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Undergraduate Program
The undergraduate curriculum provides a strong foundation in science (chemistry, physics, and geology), math, and engineering science and includes basic engineering principles and fundamentals in applied engineering design concepts. Junior and senior courses provide concentrated studies in the mechanics and control of earth materials; mineral explorations, evaluation, and economics; environmental issues; and the design and operation of surface and underground mines.
Engineering design is introduced in courses covering surface and underground mining, ventilation, mineral processing, equipment selection, drilling and blasting, soil and rock mechanics, engineering aspects of surface and ground water, and geomechanics. Instruction in environmental aspects of project development and mineral production includes mine permitting and reclamation as well as legal and regulatory issues in the use of natural resources.
A large-scale design project is undertaken in the senior year. The project integrates
engineering principles and design in one of three areas: economic evaluation and
exploration for mineral properties, design and planning of mining projects, the planning
and implementation of geotechnical construction projects such as a solid waste landfill,
tailings impoundment, earth dam, and structures, or the control of blasting vibrations
through carefully designed drilling and blasting.