Program Overview

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Programme Overview

The University of Pretoria offers a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree in Mining Engineering, a four-year programme designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the mining industry.

Programme Information

The BEng degree in Mining Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and complies with the academic requirements for registration as a professional engineer. The programme is designed in accordance with the outcomes-based model as required by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes of the BEng degree in Mining Engineering include:

• Engineering problem-solving
• Application of specialist and fundamental knowledge
• Engineering design and synthesis
• Investigation, experimentation, and data analysis
• Engineering methods, skills, tools, and information technology
• Professional and general communication
• Awareness and knowledge of the impact of engineering activity on society and the physical environment
• Work in teams and in multidisciplinary environments
• An awareness and ability for lifelong learning
• An awareness and knowledge of principles of professional ethics and practice
• Awareness and knowledge of engineering management principles and economic decision-making

Learning Contents

The learning contents of the BEng programme in Mining Engineering include six essential knowledge areas:

1. Mathematics, including numerical methods and statistics (13%)
2. Basic sciences: the natural sciences essential to the programme (15%)
3. Engineering sciences (40%)
4. Engineering design and synthesis (16%)
5. Computing and information technology (5%)
6. Complementary studies: communication, economy, management, innovation, environmental impact, ethics, engineering practice (11%)

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the BEng degree in Mining Engineering include:

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualification
• A minimum achievement level of 5 in English Home Language or English First Additional Language
• A minimum achievement level of 6 in Mathematics
• A minimum achievement level of 6 in Physical Sciences
• A minimum APS of 35

Programme Structure

The BEng degree in Mining Engineering is a four-year programme, with a minimum of 595 credits required for completion. The programme includes a range of core modules, including:

• Engineering statistics
• Community-based project
• Programming and information technology
• Dynamics
• Thermodynamics
• Professional and technical communication
• Mining technology
• Experiential training
• Surveying
• Strength of materials

Core Modules

The core modules for the BEng degree in Mining Engineering include:

• BES 220: Engineering statistics
• JCP 203: Community-based project
• MPR 213: Programming and information technology
• MSD 210: Dynamics
• MTX 221: Thermodynamics
• PJJ 210: Professional and technical communication
• PMY 220: Mining technology
• PPY 220: Experiential training
• SUR 220: Surveying
• SWK 210: Strength of materials

Promotion to Next Study Year

Promotion to the next study year is based on the student's academic performance, with a minimum of 70% of the credits required for the current year of study. Students who do not meet the promotion requirements may be required to repeat modules or take additional courses.

Pass with Distinction

To graduate with distinction, students must achieve a weighted average of at least 75% in their final year of study, with no modules repeated in the third or fourth year of study.

Fundamental Modules

The fundamental modules for the BEng degree in Mining Engineering include:

• UPO 112: Academic orientation

Minimum Credits

The minimum credits required for each year of study are:

• Year 1: 151 credits
• Year 2: 153 credits
• Year 3: 153 credits
• Year 4: 138 credits

Geology for Engineering

The module GLY 256: Geology for engineering is a core module in the third year of study, covering the principles of geology and its application to engineering problems.

Mine Evaluation

The module PMW 410: Mine evaluation is a core module in the fourth year of study, covering the principles of mine evaluation and the economic and technical factors that influence mine development.

Mine Operational Risk Management

The module PMY 423: Mine operational risk management is a core module in the fourth year of study, covering the principles of risk management and its application to mine operations.

Mine Design and Research

The module PMZ 422: Mine design and research is a core module in the fourth year of study, covering the principles of mine design and research, and requiring students to complete a research project on a mining-related topic.

Project

The module PSC 411: Project is a core module in the fourth year of study, requiring students to complete a research project on a mining-related topic, under the supervision of a lecturer.

Rock Engineering

The module PSZ 410: Rock engineering is a core module in the fourth year of study, covering the principles of rock mechanics and its application to mining engineering problems.

Engineering Professionalism

The module IPI 410: Engineering professionalism is a core module in the fourth year of study, covering the principles of engineering professionalism, including ethics, communication, and teamwork.

Mine Ventilation Engineering

The module PEE 410: Mine ventilation engineering is a core module in the fourth year of study, covering the principles of mine ventilation engineering, including the design and operation of mine ventilation systems.

Mining

The module PMY 410: Mining is a core module in the fourth year of study, covering the principles of mining, including mine planning, mine development, and mine operations.