Mining Geology (2023)
1. Programme Title:Mining Geology |
NQF Level: |
7 |
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2. Description of the Programme (as in the Business Approval Form) |
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This programme is designed to provide advanced specialised training for earth science graduates, leading to excellent employment opportunities in the extractive industry. Taught modules are presented over two semesters and individual projects are undertaken throughout the summer vacation, often as industrial placements with a mining/exploration company. The programme will add important knowledge and skill sets to deliver qualified geologists to work in the national and international exploration and mining sectors and provide transferable skills for use in the broader geotechnical/construction/environmental industry sectors. |
3. Educational Aims of the Programme |
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The programme aims to produce competent and confident professional geoscientists who can practise effectively as Mining Geologists, working in the metalliferous ores or industrial minerals sectors, having acquired advanced skills and knowledge in the formation, discovery, extraction, processing and environment impact of the Earth’s mineral resources. The MSc graduate is able to apply the acquired skills to enable our essential solid earth materials to be extracted in an efficient, safe and sustainable manner consistent with the modern needs of industry and the 21st Century requirement for minimising environmental impact, both in short and long terms. Although the aim of the programme is vocational, it also provides advanced training in many subject specific and generic skills needed for further postgraduate research, such as literature reviews, work with and evaluation of datasets and the production of scientific reports. In addition, the programme develops transferable skills sought by employers, including project management and planning, presentational skills, verbal and written communication, and teamwork. |
4. Programme Structure |
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Your MSc Mining Geology programme is a (1) year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level (7) (as confirmed against the FHEQ. The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work. |
5. Programme Modules |
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The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/
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Stage 1
Code | Title | Credits | Compulsory | NonCondonable |
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CSMM047 | Research Project and Dissertation | 60 | Yes | Yes |
CSMM083 | Resource Estimation | 15 | Yes | No |
CSMM195 | Ore Deposit Geology | 15 | Yes | No |
CSMM110 | Techniques in Mining Geology | 30 | Yes | No |
CSMM130 | Excavation and Geomechanics | 15 | Yes | No |
CSMM222 | Decision-making for Engineers and Scientists | 15 | Yes | No |
CSMM135 | Economics, Processing & Environment | 15 | Yes | No |
CSMM904 | CSM Professionalism MSc | 0 | Yes | Yes |
Choose 15 credits of optional modules: | ||||
CSMM220 | Mining the Future | 15 | No | No |
CSMM185 | Soil and Water Contamination | 15 | No | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning & Assessment Methods |
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On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be accommodated & facilitated by the following learning & teaching and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |||
A Specialised Subject Skills & Knowledge
Subject knowledge and understanding of:
18. Have knowledge of the major types of industrial rocks and minerals, with the ability to relate their geology, mineralogy and properties to their uses. | Learning & Teaching Activities
Material is introduced by lectures and directed reading/research and students are given very clear guidance in how to manage their learning. Understanding is developed and consolidated by laboratory and private study exercises, carried out individually and in groups, both self-assessed and tutor marked to provide rapid feedback. Project work is used extensively to integrate material and make knowledge functional. | |||
Assessment Methods
Direct assessment is through several formal written examinations, both open and closed book, and marked coursework in the form of problem sheets, laboratory reports, reports/essays, a group project and poster based on directed reading and research. The research project is assessed by the supervisor, independent member of staff and the external examiner. | ||||
B Academic Discipline Core Skills & Knowledge
Intellectual (thinking) skills – able to: | Learning & Teaching ActivitiesAll core skills are integrated into each module, and are developed steadily throughout the year. 1, 5 and 6 are especially relevant to the major research project and dissertation. 6 is further developed whilst the student seeks out his/her research project. | |||
Assessment MethodsAnalytical and intellectual skills are assessed within all modules through formal written examinations, both open and closed book, and marked coursework in the form of problem sheets, research reports etc. A professional diary and portfolio of work is prepared as part of the assessment process. This reinforces skill 5. A strong focus of the coursework is placed on report writing, i.e. the description, interpretation, evaluation and discussion of data provided or generated. Most modules (CSMM047, 110, 185 and 083) are coursework/ report-heavy aiming to practise and implement these transferrable academic skills. In addition, a focus of assignments is placed on the critical evaluation and discussion of data and results. This will be reflected by a substantial part of the overall focus, effort and mark dedicated to the discussion section. | ||||
C Personal / Transferable / Employment Skills & Knowledge
1. Communicate effectively and persuasively using the full range of currently available methods. | Learning & Teaching Activities1-5 are acquired through aspects of all modules. 3 is further acquired through group projects, which involve a single report or poster. 1 forms part of the process of the student seeking out a project for the Research Project and Dissertation module, as it involves direct communication with professionals in the mining industry. 5 and 6 likewise are important components of the Research Project and Dissertation. 2 is taught through negotiating with the students and applying deadlines on projects. | |||
Assessment MethodsAssessment of key skills is mostly through written and oral presentations, and through project work. All are assessed as part of the Research Project and Dissertation. 2, in particular, is assessed in several assignments and the Research Project by introduction of a time management KPI of 10% of the overall mark. |
7. Programme Regulations |
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Credit
The MCSM award will depend on successful attendance and passing of the CSMM904 Professionalism module. Full details of PGT programmes assessment regulations can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website. Generic marking criteria are also published here. Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance. |
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning |
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Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff. |
10. Admission Criteria |
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All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience. Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.
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11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards |
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Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures. The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
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12. Indicators of Quality and Standards |
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Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
The MSc Mining Geology programme is accredited by the Geological Society. A degree in an accredited programme will normally qualify the holder for admission to Fellowship of the Society and for the award of Chartered Geologist (CGeol) or Chartered Scientist (CSci) status after a specified period of professional development and relevant experience. Accredited status provides added assurance to prospective students that a department teaching is of the highest quality, and has been approved by an independent body of academics and industrialists. See www.geolsoc.org.uk for further information.
Accreditation is awarded for a maximum of 6 years under each assessment exercise. The dates applicable to the current accreditation of this degree programme can be viewed on the Geological Society list of accredited degrees: www.geolsoc.org.uk.
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14 | Awarding Institution | University of Exeter | |
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15 | Lead College / Teaching Institution | College of Engineering, Mathematics & Physical Sciences, Camborne School of Mines | |
16 | Partner College / Institution | ||
17 | Programme accredited/validated by | Natural Environment Research Council | |
18 | Final Award(s) | MSc | |
19 | UCAS Code (UG programmes) | C49W | |
20 | NQF Level of Final Awards(s): | 7 | |
21 | Credit (CATS and ECTS) | 180 credits (90 ECTS) | |
22 | QAA Subject Benchmarking Group (UG and PGT programmes) | Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies |
23 | Origin Date | February 8th 2023 | Last Date of Revision: | February 8th 2023 |
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