Program Assessment
The mining engineering curriculum in West Virginia University is designed to give graduates a broad background in mining engineering practice and to prepare them to become professional engineers. Students are prepared for positions in operations, mine development, mine design, construction, sales and management of mines.
A comprehensive background in basic sciences and mathematics, are scheduled during the first two years, and humanities courses are spread accross the four years curriculum at WVU. The Student Chapter of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, Inc. and the faculty arrange mine, plant, and vendor tours that demonstrate state-of-the-art mining technology, engineering practice, equipment automation and robotics applications, data collection and control, safety and mineral processing. Practical work on mine subsystem design as well as communication skills are incorporated into all mining engineering courses.
The senior courses introduce students to the actual practice of mining engineering. A comprehensive mine design project provides the core for the senior year. Class work emphasizes synthesis of geologic data into mapping information that can be used to design a conceptual mine, complete economic analysis on the design over its life cycle, and evaluate the results. Professional practice and ethics are emphasized. Oral and written technical communication skills, that is the ability to speak, write and make presentations in front of groups, as well as personal communications ability, are required at all levels.
     
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