An introduction to probability, statistics, and statistical inferential reasoning. Probability distributions for discrete and continuous random variables; descriptive statistics and claims arising from them; construction and evaluation of claims arising from formal statistical inference conveyed in confidence intervals and hypothesis tests; analysis of variance; information literacy for statistical inferential reasoning. The course emphasizes mining applications.

Determination of the physical properties of rocks, rock mass classification, stress around mine openings, strain and displacement of the rock mass, rock reinforcement and support, stress interaction and subsidence, strata control. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, three hours per week.

First course of a two-part capstone design project. Emphasis is on ore reserve evaluation, development of a preliminary mine plan, design of auxiliary processes, teamwork, and oral and written communication. Minable reserves will be quantified and quality distribution assessed. An appropriate mining technique will be identified and implemented into a proposed mine design. Laboratory, three hours per week.

Planning, designing and redesigning the ventilation systems using computers; data acquisition (ventilation survey); non-steady state flow in mine openings; influence of the ventilation conditions upon the dynamics of the methane concentration; automation of the ventilation system. Lecture, two hours; laboratory, two hours.

State of the art techniques in mineral beneficiation and their application in coal and mineral preparation industry.

An introduction to the materials engineering profession. Professional growth, conduct, ethics and organizations. Introduction to the techniques of materials engineering.

To teach students the basic materials characterization laboratory techniques and demonstrate the difference in properties between different types of materials.

Crystal structures, phase diagrams, diffusion, nucleation and growth, deformation, recovery, recrystallization and grain growth are discussed to understand the structure-property relations in metals and alloys.

Synthesis, structure, and processing of polymers, useful geometric forms, mechanical and thermal properties, crystallinity, polymer blends, evaluation of polymers for specific applications (aerospace, automotive, biomedical), laboratory activities for each of the above.

Various laboratory experiments that illustrate crystal structure, behavior of multi-component systems, and failure modes. Provides hands-on experience with some more advanced characterization methods of polymers, metals, and ceramics. Includes data reduction, analysis, and interpretation, as well as correct writing of reports.