Mining engineers apply science, geoscience, engineering and technology to the efficient exploration and extraction of minerals from the earth, turning raw materials into valuable products. Minerals are a major component of all manufacturing and construction, and the demand for precious metals and minerals will continue into the future. The other important area for Mining engineers is mining safety, where their knowledge of mine design and practices ensures the safety of workers, efficient extraction, and remediation at the end of a mine's life.
You will study a common first year allowing you to learn more about engineering and its different fields before deciding which discipline to study. The common first year provides you with sound fundamentals in mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, computing, engineering science and communication, mechanics, materials and fluids. You then focus on your chosen major study from second year.
Your degree includes a 12-week hands-on industry placement. You may gain credit for relevant work experience, either in Australia or overseas, by participating in our Professional Options Program.
The Women in Engineering Network (WIEN) provides support for women studying Engineering, including $500 bursaries for high-achieving female students.
Engineers work in a variety of industries, for example: construction, mining, resources, aeronautical, electronics, engineering management, telecommunications, power generation and distribution, renewable energy, aerospace, water resource management, robotics and manufacturing, railroad and shipbuilding.
What you will study:
As an engineering student at UOW you will have access to fully-equipped laboratories and the latest computer-aided software that is used in modern industrial workplaces. Our engineering students are trained through practical learning experiences including:
Laboratory experiments
Problem based learning
Computer simulations
Teamwork assignments
Industrial case studies
Project management
Site visits to industry
Focus is on mining engineering and the design of engineering structures, with emphasis on mining methods, ventilation, environmental engineering, rock mechanics, computer applications, mineral beneficiation, mining economics and industrial management.
From second year you also have the option to complete a double major, combining two engineering disciplines. Available double major combinations include:
Civil Engineering and Mining Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Mining Engineering
Mining Engineering and Environmental Engineering
Mining Engineering and Materials Engineering
The final sessions of the course are professionally oriented with the inclusion of subjects such as mine planning, occupational health and safety aspects of mining, mine water, ocean engineering, geostatistics and the environmental impact of mineral operations.
