University General Course Catalog 2022-2023 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2022-2023 ARCHIVED CATALOG: LINKS AND CONTENT ARE OUT OF DATE. CHECK WITH YOUR ADVISOR.

Mining Engineering (Process Metallurgy Emphasis), B.S. in Mining Engineering


Mining engineering is perhaps the broadest of engineering disciplines, and our graduates are versatile problem solvers. The goals of the program are to train students so that graduates are qualified to perform the various functions typically exercised by mining engineers: plan, design, operate, and close mines. Engineering topics are selected to meet these objectives. Introduction to mine planning, design, operations and closure is pursued further in the mining methods course. Students are introduced to detailed mine design in the mine design courses. Engineering sciences underlying the mine planning, design, operation and closure requirements are studied in several basic areas: thermodynamics, electrical circuits, hydraulics, strength of materials, etc. The design experience is capped in the mine feasibility study, the senior capstone design course.

Student Learning Outcomes


Students will be able to:

  • demonstrate proficiency in the mathematics, science, and engineering areas necessary to identify, formulate, and solve practical engineering problems. The program will maintain compliance with ABET Accreditation.
  • demonstrate proficiency in engineering topics related to surface and underground mining.
  • demonstrate the ability to plan and design a technically sound mine in an ethically, environmentally, and socially responsible manner.
  • communicate plans, designs, and operational practices to mine representatives,regulators, and the public.
  • prepare for entry-level positions in the operations and management of mines,or for graduate-level study in engineering.

Contact Information


Mining Engineering Department
265 Paul Laxalt Mineral Research Building 
(775) 784-6961
Website: http://www.unr.edu/mining

College of Science Academic Advisors: https://www.unr.edu/science/student-resources/advising

Transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno


Use the transfer agreement  and the degree planner (available by clicking Print degree planner icon at the top right of this page) to build your plan for graduation with your advisor. Course substitutions not identified on the transfer agreement require UNR advisor approval.

If a major-to-major transfer agreement is not available for your transfer institution, please check the General Core agreement  if available. If neither is available, access Transferology to assist in your planning.

Graduation Requirements


  • Total Units | 130
  • Cumulative GPA | 2.0
  • University GPA | 2.0
  • Major GPA | 2.0
  • Residency Requirement | 30 Upper-Division Units at UNR
  • Major Residency Requirement | 15 Units of Major Requirements at UNR
  • Upper-Division Requirement | 40 Upper-Division Units
  • Half Program/4 Year Institution | 65 Units

I. Core General Education Requirements (27-30 units)


NOTE: Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter of this catalog for information regarding the “Core English and Math Completion Policy  ”.

Students in this major must meet all Core Objectives (CO1 through CO14). Courses satisfying Core Objectives are designated (e.g., CO9) in General Catalog curricula and course descriptions.

A. Composition & Communication; Critical Analysis & Use of Information (3-6 units) - CO1, CO3


B. Quantitative Reasoning (4 units) - CO2


C. Physical & Natural Phenomena (8 units) - CO4, CO4L


D. Cultures, Societies, & Individuals (3 units) - CO6


E. Artistic Composition, Interpretation, & Expression (3 units) - CO7


F. History & Culture; Constitution (6 units) - CO5, CO8


Refer to the Core Curriculum  chapter in this catalog.

II. Additional Core Requirements (3 units maximum)


Students must take courses that satisfy the following Core Objectives. Some or all of these Core Objectives may be satisfied in the Major Requirements (Section IV).  Refer to the Core Curriculum  chapter in this catalog.

A. Science, Technology & Society - CO9


B. Diversity & Equity - CO10


The following recommended courses can also be used in the General Education Requirement:

C. Global Context - CO11


D. Ethics - CO12


E. Capstone Integration & Synthesis - CO13


F. Application - CO14


III. Additional Requirements (0 units)


IV. Major Requirements (92 units)


V. Process Metallurgy Emphasis (6 units)


VI. Minor Requirements (0 units)


VII. Electives (0 units)


VIII. Recommended Schedule


A. First Year


B. Second Year


C. Third Year


D. Fourth Year