courses

3542

Monash University

Postgraduate - Course

Students who commenced study in 2013 should refer to this course entry for direction on the requirements; to check which units are currently available for enrolment, refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course.

print version

This course entry applies to students commencing this course in 2013 and should be read in conjunction with information provided in the 'Faculty information' section of this Handbook by the Faculty of Science

Managing facultyScience
Abbreviated titleMGeoMechHyd
Total credit points required72
Standard duration of study (years)3 years PT
Study mode and locationOff-campus (Gippsland)
Admission, fee and application details http://www.monash.edu/study/coursefinder/course/3542
Contact details

School of Applied Sciences and Engineering: telephone: +61 3 9902 6453; email: scienceinquiries@sci.monash.edu.au; http://gippsland.monash.edu/science/research/gherg

Course coordinator

Dr Susanga Costa

Notes

  • Unit codes that are not linked to their entry in the Handbook are not available for study in the current year.
  • This course is not available to international student visa holders.
  • Part-time study only.

Description

This course provides a response to the growing need for engineers and scientists with expertise in these areas by Australia's surface mining industry and recognises the increasing importance of these skills to mining world-wide.

The course provides students with a thorough understanding of the physical and environmental processes affecting surface mine operation and management and the tools applicable to their analysis. To achieve these aims, the development of appropriate analytical skills and practical knowledge is stressed together with the understanding of the technical issues surrounding mining's impact on soil, rock and groundwater behaviour and the role of groundwater in mine development and operation.

Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  • acquire the underpinning knowledge and skills required for competent application of geomechanical/hydrogeological techniques
  • synthesize and evaluate existing knowledge relevant to their disciplines
  • understand the geomechanical and hydrogeological processes relevant to safe mine development and working
  • plan data collection and monitoring programs to quantify geomechanical and hydrogeological conditions
  • evaluate the risks of mine slope collapse and develop strategies for the minimisation of the risks
  • assess mine impacts on land and groundwater resources
  • communicate arguments effectively to teams and clients and critically evaluate their work and the work of others
  • recognise the importance of whole of life considerations in achieving the best operation of a surface mine
  • understand surface mining operations.

Structure

This course consists of core units.

Requirements

The number of units to be completed will depend on the student's entry qualification.

Entry based on a three-year degree requires completion of a total of 72 credit points (12 units):

  • four units (24 points) from group A
  • eight units (48 points) from group B

Entry based on a four-year degree requires completion of a total of 48 credit points:

  • eight units from group B.

Group A units

  • MGE4101 Geology for engineers
  • MGE4102 Surface water hydrology
  • MGE4103 Soil and rock mechanics
  • MGE4104 Mathematical and statistical methods in geo-engineering
  • MGE4105 Foundation research module 1
  • MGE4106 Foundation research module 2

Group B units

  • MGE5201 Engineering geology
  • MGE5202 Surface mining
  • MGE5203 Geomechanics
  • MGE5204 Geohydrology
  • MGE5301 Slope stability
  • MGE5302 Groundwater assessment
  • MGE5303 Mining process management
  • MGE5304 Research project

Award(s)

Master of Geomechanics and Geohydrology