University of Alaska Fairbanks

1996-1997 catalog

Degrees and Programs

Mining Engineering

School of Mineral Engineering
Department of Mining and Geological Engineering
(907) 474-7388

Degrees: B.S., M.S., E.M.

Minimum Requirements for Degrees: B.S.: 137 credits; M.S.: 30-36 additional credits; E.M.: thesis and 5 years of experience

In the mining engineering curriculum, particular emphasis is placed upon engineering as it applies to the exploration and development of mineral resources and upon the economics of the business of mining. The program allows the student the choice of technical electives to develop in areas of exploration, mining or mineral beneficiation.

Candidates for the bachelor of science degree in mining engineering will be required to take a comprehensive examination in their general field (completion of the State of Alaska Fundamentals of Engineering examination will satisfy this requirement). The State of Alaska Fundamentals of Engineering is a first step toward registration as professional engineers.

Students may initiate their mining engineering program in Anchorage and transfer to Fairbanks upon completion of their freshman or sophomore year. Such students should be in communication with faculty of the Mining Engineering Department, UAF.

The graduate program leads to the Master of Science degree in mining engineering. The curriculum consists of required and elective coursework as
outlined below. University policies pertaining to graduate study leading to a master's degree apply as approved by the student's advisor and the Mining Engineering faculty.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Mining Engineering B.S. Degree

  1. Complete the general university requirements.
  2. Complete the following degree and program (major) requirements:
    First Year
    Fall Semester (17 Credits)
    ENGL 111X Methods of Written Communications (3)
    MATH 200X Calculus (4)
    CHEM 105X General Chemistry (4)
    MIN 103 Introduction to Mining Engineering (2)
    MIN 104 Mining Safety and Operations Lab (1)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition (3)
    Spring Semester (17 Credits)
    CHEM 106X General Chemistry (4)
    COMM 131X or 141X (3)
    MATH 201X Calculus (4)
    ES 101 Introduction to Engineering (2)
    GE 261 General Geology for Engineers (3)
    LS 101 Library Information and Research (1)
    Second Year
    Fall Semester (17 Credits)
    MATH 202X Calculus (4)
    GEOS 262 Rocks and Minerals* (3)
    PHYS 211 General Physics (4)
    MIN 202 Mine Surveying (3)
    MIN 313 Introduction to Mineral Preparation (3)
    Spring Semester (16 Credits)
    PHYS 212 General Physics (4)
    ES 209 Statics (3)
    ES 201 Computer Techniques (3)
    ENGL 211X or 213X Intermediate Exposition (3)
    MATH 302 Differential Equations (3)
    Third Year
    Fall Semester (16 Credits)
    ES 331 Mechanics of Materials (3)
    ES 341 Fluid Mechanics (4)
    ES 210 Dynamics (3)
    ES 307 Elements of Electrical Engineering (3)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition** (3)
    Spring Semester (18 Credits)
    ES 346 Basic Thermodynamics (3)
    MIN 370 Rock Mechanics (3)
    MIN 301 Mine Plant Design (3)
    MIN 302 Underground Mine Environmental Engineering (3)
    GEOS 332 Ore Deposits and Structure (3)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition (3)
    Fourth Year
    Fall Semester (18 Credits)
    MIN 407 Mine Reclamation and Environmental Management (3)
    MIN 443 Rock Fragmentation (3)
    MIN 445 Design of Surface Mines for Conv. & Arctic Cond. (3)
    MIN 446 Underground Mining Meth. & Their Design (3)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition (6)
    Spring Semester (18 Credits)
    MIN 408 Mineral Valuation and Economics (3)
    MIN 409 Oper. Research & Computer Appl. in Min. Ind. (3)
    MIN 490 Mine Design Project (3)
    Technical Electives1 (6)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition (3)

Notes:

1Students must plan their elective courses in consultation with their mining engineering faculty advisor. Technical electives are selected from the list of the approved technical electives for mining engineering program and other programs course listing. All elective courses must be approved by the department head.

*On alternate years, Perspectives on the Human Condition requirement should be taken.

**On alternate years, GEOS 262 should be substituted.

Recommended Technical Electives for B.S. in Mining Engineering

  1. MIN 472 Ground Control
  2. MIN 447 Placer Mining
  3. MIN 448 Open Pit Mining
  4. GE 440 Slope Stability

At least three out of the six technical elective credits must be taken from the above list of the approved technical electives. The other three credits should be chosen in consultation with the advisor and subject to approval by the department head.

Graduate Degree Requirements

Mining Engineering M.S. Degree

Degree Requirements

  1. Complete UAF degree requirements.
  2. Complete the following program requirements, as approved by the graduate advisory committee; at least 24 credits must be at the 600 level.

    Thesis Option (30 credits)
    Mining Engineering 600-level courses (12)
    Technical electives (11)
    MIN 688-689 Graduate Seminar (1)
    MIN 699 Thesis (6)

    Non-thesis Option (36 credits)
    Mining Engineering courses (12)
    Technical electives (17)
    MIN 688-689 Graduate Seminar (1)
    MIN 698 Research/Project (6)
  3. Total credits requires 30-36