Curriculum Overview

Mining engineering is concerned with the extraction of minerals and hydrocarbons from the Earth and the processing of these minerals in preparation for further use. The mining engineering program at Dalhousie has the underlying curriculum philosophy that these activities must be carried out in an environmentally sustainable manner to maximize resource recovery and prevent long-term environmental problems. From September, 2004 the undergraduate degree program will be structured to allow students to pursue one of three formal options, depending on their interests and career objectives, as detailed below. Students can also pursue advanced degrees at the Masters and Ph.D. levels. Refer to individual faculty web pages for further details on current research activities.

Undergraduate Options

The undergraduate mining engineering degree is fully accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) which means that graduates will be able to register as Professional Engineers once they have met post-graduation work experience and professional examination requirements. The core degree program covers the basic science and mathematics common to all engineering degrees and discipline-specific material including:

• Mining methods
• Unit operations
• Petroleum drilling and well completions
• Mineral beneficiation
• Mining and structural geology
• Rock mechanics
• Ventilation
• Computer-aided design
• Blasting
• Mineral economics
• Operations research

In the final two academic terms, students can specialize in one of two options: Mining Option (which includes mineral processing) and Petroleum Option. Option-specific coursework is as follows:

1. Mining Option
   • Drainage and dewatering
   • Advanced rock mechanics
   • Mining and Environment
   • Advanced mineral processing

2. Petroleum Option
   • Reservoir engineering
   • Advanced petroleum engineering
   • Enhanced recovery
   • Offshore drilling and production
   In addition, there are a number of technical electives available for students to choose from:
   • Slope stability
   • Mining Engineering project
   • Flotation
   • Measurement and control
   • Environment assessment management
   • Geotechnical Engineering
   • Other approved engineering courses
   Each student will also complete an option-oriented senior design project in their final academic term. This design project is often done in small working groups and, wherever feasible, is done in collaboration with industry.

   After Graduation

   Dalhousie mining engineering graduates have pursued successful careers within the Atlantic Region, throughout all regions in Canada and North America, and overseas. Primary employers have included:

   • Mining companies
   • Petroleum companies
   • Governments
   • Government and industry research facilities
   • Consulting companies
   • Financial institutions

   Salaries and generally amongst the highest reported for graduates from all engineering disciplines and many graduates have risen fairly quickly into positions of senior management and company executives. Some graduates have pursued advanced degrees both at Dalhousie and at other universities, which has prepared them for careers in research, consulting and specialized project management.