PrintSyllabus: MNG 230 Spring 2020
Welcome to Introduction to Mining Engineering
This syllabus is divided into several sections. It is essential that you read the entire document as well as the material covered in the Course Orientation. Together, these serve as our course "contract."
Instructor
Dr. Sekhar Bhattacharyya
Associate Teaching Professor
Mining Engineering Program Chair
John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering
126A Hosler Building
College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University
- Phone: 814-863-7606
- Email: sxb1029@psu.edu Please use the course email system.
- Office Hours: Upon Request
Course Overview
This course introduces students to the practice of mining engineering and the roles and responsibilities of mining engineers in contemporary society. The economic importance of mined commodities is described, and the life cycle of a mine from resource discovery to mine reclamation is examined. The selection of a mining method, the engineering-design parameters that define the mine, and the design and analysis of the unit operations are studied in detail. This course provides students with an understanding of the mining industry and the methods used to produce mineral products, and it provides a foundation for more advanced courses in mining systems design and analysis.
Prerequisites: None.
Course Objectives & Outcomes
When you successfully complete this course, you will be prepared to:
- characterize the minerals industry and describe the commonly mined minerals, their use, the mining regions where these minerals are extracted, and the life cycle of a mine;
- calculate resource estimates using deterministic techniques;
- demonstrate an understanding of the unit and auxiliary operations used in mining;
- design safe and efficient blast rounds that satisfy both regulatory constraints and production goals;
- demonstrate an understanding of the process to move from a viable resource to an active mining operation, and articulate the factors that affect decisions to conduct a feasibility study and to move forward with the development of the mining operation.
- select a mining method based on an understanding of the factors that affect this decision;
- describe in words and drawings the surface and underground mining methods, and the relative advantages and disadvantages of each; and
- recommend specific actions to improve the sustainability of mining operations.
Expectations
On average, most students spend eight to ten hours per week working on course assignments. Your workload may be more or less depending on your study habits.
I have worked hard to make this the most effective and convenient educational experience possible. The Internet may still be a novel learning environment for you, but in one sense it is no different from a traditional college class: how much and how well you learn is ultimately up to you. You will succeed if you are diligent about keeping up with the class schedule and if you take advantage of opportunities to communicate with me as well as with your fellow students.
This class will meet virtually via Zoom on Tuesdays from 1:35 pm to 2:50 pm (EST). No other technology required. Exams will be proctored.
Specific learning objectives for each lesson and project are detailed within each lesson. The class schedule is in Canvas (the course management system used for this course).
Required Course Materials
Required textbook
Hartman, H. L., & Mutmansky, J. M. (2002). Introductory mining engineering. Hoboken, NJ: J. Wiley. ISBN: 0471348511 It is recommended that you purchase this from SME (Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration) using your student member discount. Further, it is recommended that you purchase a printed rather than electronic copy of the book. There is also a copy of the book on reserve in the Earth and Mineral Sciences Library at University Park.
Assistance with Textbooks Penn State honors and values the socioeconomic diversity of our students. If you require assistance with the costs of textbooks for this course, contact the Office of Student and Family Services (120 Boucke Building, 863-4926). For additional needs related to socioeconomic status please visit Project Cahir.
Online lesson content
All other materials needed for this course are presented online through our course website and in Canvas. In order to access the online materials, you need to have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password (used to access the online course resources). If you are registered for this course, log in to see all course content.
Assignments and Grades
This course will rely on a variety of methods to assess and evaluate student learning, including:
- Homework Assignments
- Quizzes
- Final Exam
It is important that your work is submitted in the proper format to the appropriate Canvas Assignment and by the designated due date. I strongly advise that you not wait until the last minute to complete these assignments—give yourself time to ask questions and think things over. You'll learn more, do better...and be happier!
Due dates for all assignments are posted on the syllabus and course calendar in Canvas.
Grading
| Assignment | Percent of Grade |
|---|---|
| Homework Assignments | 25% |
| Quizzes | 35% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
I will use the Canvas gradebook to keep track of your grades. You can see your grades in the gradebook, too. Overall course grades will be determined as follows. Percentages refer to the proportion of all possible points earned.
| Letter Grade | Percentages |
|---|---|
| A | 93.5 - 100 % |
| A- | 90 - 93.4 % |
| B+ | 86.5 - 89.9 % |
| B | 83 - 86.4 % |
| B- | 79.5 - 82.9% |
| C+ | 75 - 79.4 % |
| C | 70 - 74.9 % |
| D | 60 - 69.9 % |
| F | < 60 % |
| X | Unsatisfactory (student did not participate) |
MNG 230 Course Schedule
Printable ScheduleNOTE: See the Canvas Syllabus or Calendar for a full semester calendar of events.
| Week #: | Topic | Module and Textbook Readings | Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1, 2 | Introduction to the Mining Industry |
Module 1 Pages 1 - 15 |
Quiz 1 Skeleton Notes Homework #1 |
| 3 | Life Cycle of a Mine and Related Matters |
Module 2 Pages 26 - 46 |
Skeleton Notes Quiz 2 |
| 4, 5 |
Prospecting and Exploration Development |
Module 3 Page 47 - 90, sections 3.6, 3.8 Page 83 - Ex 3.1 Module 4 Pages 96 - 118 |
Skeleton Notes Quiz 3 Homework #2 Homework #3 |
| 6, 7 | Unit & Auxilary Operations |
Module 5 Pages 119 - 150 |
Quiz 4 |
| 8, 9, 10 | Explosives and Blasting |
Module 6 Sec 5.3, 7.6, 11.6 |
Skeleton Notes Quiz 5 Quiz 6 |
| 11 & 12 | Surface Mining |
Module 7 Pages 153 - 177 Pages 181 - 212 Pages 231 - 256 |
Skeleton Notes Quiz 7 Homework #4 Homework #5 |
| 13, 14 | Underground Mining |
Module 8 Pages 267 - 298 Pages 323 - 351 Pages 364 - 379 Pages 404 - 432 |
Skeleton Notes Quiz 8 Homework #6 |
| 15 | Sustainability and the Triple Bottom Line |
Module 9 No textbook reading |
SEEQ Evaluation |
| 16 | Final Exam |
Course Policies
Netiquette
The term "Netiquette" refers to the etiquette guidelines for electronic communications, such as email and bulletin board postings. Netiquette covers not only rules to maintain civility in discussions, but also special guidelines unique to the electronic nature of forum messages. Please review some general Netiquette guidelines that should be followed when communicating in this course.
Technical Requirements
For this course, we recommend the minimum technical requirements outlined on the World Campus Technical Requirements page, including the requirements listed for same-time, synchronous communications. If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the IT Service Desk (for World Campus students) or Penn State's IT Help Portal (for students at all other campus locations).
Internet Connection
Access to a reliable Internet connection is required for this course. A problem with your Internet access may not be used as an excuse for late, missing, or incomplete coursework. If you experience problems with your Internet connection while working on this course, it is your responsibility to find an alternative Internet access point, such as a public library or Wi-Fi ® hotspot.
Mixed Content
This site is considered a secure web site, which means that your connection is encrypted. We do, however, link to content that isn't necessarily encrypted. This is called mixed content. By default, mixed content is blocked in Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome. This may result in a blank page or a message saying that only secure content is displayed. Follow the directions on our Technical Requirements page to view the mixed content.
Equations
This course must be viewed using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, Chrome, or Edge. Internet Explorer is not supported. If you use any other browser, or if you are not using the latest version of your browser, some pages containing equations may not render properly. In addition, javascript must be enabled for equations to render properly. If you have any issues with equations not rendering properly, please update your browser to the latest version or try using a different browser. If you need additional technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the HelpDesk (for World Campus students) or the IT Service Desk (for students at all other campus locations).Penn State E-mail Accounts
All official communications from Penn State are sent to students' Penn State e-mail accounts. Be sure to check your Penn State account regularly, or forward your Penn State e-mail to your preferred e-mail account, so you don't miss any important information.
Academic Integrity
This course follows the procedures for academic integrity of Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Penn State defines academic integrity as "the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner." Academic integrity includes "a commitment not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation, or deception." In particular, the University defines plagiarism as "the fabrication of information and citations; submitting others' work from professional journals, books, articles, and papers; submission of other students' papers, lab results or project reports and representing the work as one's own." Penalties for violations of academic integrity may include course failure. To learn more, see Penn State's Academic Integrity Training for Students.
Course Copyright
All course materials students receive or to which students have online access are protected by copyright laws. Students may use course materials and make copies for their own use as needed, but unauthorized distribution and/or uploading of materials without the instructor’s express permission is strictly prohibited. University Policy AD 40, the University Policy Recording of Classroom Activities and Note Taking Services addresses this issue. Students who engage in the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials may be held in violation of the University’s Code of Conduct, and/or liable under Federal and State laws.
For example, uploading completed labs, homework, or other assignments to any study site constitutes a violation of this policy.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities. The Office for Student Disability Resources website provides contact information for Campus Disability Coordinators at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the Office for Student Disability Resources website.
In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled. You will participate in an intake interview and provide documentation. See documentation guidelines at Applying for Services from Student Disability Resources. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus’s disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Change in Normal Campus Operations
In case of weather-related delays or other emergency campus disruptions or closures at the University, this online course will proceed as planned. Your instructor will inform you if there are any extenuating circumstances regarding content or activity due dates in the course due to these delays or closures. If you are affected by a weather-related emergency, please contact your instructor at the earliest possible time to make special arrangements.
Reporting Educational Equity Concerns
Penn State takes great pride in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated (Policy AD29 Statement on Intolerance) and can be reported through Educational Equity via Report Bias.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Many students at Penn State face personal challenges or have psychological needs that may interfere with their academic progress, social development, or emotional well-being. The university offers a variety of confidential services to help you through difficult times, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, consultations, online chats, and mental health screenings. These services are provided by staff who welcome all students and embrace a philosophy respectful of clients’ cultural and religious backgrounds, and sensitive to differences in race, ability, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Services include the following:
Counseling and Psychological Services at University Park (CAPS): 814-863-0395
Counseling Services at Commonwealth Campuses
Penn State Crisis Line (24 hours/7 days/week): 877-229-6400
Crisis Text Line (24 hours/7 days/week): Text LIONS to 741741
Military Personnel
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or spouses with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, disabilities, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.
Connect Online with Caution
Penn State is committed to educational access for all. Our students come from all walks of life and have diverse life experiences. As with any other online community, the lack of physical interaction in an online classroom can create a false sense of anonymity and security. While one can make new friends online, digital relationships can also be misleading. Good judgment and decision-making are critical when choosing to disclose personal information to others whom you do not know.
Deferred Grades
If you are prevented from completing this course within the prescribed amount of time for reasons that are beyond your control, it is possible to have the grade deferred with the concurrence of the instructor, following Penn State Deferred Grade Policy 48-40. To seek a deferred grade, you must submit a written request (by e-mail or U.S. post) to the instructor describing the reason(s) for the request. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested before the beginning of the final examination period. It is up to the instructor to determine whether or not you will be permitted to receive a deferred grade. If permission is granted, you will work with the instructor to establish a communication plan and a clear schedule for completion within policy. If, for any reason, the coursework for the deferred grade is not complete by the assigned time, a grade of "F" will be automatically entered on your transcript.
Attendance
This course will be conducted entirely online. There will be no set class meeting times, but you will be required to complete weekly assignments with specific due dates. Many of the assignments are open for multiple days, so it is your responsibility to complete the work early if you plan to travel or participate in national holidays, religious observances or University approved activities.
If you need to request an exception due to a personal or medical emergency, contact the instructor directly as soon as you are able. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Respect
Penn State is “committed to creating an educational environment which is free from intolerance directed toward individuals or groups and strives to create and maintain an environment that fosters respect for others” as stated in Policy AD29 Statement on Intolerance. All members of this class are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming, and inclusive environment and to interact with civility.
For additional information, see:
- Penn State Affirmative Action Nondiscrimination Statement
- Policy AD 85 Sexual and/or Gender-Based Harassment and Misconduct, Title IX
- Penn State Values
- Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Penn State
- Assessment of the Living, Learning, and Working Environment (ALLWE) in EMS| Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
Mandated Reporting Statement
Penn State’s policies require me, as a faculty member, to share information about incidents of sex-based discrimination and harassment (discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation) with Penn State’s Title IX coordinator or deputy coordinators, regardless of whether the incidents are stated to me in person or shared by students as part of their coursework. For more information regarding the University's policies and procedures for responding to reports of sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct, please visit Penn State's Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response website.
Additionally, I am required to make a report on any reasonable suspicion of child abuse in accordance with the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law.
Disclaimer
Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus can be changed at any time, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. All changes will be communicated to you via e-mail, course announcement and/or course discussion forum.