Graduate Certificate in Geomechanics/Rock Mechanics
If you’re currently working in a mining or geological engineering industry and are seeking to develop specialized skills in rock mass behavior and properties, the online Graduate Certificate in Geomechanics/Rock Mechanics is an ideal solution. The program, offered entirely online, provides in-depth insight into geological engineering and mining principles shaped and taught by experts in the industry and leading faculty.
As a student, you’ll examine the core technical and scientific principles that guide safe, geotechnical design and evaluation, gaining the competencies needed to navigate the excavation process. You’ll closely explore aspects of underground construction and stability analysis, learning to harvest raw materials while eliminating the hazards of subterranean ventures. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue an elective course in the area of study that interests you most, with topics ranging from mine ventilation and soil assessment to earth pressure theories.
The program is shaped by industry leaders to offer a relevant, rigorous exploration of advanced concepts in geological engineering. The curriculum is presented through interactive learning materials and projects, which makes the program a convenient means of professional development for those working full-time.
Beyond that, should you decide to pursue the Master of Engineering in Mining and Geological Engineering after graduation, all the units of credit completed through the certificate can be transferred.
Curriculum
Required Courses (12 units)
MNE 527 Geomechanics (3)
Mechanical behavior of rock and rock masses; response to load changes: deformations, failure, discontinuity slip; in situational stress state; rock testing; geomechanical classifications; engineering applications: slopes, pillars, tunnels, dam foundations; reinforcement design. Graduate-level requirements include either a research project or a research paper at the discretion of the instructor.
MNE 580 Rock Fracture Mechanics(3)
Fracture mechanics theory applied to the deformation and failure of rock; numerical techniques; micromechanical damage models; flow through fractures; the mechanics of faulting and earthquake rupture.
MNE 547 Underground Construction Geomechanics (3)
Geomechanical aspects of underground excavation in rock. Empirical and mechanistic stability evaluation and design. Graduate-level requirements include an independent design/analysis project. Course Requisites: Knowledge of geomechanics or consent of instructor.
MNE 515 Rock Excavation (3)
Methods of excavation of rock in surface and underground mines and construction, ranging from the empiricism of conventional blasting practice to the application of the fundamental mechanics of rock fracture. Graduate-level requirements include a research project. Course Requisites: Knowledge of rock mechanics or consent of instructor.
Elective Courses (3 units)
You can also choose an elective course with the approval of the program advisor. Examples of electives include:
CE 540 Soils Foundation Engineering (3)
Settlement and bearing capacity of shallow and deep foundations; beam on elastic foundation; design of footings and pile foundations; foundations on metastable soils; the use of computer codes for foundation problems. Graduate-level requirements include the development of computer codes for the solution of specified foundation problems or an in-depth research paper on a specific aspect of foundation engineering.
CE 541 Earth Structures (3)
Stability analysis for earth slopes, including planar, circular piecewise-linear, and composite-surface methods: analyses for static and steady-flow conditions; earth pressure theories and calculations for generalized conditions; design of rigid and flexible retaining structures; design of braced and tie-back shoring systems; design of reinforced earth walls; computer-aided analysis and design. Graduate-level requirements include a research paper and/or a comprehensive design project.
consent of department.
MNE 576 Mine Ventilation (3)
Determination of quality and quantity of respirable air in mining operations. Thermodynamics of mine ventilation and design of ventilation systems. Governing regulations and environmental consideration. Computer Applications, Laboratory work and Intensive Field Trip. Graduate-level requirements include two additional homework assignments, an individual project to complete and additional questions on exams.
MNE 909 Project (1-3)
The project or independent study must be appropriate to the student’s plan of study, and is subject to the approval, in advance, by the student’s advisory committee.
Course substitutions or changes in electives are allowed with the approval of the program advisor.
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