and separation techniques; Reactions of functional groups in hydrocarbons and industrially relevant analytical techniques.
CS 101 Communication Skills
Introduction to communication; Pre-writing skills; Writing skills; Whole essay construction; Scientific and technical writing; Reflective, critical and evaluative thinking; Teamwork skills.
HMINE 101 Introduction to computers and computer programming
Concepts of computer technology and practical use of computers; Computing software, Computer communications; Computer Aided Drawing; Computer systems organization; Numbersystems; Legal and ethical considerations; Security; Use of the Internet to develop research skills
HMINE 114 Fundamentals of Geology
This module provides a general introduction to the field of geology and examines earth materials, processes and products. Practical examination of rocks and minerals will be undertaken in the field and laboratory.
HMINE 115 Workshop Practice
The module covers: Bench fitting; Measuring instruments; Forging; Wood working; Metalforming; Foundrypractice; Safety and care.
LEVEL 1 SEMESTER 2
HMINE 120 Engineering Mechanics I
Covered in this module are: General Principles; Force Vectors; Equilibrium of a Particle; Force System Resultants;Work; Energy; Power; Momentum; Friction; Equilibrium of a Rigid Body; Structural Analysis; Friction; Center of Gravity and Centroid; Moments of Inertia; Virtual Work; Hydraulics.
HMINE 121 Mining Geology
Building on Fundamentals of Geology (HMINE 114), this module covers the theory and practice of: ore deposit geology, mineral exploration (including geophysics) and hydrogeology. The module winds up by introducing students to the mining engineering and metallurgical concepts. Practical aspects are covered via laboratory work, mine visits and fieldwork.
HMETE120 Materials Science
The module introduces the subject of materials science. The following areas are also covered: Structure of atoms; Crystal structures; Monocrystalline structures; Imperfections in Solids; Mechanical Properties; Failure Analysis; Corrosion.
HMINE122 Surface Mining
This module covers: Surface mining of mineral deposits; Ore body modelling; Surface mining Economics; Pit optimisation; Surface mining equipment selection and economics; Environmental impact and rehabilitation; Drilling and blasting in surface mining.
HMINE124 Computer Programming
Programming in BASIC, PASCAL, C, C++ and Visual Basic; Conditional and repetitive statements; Input and output; Simple functions; Program structure and organization; Introduction to classes and objects.
HMINE 125 Electrical Principles
The module covers: Fundamentals of Electric Circuits; Resistive Network Analysis;AC Network Analysis;Transient Analysis; Frequency Response and System Concepts.
HMTE 102 Engineering Mathematics II
Ordinary Differential Equations; Fourier analysis; Laplace Transforms; Z Transforms.
LEVEL 2 SEMESTER 1
HMINE210 GIS and Remote Sensing
This module provides students with critical understanding of the theory and practice of GIS and Remote Sensing techniques within the field of applications in geology, mining and environmental sciences and disaster management.
HMINE 211 Fluid Mechanics
Fluid mechanics; Introduction and fluid statics; General fluid motion; Descriptive treatment of boundary layer concepts; Conservation of mass and energy; Flow through pipes and open channels; Steady uniform flow in a rectangular open channel.
HMINE 212 Mine Surveying
Classification of surveys; Levelling; Theodolite applications; Total station; Optical Distance Measurement (ODM); Electromagnetic Distance Measurement(EDM); Astronomy.
HMINE 213 Mineral Beneficiation
This module covers: Unit operations in mineral processing;Communition; Screening; Concentration; Dewatering; Tailings disposal; Metallurgical accounting; Simulations of mineral beneficiation.
HMTE 201 Engineering Mathematics III
Introduction to numerical methods for solving problems in mathematics, science and finance; Computer arithmetic and rounding errors; Numerical methods for root-finding; Polynomial interpolation and splines; Solution for linear algebraic equations; Numerical integration and differentiation; Numerical integration of ODEs; Euler and second order;Runge-Kutta methods.
GS 201 Introduction to Gender Studies
This module covers: Gender sensitivity; Genderinequalities; Historical development of gender issues; Genderanalysis; Gender issues in Zimbabwe; Redressing gender imbalances; Empowerment and strategies for gender responsive environment.
ENT 205 Entrepreneurship
Business development; Marketing; Human resources management pricing; Government policies; Taxation of business; Case studies based on site visits; Preparation of a business plan.
LEVEL 2 SEMESTER 2
HMINE 220 Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics concepts; System and cycles; Ideal and real gases; Energy conversion in engines; Psychometric; Refrigeration systems; Introduction to heat transfer; Introduction to mass transfer.
HMINE 221 Engineering Mechanics II
Stress and strain; Combined torsion and bending stress; Continuous beams; Stiffness matrix and nodal force vector; Three dimensional Stress; Computer analysis; Lagrangian formulation method; Hamiltonian method; D’Alambert’s principle; Rotating coordinate system;Analysis and design of structures.
HMINE 222 Underground Mining
Ore characterization;Classification and Estimation of ore reserves;Sampling; Underground drilling and blasting; Mine planning and optimisation; Mining methods; Underground mining economics; Computerised mine design and planning; Tonnage and grade reconciliation.
HMINE 223 Ventilation Engineering
Mine ventilation requirements; Types of ventilation for mines; Thermodynamics of ventilation; Fans and fan theory; Software applications; Psychrometry and heat management; physiological human response to mine atmospheres; Ventilation and refrigeration planning.
HMINE 224Mine Machinery and Materials Handling
Machine applications in mining processes; Classification of equipmentaccording to usage; Transport and hoisting systems; Haulage systems; Mine drainage and dewatering pumps; Hard-rock tunnelling machines and raise borers; Compressed air applications.
HMTE 202Engineering Mathematics IV
The module covers the following statistical concepts: Correlation and regression, Scatterplots, Correlation matrix. Residuals and transformations; Outliers; Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients, Predictions; Regression in terms of sums of squares and sums of products; Estimation and testing; t and F-tests; Multiple linear regression; Matrices in simple and multiple linear regression; Testing and inference in multiple linear regression using matrices; Partial correlation; Analysis of variance (ANOVA).
LEVEL 3 SEMESTER 1
HMINE 310 Statistical Ore Evaluations
Definition of ore reserves; Classical statistics; Normal and lognormal distributions; Confidence on mean and variance; Grade tonnage calculations; Correlations and least squares regression; Multi-variable regression; Trend surfaces; Hypothesis tests;Geostatistics; Declaration of mineral resources and reserves; Audit trail and Auditing of Ore Resource and Ore Reserve Statements.
HMINE 311 Engineering Geology
Engineering classification and properties of rocks, rock masses,regolith and soils; Engineering geology in the built environment;Geological mapping; Site investigations;Geo-hazards;Predictive andmitigation techniques for geohazards.
HMINE 312 Safety, Health and Environment
Integrated environmental, quality, safety and health management systems; History of safety concerns and their management in the mining industry; Applicable legislation; Site investigation guidelines; Hazards; Psychology and acceptability of risk; Probability theory and its application to risk; Natural hazards risk assessment and management; Human impacts; Mine rescue; Local and international Case studies.
HMINE 313 Mine Planning and Design
Software applications in mine design; Mining planning and design principles and method; Principles of Project Management; Mine optimisation; Regulatory environment; Site closure/environmental design; Capital and operating costs.
HMINE 314 Research Methods and Technical Writing
Technical research and report writing skills; Dissertationwriting; Work-based report writing; Writing for publications such as books, journals and magazines; Scientific research method and ethical writing; Correct citation of published works.
HMINE 315 Mining Law
Mining legislation; Impact on the mining industry and its stakeholders; Mine health and safety; Environmental Impacts; Exploration; Extraction; Duty of care; Safety management systems; Risk management; Legislation in developing countries; Industrial law issues.
LEVEL 3 SEMESTER 2
HMINE 321 Database Management and Modelling
Database management systems; Digitising; Contouring;Volume and tonnage calculation; Numerical methods; Stress field modelling around excavations;Rocks, rock masses and ore body modelling; Practical numerical modelling project; Software Packages in mine design.
HMINE 322Small Scale Mining
Definitions and scope; Global distribution; Target minerals; Traditional technologies and practices; Environmental issues; Legal aspects; Innovative mining and mineral technologies for the sector; Case studies; Small scale mining as a business; Entrepreneurial opportunities in small scale mining; Best practices in small-scale mining.
HMINE323Geotechnical Engineering
Background of rock mass classification methods; Rock mass classification systems; Application of classification methods in excavation stability; Geo-mechanical principles; Behaviour and engineering properties of intact rock and rock masses; Geo-mechanical instability mechanism in excavations; Design and analysis of excavations;Estimation of support requirementsin surface and sub-surface excavations;Strata control project.
HMINE 324 Third Year Project
Practical research projects undertaken to show understanding of the mining environment and technological advances under guided topic selection and project execution; Practical mining industry site visits, reports and presentations to be undertaken.
LEVEL 4 SEMESTER 1 and 2
HMINE 401 Work Related Learning Report
HMINE 402 Academic Supervisor’s Report
HMINE 403 Employer’s Assessment Report
LEVEL 5 SEMESTER 1
HMINE 511 Fuels and Energy
Fossil fuels and electrochemical engineering; Geological occurrence of fossil fuels; Extraction of fossil fuels; Clean coal technologies; Electrolytes;Design of electro-synthesis; Electro-recovery of metals; Energy generation of batteries and fuel cells.
HMINE 513 Technological Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Technological Entrepreneurship; developing a business plan and the maximum utilization of the financial, marketing and human resources; Case studies.
HMINE515Engineering and Mineral Economics
Micro-economics; Macro-Economics; Banks and their role in the economy; Employment and inflation; Project evaluation; Sensitivity and risk analysis techniques; Project planning; cost estimation and control; Commodity marketing;Price stabilization and control;Capital estimates in mineral projects; Cash flow estimates and budgeting over project cycles; Project funding and impacts; Project financing; Sensitivity and risk analysis plus simulation; Organisation and management of projects; Feasibility studies; Project control.
HMINE 516 Professional Ethics,Practice and Engineering Management
Professionalism; professional ethics and social responsibility; Professional practices, partnerships and client relationships; National and International associations and societies in the industry; Continuous Professional Development;Professional practice legislation;Engineering Management in Enterprises; Project Management; Capital Project Economics; Breakeven Point; Structure Responsibility Charts; Modern Trends- Intranet; Virtual Teams; Strategic Partnering; ASP’s; Quality Assurance and Management; Operational research.
LEVEL 5 SEMESTER 2
HMINE 521 Mineral Resources Management
Use of ore body models; Business objectives and business planning; Models, systems and optimization; Feasibility study considerations; Operationsresearch; Decision tree and fault tree analysis; Monte Carlo simulation methods; statistical analysis and probability theory.
HMINE 523 Dissertation
The project should be relevant to the mining industry and it is recommended that data and current information from an industrial source should be used.