MEng Mining Engineering

ENE1011: Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing

Mathematics is at the heart of all Science and Engineering subjects, providing the logical foundations and quantitative tools for modelling and analysis. The modern engineer also leverages the power of computing to solve otherwise intractable problems. This module introduces the fundamental mathematics and scientific computing skills that will underpin engineering applications throughout your programme of study.

You will learn about matrix methods, differential equations, integral transforms and statistics - mathematical tools that are vital for 21st-century engineers. Training in scientific computing with the Python programming language will equip you with powerful modelling and data processing skills - this will mirror mathematical content, building knowledge of specialist packages to implement mathematical methods.

This module aims to provide you with the mathematical tools to tackle modern engineering problems. It will allow you to develop strong quantitative skills, such that mathematical tools become second nature so you can focus directly on engineering challenges and concepts. An important aspect of this is to provide a solid foundation in programming so that it can help you develop new ways of engineering thinking and cutting-edge solutions to ever-changing societal challenges.

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ENE1012: Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project

The University declared an environment and climate emergency in May 2019. The future of our planet and community is at stake. We know though that simply declaring an environment and climate emergency is not enough so you will be part of a team involved in this real-world Project Based Learning (PBL) module to show our commitment to leading the change required. Your career as a professional engineer will require you to work effectively with multi-disciplinary teams on complex and challenging projects. In preparation for this working environment your first task as a new engineering student will be to work on energy recovery systems during this multidisciplinary challenge project.

The PBL driving question is: How can we design innovative energy recovery systems for mining operations?

Your team project will be completed over two terms and PBL will be the vehicle for putting the core knowledge gained in Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics into practice in a collaborative group setting. To support your project work you will undertake workshops in study/research skills, sketching, technical communication, 3D modelling and prototyping. Your group project will culminate in a presentation using both multimedia, 3D modelling and basic physical prototyping such as card modelling, 3D printing, laser cutting or blue foam modelling.

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ENE1014: Fundamentals of Mechanics

This module builds on foundational engineering principles, advancing your understanding of key concepts in Mechanics. Designed as part of a trio of core engineering modules, it provides essential knowledge of mechanics, materials, and electronics, offering a solid foundation for more specialized study. In this module, the focus shifts from classical mechanics to more advanced fundamentals, including hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, and an introduction to dynamics. These topics are crucial for understanding real-world engineering problems, such as the behaviour of fluids in different environments and the forces acting on moving objects. Whether assessing pressure distribution on submerged structures or analysing fluid flow in pipelines, this module equips you with the necessary tools for tackling complex engineering challenges.

The module is structured around flipped learning, where you engage with learning materials and practical questions ahead of interactive tutorial sessions. A continuous assessment approach enables you to self-evaluate throughout the term, providing feedback on your progress and helping to reinforce critical learning.

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ENE1015: Fundamentals of Materials

This module is one of three engineering fundamentals modules that will introduce engineering concepts and theory across the areas of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics and will provide you with a solid grounding on which to build in later modules. In this module we focus on two sub-disciplines, material science and material engineering, with topics spamming from material properties, material structures, material failure and material applications. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object's response to the applied conditions, whether it is the allowed stress level to avoid catastrophic failure of pressurised vessels, or altering material micro- and nanostructures to provide improved ductility, strength, or resistance to fracture. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding basic materials.

You will work through new topics each week with the aid of extensive learning materials, lectures, tutorials, and experimental activities. You will undertake numerous elements of online continuous assessment throughout the module which will allow you to evaluate your understanding of the material and diagnose areas that require further attention. Continuous assessments provide ongoing feedback and support you to actively manage your learning.

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ENE1016: Fundamentals of Electronics

This module takes you into the world of Electronic engineering - a field that covers everything from radio to space flight. In this module you will learn fundamental concepts of charge, current and potential which are the foundation of electrical signals. You will be introduced to the basic electronic components and circuital laws for developing important DC and AC circuits for applications in power supplies, wireless power transfer, signal filters and sensor circuits.

As part of modern electronics, this module also gives you a foundation of semiconductors and semiconductor devices both analogue and digital. You will learn the characteristic and operation of fundamental analogue devices such as diodes, transistors and operational amplifiers and their applications as amplifiers, in power suppliers, device drivers, and sensor circuits (such as temperature and strain). In digital electronics, you will study Boolean algebra and fundamentals of logic gates for the design of combinational and sequential logic circuits and their practical applications in decision making circuits and controllers for industrial applications, counters and timers.

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ENE1017: Fundamentals of Engineering

This module exemplifies the unique approach taken here at Exeter to nurturing the next generation of multidisciplinary engineers. It will introduce engineering concepts and theory across the areas of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics and will provide you with a solid grounding on which to build in later modules.

In this module we focus on two sub-disciplines of materials, material science and material engineering, with topics spamming from material properties, material structures, material failure and material applications. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object's response to the applied conditions, whether it is the allowed stress level to avoid catastrophic failure of pressurised vessels, or altering material micro- and nanostructures to provide improved ductility, strength, or resistance to fracture. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding basic materials.

We also focus on classical mechanics. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object's response to its environment, whether it's the forces imparted by traffic as it traverses a bridge or the forces of lift that allow an aircraft to fly. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding classical mechanics. In this module you will cover foundational mechanics theory.

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CSM2185: Geotechnics

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the geotechnical behaviour of rock and soil materials as applied to engineering design. The course begins with the fundamental principles of engineering geological characterization, progressing through core concepts in introductory soil and rock mechanics. You will combine these foundational elements with empirical design methodologies, serving as a basis for more advanced geotechnical engineering modules in the third year.

On this module, you will have a combination of lectures, collaborative group activities, and hands-on practical sessions. Assessment comprises two core components: (1) a technical report based on the analysis and interpretation of site investigation data, and (2) an exam.

Prerequisites:

Successful completion of first-year modules within the CSM programme or possible direct-entry candidates into the second year.

Relevance and Progression:

You will particularly enjoy this module if you are intending to pursue careers in civil engineering, mining and minerals engineering, geotechnical design for surface and subsurface construction, or environmental geosciences. It offers critical insight into the geological and geomechanical factors underpinning engineering design.

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CSM2324: Resource Cycle and Value Chain

In this module you will explore the mining life cycle: understand how to find a mineral deposit, evaluate it, extract the ore and process it to a saleable product – as well as appreciating the impact that this may have on the environment and communities. Mines are made not found. In order to assess if a mineral deposit is potentially viable to develop into a mine both the mineralisation and the host rocks in which it sits need to be fully characterised. This involves understanding the geological context of the deposit, and a range of methods to investigate the 3d geological setting. The concepts covered will be developed in more detail in subsequent modules but this covers a range of underpinning concepts that will help contextualise these later modules.

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CSM2325: Resource Extraction Methods

Correct mining method selection is vitally important as it impacts multiple aspects of an operation. As a mining engineer the selection of the correct method is a fundamental aspect of your role, being able to balance multiple parameters. You will be introduced to mining methods selection, both surface and underground, and how they are applied to different ore bodies taking into consideration economic, geological and engineering constraints.

Building on the basic knowledge given to you in CSM2324, this module focuses on the development and extraction components of the mining life cycle. This module will give you a detailed overview of the different mining methods used for extraction through both surface and underground mines, and how they are selected based on site and orebody location and geology. This will include shaft sinking and pit development.

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CSM2329: Resource Development

This module will develop your understanding of the development techniques used in surface and underground mining. You will examine the methods of mine transport that may be utilised in both surface and underground operations and extend your understanding of engineering principles in relation to the handling and transport of persons and materials. To develop a mineral resource, it is necessary to understand excavation techniques in detail. This module will also introduce you to the principles of drill and blast design in surface and underground mining operations, including the application of both explosives and machine mining for rock breakage.

This module examines the how a mineral resource is developed in a mine. This includes the methods of mine transport that practitioners may well use in both surface and underground operation. It also aims to extend your understanding of engineering principles in relation to the handling and transport of materials and persons. The module also provides knowledge of the use of explosives in rock breaking, and it gives you an overview of mine development techniques.

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ENE2011: Discipline Group Challenge Project

In this challenge project you will develop your understanding of fundamental surveying techniques. This includes using surveying equipment to make spatial measurements (angles, distances and elevations), as well as the theory and mathematics involved with establishing control networks and use of coordinate systems. As the module advances you will be introduced to how global navigation satellite systems are used in surveying and be introduced to setting out and engineering surveying. You will work within a group to develop your group working skills and undertake practical application of the taught content. Focus will be placed on survey control, detail surveying and the production of an accurate plan of the chosen challenge project.

Through project based learning, this module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques used in engineering and mine surveying. The course covers both surface and underground surveying practices, focusing on their application in the mining industry. Through a combination of lectures covering theory and practical fieldwork, students will gain the necessary skills to undertake both surface and underground surveys, analyse data, and apply it to real-world scenarios. Students will also develop teamwork, communication, and project management skills through group-based assignments.

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CSM3038: Surface Excavation Design

Effective design is critical for the stability and creation of a safe working environment for surface excavations. This module commences with a critical review of input data required for design of surface excavations (building on previous knowledge obtained in the year two module Geotechnics or equivalent).

By taking this module, you will acquire knowledge relating to both geotechnical design-related aspects and blast design of surface excavations. We will follow initial identification of potential slope failure modes with instability analyses and the identification of appropriate stabilisation methods/techniques.

The module is not recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.

This module gives you the specialist analysis and design skills associated with civil, geotechnical, environmental and related industries.  It provides problem-solving skills and offers simulated industrial experience.

Where appropriate, we will use case history information to emphasise important aspects associated with data variability and its influence on design. In addition, we will use design-based assignments to emphasise and consolidate key aspects of hazard appraisal of slope faces and how discontinuity characteristics affect excavation stability and the choice of appropriate stabilisation methods.

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CSM3041: Tunnelling and Excavation Design

Effective design is critical for the stability and creation of a safe working environment for underground excavations. The module commences with a critical review of input data required for design of underground excavations (building on previous knowledge obtained in the year 2 module ‘Geotechnics’ or equivalent). The model investigates factors influencing the design of underground excavations, including both discontinuity and stress-controlled instability. The module is not recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.

The module provides specialist analysis and design skills associated with the tunnelling, underground mining and related industries.  The module provides problem-solving, data-handling and evaluation skills.  The module also provides an opportunity for you to develop an awareness of risk assessment applied to underground excavation design.

Where appropriate, case history information is used to emphasize important aspects associated with data variability and its influence on design.

Computer-based design exercises are used to emphasize and consolidate key aspects of how stress redistribution and discontinuity characteristics affect excavation stability and choice of appropriate stabilization methods.

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CSM3409: Politics, Mining and Sustainable Development

This module covers the vital industry issues of corporate social responsibility, social license to operate, stakeholder engagement, health & safety and political & environmental factors that affect mining decisions. The module explores how environmental impact is measured, monitored and controlled, and what sustainability means in the context of mining. It also explores international and local mining legislation, expectations of local people in mining regions, and the long- and short-term impacts of mining on a local and national scale with a particular focus on the social, economic and environmental impacts of mine closure. The module covers the key aspects of health and safety management that future managers, engineers and scientists will need to know and find useful in their future lives and careers.

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CSM3410: Resource Infrastructure and Mine Services

This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the energy requirements and management within mining operations. It focuses on the efficient use of energy in various mining processes, particularly in ventilation systems, which are critical for maintaining safe and productive environments in underground mines. Key objectives include exploring energy consumption patterns andimplementing energy-saving technologies. Additionally, the course will coverventilation design principles, air quality control all while emphasizing theenvironmental impact of mining activities and strategies to reduce energy waste.

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CSM3411: Mineral Processing, Recycling and Resource Recovery

This module provides you with key knowledge of technologies and processes for mineral processing and hydrometallurgy for a range of important metalliferous and industrial mineral deposits. It will provide you with essential understanding of key processes downstream of ore extraction. The module complements existing knowledge about the sustainable extraction of primary resources. Techniques presented in this module may also be applied to beneficiation and management of secondary resources. You will also develop an understanding of industrial recycling systems and the importance of a sustainable circular economy.

The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, techniques, and technologies used in mineral processing, recycling, and resource recovery. It will emphasize the importance of sustainable practices in resource extraction and waste management, exploring innovative approaches for minimizing environmental impact while optimizing resource utilization. Students will develop the ability to evaluate and design processes that maximize the recovery of valuable materials from both primary and secondary sources, including mining waste and recycling streams.

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CSM3413: Group Project

Working in a mining environment requires excellent team working skills. This module develops the attributes that you will need to become an effective and cooperative member of a group and hence making you a valued employee. This module aims to provide experience of working as part of a project team in a situation close to one that might be found in an industrial or commercial setting.

Using formal project planning methods to plan and manage the progress of a substantial (300 hours work) mining engineering group project, you will gain an appreciation for the challenges faced by every project manager. This is an opportunity to bring together many of the mining engineering skills you have already learned at university.

The module aims to provide you with experience of working as part of a project team in a situation close to one that might be found in a mining context. It will give you the chance to apply the knowledge and skills you have obtained from taught modules and independent learning to a real mining engineering situation at a professional level and as part of a team effort. Furthermore, you will get the opportunity to integrate knowledge gained in several areas of the degree course. Finally, the module will encourage the use of initiative, imagination and creativity applied in the context of a team effort.

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CSMM446: Mine Planning and Project Evaluation

Effective mine design and scheduling are essential for economic success of a mining project. This module covers mine planning, input data for surface and underground mining, geotechnical and economic parameters. You will review current planning practices, mine method selection, cut-off grade determination, and industrial design techniques. The module introduces mine design software for surface and underground excavations. You will undertake a mine design from geological model to financial model. Students will learn how to evaluate both the technical and financial aspects of mining projects, using integrated design and scheduling software and financial models, net present value analysis and other financial evaluation metrics.

This module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the processes, methodologies, and tools used in the planning and evaluation of mining projects. The module provides problem-solving, data-handling and evaluation skills. The module also provides an opportunity for students to develop an awareness of risk assessment applied to underground and surface excavation design. This module gives you specialist analysis and computer-based design skills associated with mining design and scheduling. You will use computer-based tutorials and practical design exercises to emphasise and consolidate key aspects for mine design and scheduling. 

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CSMM447: Mine Closure and Legacy Management

This module addresses the crucial final phase of a mining operation: the process of decommissioning, rehabilitating, and managing the long-term environmental, social, and economic impacts of a mine after its closure. The module provides you with an understanding of the range of legacy impacts that mining may have on society and the environment. It covers vital issues of corporate social responsibility, social license to operate, stakeholder engagement, and political & environmental factors that affect mining decisions.. You will explore international and local mining legislation, expectations of local people in mining regions, and social, economic and environmental impacts of mine closure at a local, regional and national scale.    

This course provides students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to manage mine closure projects, focusing on the development of closure plans, environmental remediation, stakeholder engagement, and the management of mine legacy issues. It emphasizes sustainable practices to minimize adverse effects on ecosystems and local communities while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. You will be introduced to global best practices and case studies of successful mine closure and legacy management projects.

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CSMM448: Individual Investigative Project

The MEng Individual Project module will enable you to put into practice your research, project management and engineering skills, in the investigation of an engineering research question. This is a research focused project that will give you the opportunity to develop a deep level of understanding in a research area of your choice. You will work with engineering academics in their areas of expertise and contribute towards engineering innovation.
Upon selecting of an area of research interest, you will, in collaboration with your research supervisor, develop a research question based on your review and assessment of the existing literature. You will develop a hypothesis and set about designing a programme of research that allows you to test your hypothesis. Projects may range from heavily experimental to purely theoretical or numerical.

You will disseminate your research findings by producing an academic paper and presentation. A goal throughout your project will be the production of publishable work that advances the state of knowledge. Should your work have contributed to the state of knowledge on your chosen topic and be endorsed by your supervisor, your paper will be submitted for publication in an academic journal.

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BEPM010: Circular Economy Management Consultancy Services

This module explores what consultants need to know about the important topic of environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The intention is to equip you with skills and tools to engage in sustainability-oriented consultancy engagement to enable you to critically reflect on the client-consultant relationship. You will be exposed with real-life challenges to learn, experiment, and apply different consultancy frameworks and techniques. You will have opportunities to work on client facing case studies and research-enriched assignments, as well as to practice analysis and problem solving. This will provide opportunities to reflect on the challenges and impact of engaging in sustainable consultancy services. All in all, you will develop an understanding of how management consultants can develop sustainability initiatives which have the potential to shift an organisation from linear to circular and regenerative thinking.

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BEPM011: Environmental Governance

Within this module, we examine the complex interaction between multiple social, political, cultural, economic and ecological factors in the field of environmental governance. We recognise how multiple actors at and between various levels of regulation and modes of governance shape and constrain environmental governance processes and outcomes.

The module emphasises the relationship between conventional state-led environmental protection, private regulation, and new 'hybrid' environmental policy instruments that blur the distinctions between governmental, market and civil society. The module illustrates these ongoing processes using real cases of climate and environmental policy and governance from different low-income to high-income countries.

The aim of this interdisciplinary module is to introduce you to major debates surrounding environmental governance as the process of steering and enabling collective action to manage environmental resources and tackle societal 'grand challenges', such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

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CSMM418: Mine Automation

Mine Automation has begun to revolutionise the ways in which we operate a mining project. This module gives you the opportunity to investigate the various levels of mine automation currently utilised within the industry, along with its rationale. Furthermore, it will examine the current research position of those companies and institutions involved in developing mine automation with the ultimate goal of a ‘personless’ mine.

The purpose of this module is to develop the understanding of Mine Automation and realise the importance of its implication in a mining context. It is designed to engage you in the research that is on-going in these areas in a mining, academic and international context.

This module covers Specific Learning Outcomes in Engineering, which apply to accredited programmes at Bachelors/MEng/Masters level. These contribute to the educational requirements for CEng registration (as defined under the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence – UK-SPEC).

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CSMM444: Soil Mechanics with Mine Tailings Engineering

The course is designed for graduate student sin various branches of engineering that are concerned with the engineering and hydrologic behaviour of earth systems, including geohazards, geotechnical engineering, geological engineering, environmental engineering and mining engineering. The module focuses on tailings dams and embankment dams and includes laboratory analysis to determine the key failure mechanisms of fine-grained material such as mine tailings.

This module will introduce you to the analyses often used in the design of embankment gravity, embedded and reinforced soil retaining walls, simple shallow and pile foundations, the assessment of slope stability and slope stabilisation schemes. It will build on the basic concepts of soil mechanics, and provide a basis for geotechnical design of embankment walls used widely in the mining industry.

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