Graduate Courses
500-level courses are open to qualified seniors with permission of the department and Dean of the Graduate School. 600-level courses are open only to students enrolled in the Graduate School.
MNGN501. REGULATORY MINING LAWS AND CONTRACTS (I) Basic fundamentals of engineering law, regulations of federal and state laws pertaining to the mineral industry and environment control. Basic concepts of mining contracts. Offered in even numbered years. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate status. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Offered in even years.
MNGN503. MINING TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (I, II) The primary focus of this course is to provide students an understanding of the fundamental principles of sustainability and how they influence the technical components of a mine's life cycle, beginning during project feasibility and extending through operations to closure and site reclamation. Course discussions will address a wide range of traditional engineering topics that have specific relevance and impact to local and regional communities, such as mining methods and systems, mine plant design and layout, mine operations and supervision, resource utilization and cutoff grades, and labor. The course will emphasize the importance of integrating social, political, and economic considerations into technical decision-making and problem solving. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours
MNGN505. ROCK MECHANICS IN MINING (I) The course deals with the rock mechanics aspect of design of mine layouts developed in both underground and surface. Underground mining sections include design of coal and hard rock pillars, mine layout design for tabular and massive ore bodies, assessment of caving characteristics or ore bodies, performance and application of backfill, and phenomenon of rock burst and its alleviation. Surface mining portion covers rock mass characterization, failure modes of slopes excavated in rock masses, probabilistic and deterministic approaches to design of slopes, and remedial measures for slope stability problems. Prerequisite: MN321 or equivalent. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours
MNGN506. DESIGN AND SUPPORT OF UNDERGROUND EXCAVATIONS Design of underground excavations and support. Analysis of stress and rock mass deformations around excavations using analytical and numerical methods. Collections, preparation, and evaluation of in situ and laboratory data for excavation design. Use of rock mass rating systems for site characterization and excavation design. Study of support types and selection of support for underground excavations. Use of numerical models for design of shafts, tunnels and large chambers. Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Offered in odd years.
MNGN507. ADVANCED DRILLING AND BLASTING (I) An advanced study of the theories of rock penetration including percussion, rotary, and rotary percussion drilling. Rock fragmentation including explosives and the theories of blasting rock. Application of theory to drilling and blasting practice at mines, pits, and quarries. Prerequisite: MNGN407. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Offered in odd years.
MNGN508. ADVANCED ROCK MECHANICS Analytical and numerical modeling analysis of stresses and displacements induced around engineering excavations in rock. In-situ stress. Rock failure criteria. Complete load deformation behavior of rocks. Measurement and monitoring techniques in rock mechanics. Principles of design of excavation in rocks. Analytical, numerical modeling and empirical design methods. Probabilistic and deterministic approaches to rock engineering designs. Excavation design examples for shafts, tunnels, large chambers and mine pillars. Seismic loading of structures in rock. Phenomenon of rock burst and its alleviation. Prerequisite: MNGN321 or professor’s consent. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
MNGN510. FUNDAMENTALS OF MINING AND MINERAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Specifically designed for non-majors, the primary focus of this course is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of how mineral resources are found, developed, mined, and ultimately reclaimed. The course will present a wide range of traditional engineering and economic topics related to: exploration and resource characterization, project feasibility, mining methods and systems, mine plant design and layout, mine operations and scheduling, labor, and environmental and safety considerations. The course will emphasize the importance of integrating social (human), political, and environmental issues into technical decision-making and design. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
MNGN511. MINING INVESTIGATIONS (I, II) Investigational problems associated with any important aspect of mining. Choice of problem is arranged between student and instructor. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Lecture, consultation, lab, and assigned reading; 2 to 4 semester hours.
MNGN512. SURFACE MINE DESIGN Analysis of elements of surface mine operation and design of surface mining system components with emphasis on minimization of adverse environmental impact and maximization of efficient use of mineral resources. Ore estimates, unit operations, equipment selection, final pit determinations, short- and long-range planning, road layouts, dump planning, and cost estimation. Prerequisite: MNGN210. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
MNGN513 ADVANCED SURFACE MINE DESIGN (II) This course introduces students to alternative open pit planning and design concepts. Course emphasis is on optimization aspects of open pit mine design. Topics include 3-D ultimate pit limit algorithms and their applications; computer aided haul road and dump designs; heuristic long- and short-term pit scheduling techniques; parametrization concepts; mathematical optimization for sequencing and scheduling; ore control and truck dispatching. Design procedures are illustrated by case studies using various computer programs. Prerequisite: MNGN308, MNGN312, or consent of instructor. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
MNGN514. MINING ROBOTICS (I) Fundamentals of robotics as applied to the mining industry. The focus is on mobile robotic vehicles. Topics covered are mining applications, introduction and history of mobile robotics, sensors, including vision, problems of sensing variations in rock properties, problems of representing human knowledge in control systems, machine condition diagnostics, kinematics, and path finding. Prerequisite: CSCI404 or consent of instructor. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Offered in odd years.
MNGN515. MINE MECHANIZATION AND AUTOMATION This course will provide an in-depth study of the current state of the art and future trends in mine mechanization and mine automation systems for both surface and underground mining, review the infrastructure required to support mine automation, and analyze the potential economic and health and safety benefits. Prerequisite: MNGN312, MNGN314, MNGN316, or consent of instructor. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours. Fall of odd years.
MNGN516. UNDERGROUND MINE DESIGN Selection, design, and development of most suitable underground mining methods based upon the physical and the geological properties of mineral deposits (metallics and nonmetallics), conservation considerations, and associated environmental impacts. Reserve estimates, development and production planning, engineering drawings for development and extraction, underground haulage systems, and cost estimates. Prerequisite: MNGN210. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.
MNGN517. ADVANCED UNDERGROUND MINING (II) Review and evaluation of new developments in advanced underground mining systems to achieve improved productivity and reduced costs. The major topics covered include: mechanical excavation techniques for mine development and production, new haulage and vertical conveyance systems, advanced ground support and roof control methods, mine automation and monitoring, new mining systems and future trends in automated, high productivity mining schemes. Prerequisite: Underground Mine Design (e.g., MNGN314). 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
MNGN518. ADVANCED BULK UNDERGROUND MINING TECHNIQUES This course will provide advanced knowledge and understanding of the current state-of-the-art in design, development, and production in underground hard rock mining using bulk-mining methods. Design and layout of sublevel caving, block caving, open stoping and blasthole stoping systems. Equipment selection, production scheduling, ventilation design, and mining costs. Prerequisites: MNGN314, MNGN516, or consent of instructor. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours. Spring of odd years.
MNGN519. ADVANCED SURFACE COAL MINE DESIGN (II) Review of current manual and computer methods of reserve estimation, mine design, equipment selection, and mine planning and scheduling. Course includes design of a surface coal mine for a given case study and comparison of manual and computer results. Prerequisite: MNGN312, 316, 427. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours. Offered in odd years.
MNGN520. ROCK MECHANICS IN UNDERGROUND COAL MINING (I) Rock mechanics consideration in the design of room-and-pillar, longwall, and shortwall coal mining systems. Evaluation of bump and outburst conditions and remedial measures. Methane drainage systems. Surface subsidence evaluation. Prerequisite: MNGN321. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Offered in odd years.
MNGN422/522. FLOTATION Science and engineering governing the practice of mineral concentration by flotation. Interfacial phenomena, flotation reagents, mineral-reagent interactions, and zeta-potential are covered. Flotation circuit design and evaluation as well as tailings handling are also covered. The course also includes laboratory demonstrations of some fundamental concepts. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
MNGN523. SELECTED TOPICS (I, II) Special topics in mining engineering, incorporating lectures, laboratory work or independent study, depending on needs. This course may be repeated for additional credit only if subject material is different. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. 2 to 4 semester hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.
MNGN525. INTRODUCTION TO NUMERICAL TECHNIQUES IN ROCK MECHANICS (I) Principles of stress and infinitesimal strain analysis are summarized, linear constitutive laws and energy methods are reviewed. Continuous and laminated models of stratified rock masses are introduced. The general concepts of the boundary element and finite element methods are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the boundary element approach with displacement discontinuities, because of its relevance to the modeling of the extraction of tabular mineral bodies and to the mobilization of faults, joints, etc. Several practical problems, selected from rock mechanics and subsidence engineering practices, are treated to demonstrate applications of the techniques. Prerequisite: MNGN321, EGGN320, or equivalent courses, MATH455 or consent of instructor. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Offered in even years.
MNGN526. MODELING AND MEASURING IN GEOMECHANICS (II) Introduction to instruments and instrumentation systems used for making field measurements (stress, convergence, deformation, load, etc.) in geomechanics. Techniques for determining rock mass strength and deformability. Design of field measurement programs. Interpretation of field data. Development of predictive models using field data. Introduction to various numerical techniques (boundary element, finite element, FLAC, etc.) for modeling the behavior of rock structures. Demonstration of concepts using various case studies. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours. Offered in odd years.
MNGN527. THEORY OF PLATES AND SHELLS Classical methods for the analysis of stresses in plate type structure are presented first. The stiffness matrices for plate element will be developed and used in the finite element method of analysis. Membrane and bending stresses in shells are derived. Application of the theory to tunnels, pipes, pressures vessels, and domes, etc., will be included. Prerequisites: EGGN320 or instructor’s consent. 3 hours lecture; 3 credit hours.
MNGN528. MINING GEOLOGY (I) Role of geology and the geologist in the development and production stages of
a mining operation. Topics addressed: mining operation sequence, mine mapping, drilling, sampling, reserve estimation, economic evaluation, permitting, support functions. Field trips, mine mapping, data evaluation, exercises and term project. Prerequisite: GEGN401 or GEGN405 or permission of instructors. 2 hours lecture/seminar, 3 hours laboratory: 3 semester hours. Offered in even years.
MNGN530. INTRODUCTION TO MICRO COMPUTERS IN MINING (I) General overview of the use of PC based micro computers and software applications in the mining industry. Topics include the use of: database, CAD, spreadsheets, computer graphics, data acquisition, and remote communications as applied in the mining industry. Prerequisite: Any course in computer programming. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.
MNGN536. OPERATIONS RESEARCH TECHNIQUES IN THE MINERAL INDUSTRY Analysis of exploration, mining, and metallurgy systems using statistical analysis. Monte Carlo methods, simulation, linear programming, and computer methods. Prerequisite: MNGN433 or consent of instructor. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours. Offered in even years.
MNGN538. GEOSTATISTICAL ORE RESERVE ESTIMATION (I) Introduction to the application and theory of geostatistics in the mining industry. Review of elementary statistics and traditional ore reserve calculation techniques. Presentation of fundamental geostatistical concepts, including: variogram, estimation variance, block variance, kriging, geostatistical simulation. Emphasis on the practical aspects of geostatistical modeling in mining. Prerequisite: MATH323 or equivalent course in statistics; graduate or senior status. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
MNGN539. ADVANCED MINING GEOSTATISTICS (II) Advanced study of the theory and application of geostatistics in mining engineering. Presentation of state-of-the-art geostatistical concepts, including: robust estimation, nonlinear geostatistics, disjunctive kriging, geostatistical simulation, computational aspects. This course includes presentations by many guest lecturers from the mining industry. Emphasis on the development and application of advanced geostatistical techniques to difficult problems in the mining industry today. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Offered in odd years.
MNGN545/445 ROCK SLOPE ENGINEERING Introduction to the analysis and design of slopes excavated in rock. Rock mass classification and strength determinations, geological structural parameters, properties of fracture sets, data collection techniques, hydrological factors, methods of analysis of slope stability, wedge intersections, monitoring and maintenance of final pit slopes, classification of slides. Deterministic and probabilistic approaches in slope design. Remedial measures. Laboratory and field exercise in slope design. Collection of data and specimens in the field for determining physical properties required for slope design. Application of numerical modeling and analytical techniques to slope stability determinations for hard rock and soft rock environments. Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent. 3 hours lecture. 3 hours semester hours.
MNGN549/EGES549. MARINE MINING SYSTEMS (I) Define interdisciplinary marine mining systems and operational requirements for the exploration survey, sea floor mining, hoisting, and transport. Describe and design components of deep-ocean, manganese-nodule mining systems and other marine mineral extraction methods. Analyze dynamics and remote control of the marine mining systems interactions and system components. Describe the current state-of-the-art technology, operational practice, trade-offs of the system design and risk. Prerequisite: EGGN351, EGGN320, GEOC408 or consent of instructor. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Offered alternate even years.
MNGN559/EGES559. MECHANICS OF PARTICULATE MEDIA (1) This course allows students to establish fundamental knowledge of quasi-static and dynamic particle behavior that is beneficial to interdisciplinary material handling processes in the chemical, civil, materials, metallurgy, geophysics, physics, and mining engineering. Issues of interst are the definition of particl size and size distribution, particle shape, nature of packing, quasi-static behavior under different external loading, particle collisions, kinetic theoretical modeling of particulate flows, molecular dynamic simulations, and a brief introduction of solid-fluid two-phase flows. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Fall semesters, every other year.
MNGN550. NEW TECHNIQUES IN MINING (II) Review of various experimental mining procedures, including a critical evaluation of their potential applications. Mining methods covered include deep sea nodule mining, in situ gassification of coal, in situ retorting of oil shale, solution mining of soluble minerals, in situ leaching of metals, geothermal power generation, oil mining, nuclear fragmentation, slope caving, electro-thermal rock penetration and fragmentation. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Offered in even years.
MNGN452/MNGN552. SOLUTION MINING AND PROCESSING OF ORES Theory and application of advanced methods of extracting and processing of minerals, underground or in situ, to recover solutions and concentrates of value-materials, by minimization of the traditional surface processing and disposal of tailings to minimize environmental impacts. Prerequisites: Senior or graduate status; instructor’s consent 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Offered in spring.
MNGN585. MINING ECONOMICS (I) Advanced study in mine valuation with emphasis on revenue and cost aspects. Topics include price and contract consideration in coal, metal and other commodities; mine capital and operating cost estimation and indexing; and other topics of current interest. Prerequisite: MNGN427 or EBGN504 or equivalent. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Offered in even years.
MNGN590. MECHANICAL EXCAVATION IN MINING (II) This course provides a comprehensive review of the existing and emerging mechanical excavation technologies for mine development and production in surface and underground mining. The major topics covered in the course include: history and development of mechanical excavators, theory and principles of mechanical rock fragmentation, design and performance of rock cutting tools, design and operational characteristics of mechanical excavators (e.g. continuous miners, roadheaders, tunnel boring machines, raise drills, shaft borers, impact miners, slotters), applications to mine development and production, performance prediction and geotechnical investigations, costs versus conventional methods, new mine designs for applying mechanical excavators, case histories, future trends and anticipated developments and novel rock fragmentation methods including water jets, lasers, microwaves, electron beams, penetrators, electrical discharge and sonic rock breakers. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate status. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours. Offered in odd years.
MNGN598. SPECIAL TOPICS IN MINING ENGINEERING (I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.
MNGN599. INDEPENDENT STUDY (I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: “Independent Study” form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.
MNGN625. GRADUATE MINING SEMINAR (I, II) Discussions presented by graduate students, staff, and visiting lecturers on research and development topics of general interest. Required of all graduate students in mining engineering every semester during residence. 1 semester hour upon completion of thesis or residence.
MNGN698. SPECIAL TOPICS IN MINING ENGINEERING (I, II) Pilot course or special topics course. Topics chosen from special interests of instructor(s) and student(s). Usually the course is offered only once. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit under different titles.
MNGN699. INDEPENDENT STUDY (I, II) Individual research or special problem projects supervised by a faculty member, also, when a student and instructor agree on a subject matter, content, and credit hours. Prerequisite: “Independent Study” form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. Variable credit; 1 to 6 credit hours. Repeatable for credit.
MNGN700. GRADUATE ENGINEERING REPORT-MASTER OF ENGINEERING (I, II) Laboratory, field, and library work for the Master of Engineering report under supervision of the student’s advisory committee. Required of candidates for the degree of Master of Engineering. Variable 1 to 6 hours. Repeatable for credit to a maximum of 6 hours.
MNGN705 GRADUATE RESEARCH CREDIT: MASTER OF SCIENCE Research credit hours required for completion of the degree Master of Science - thesis. Research must be carried out under the direct supervision of the graduate student’s faculty advisor. Repeatable for credit.
MNGN706 GRADUATE RESEARCH CREDIT: DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Research credit hours required for completion of the degree Doctor of Philosophy. Research must be carried out under direct supervision of the graduate student’s faculty advisor. Repeatable for credit.
GOGN501. SITE INVESTIGATION AND CHARACTERIZATION An applications oriented course covering: geological data collection, geophysical methods for site investigation; hydrological data collection; materials properties determination; and various engineering classification systems. Presentation of data in a format suitable for subsequent engineering design will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Introductory courses in geology, rock mechanics, and soil mechanics. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
GOGN502. SOLID MECHANICS APPLIED TO ROCKS An introduction to the deformation and failure of rocks and rock masses and to the flow of groundwater. Principles of displacement, strain and stress, together with the equations
of equilibrium are discussed. Elastic and plastic constitutive laws, with and without time dependence, are introduced. Concepts of strain hardening and softening are summarized. Energy principles, energy changes caused by underground excavations, stable and unstable equilibria are defined. Failure criteria for intact rock and rock masses are explained. Principles of numerical techniques are discussed and illustrated. Basic laws and modeling of groundwater flows are introduced. Prerequisite: Introductory Rock Mechanics. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
GOGN503. CHARACTERIZATION AND MODELING LABORATORY An applications oriented course covering: Advanced rock testing procedures; dynamic rock properties determination; on-site measurements; and various rock mass modeling approaches. Presentation of data in a format suitable for subsequent engineering design will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Introductory courses in geology, rock mechanics, and soil mechanics. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
GOGN504. SURFACE STRUCTURES IN EARTH MATERIALS Principles involved in the design and construction of surface structures involving earth materials. Slopes and cuts. Retaining walls. Tailing dams. Leach dumps. Foundations. Piles and piers. Extensive use of case examples. Prerequisites: GOGN501, GOGN502, GOGN503. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
GOGN505. UNDERGROUND EXCAVATION IN ROCK Components of stress, stress distributions, underground excavation failure mechanisms, optimum orientation and shape of excavations, excavation stability, excavation support design, ground treatment and rock pre-reinforcement, drill and blast excavations, mechanical excavation, material haulage, ventilation and power supply, labor requirements and training, scheduling and costing of underground excavations, and case histories. Prerequisites: GOGN501, GOGN502, GOGN503. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
GOGN506. EXCAVATION PROJECT MANAGEMENT Normal project initiation, design procedures, project financing, permitting and environmental impacts, preparation of plans and specifications, contract award, notice to proceed and legal requirements. Construction alternatives, contract types, standard contract language, bidding and estimating and contract awarding procedures. Construction inspection and control methods and completion procedures. Conflict resolution, administrative redress, arbitration and litigation. Time and tonnage based incentive programs. The role of experts. Prerequisite: College-level in Microeconomics or Engineering Economy. Degree in Engineering. 2 hours lecture; 2 semester hours.
GOGN625. GEO-ENGINEERING SEMINAR Discussions presented by graduate students, staff, and visiting lectures on research and development topics of general interest. Required of all graduate students in Geo-Engineering every semester, during residence. Prerequisite: Enrollment in Geo-Engineering Program. 1 semester hour upon completion of thesis or residence.