Objectives of Programme's Learning Outcomes

• Imagine, design, carry out and implement projects and solutions to address a complex problem in the fields of geology and mining engineering by integrating needs, contexts and issues (technical, economic, societal, ethical and environmental).
• Identify complex problems to be solved and formulate the specifications by integrating client needs, contexts and issues (technical, economic, societal, ethical and environmental).
• Based on experiments in the laboratory, in the field, and of modelling, design one or more projects or solutions addressing the problem raised; evaluate them in light of various parameters listed in the specifications.
• Implement a selected solution in the form of a drawing, a pattern, a plan, a model, a prototype, software and/or a digital model.
• Evaluate the approach and results for their adaptation (strength, optimisation and quality).
• Mobilise a structured set of scientific knowledge and skills and specialised techniques in order to carry out geology and mining engineering missions, using their expertise and adaptability.
• Master and appropriately mobilise knowledge, models, methods and techniques relating to geology, applied mineralogy, applied petrography, hydrogeology and the study of flows underground, applied geophysics, geology with information technology, geostatistics, research and the evaluation of deposits of mineral and energy materials, rock mechanics and rock masses related to mining engineering, planning and exploitation of mineral and energy resources, development of minerals and waste, characterisation, management and treatment of polluted sites, natural hazards and environmental problems.
• Analyse and model a problem by critically selecting theories and methodological approaches (modelling, calculations), and taking into account multidisciplinary aspects.
• Assess the validity of models and results in view of the state of science and characteristics of the problem.
• Plan, manage and lead projects in view of their objectives, resources and constraints, ensuring the quality of activities and deliverables.
• Define and align the project in view of its objectives, resources and constraints.
• Assess the approach and achievements, regulate them in view of the observations and feedback received.
• Respect deadlines and timescales
• Work effectively in teams, develop leadership, make decisions in multidisciplinary, multicultural, and international contexts.
• Contribute to the management and coordination of a team that may be composed of people of different levels and disciplines.
• Identify skills and resources, and research external expertise if necessary.
• Make decisions, individually or collectively, taking into account the parameters involved (human, technical, economic, societal, ethical and environmental).
• Communicate and exchange information in a structured way - orally, graphically and in writing, in French and in one or more other languages - scientifically, culturally, technically and interpersonally, by adapting to the intended purpose and the relevant public.
• Argue to and persuade customers, teachers and a board, both orally and in writing.
• Select and use the written and oral communication methods and materials adapted to the intended purpose and the relevant public.
• Use and produce scientific and technical documents (reports, plans, specifications) adapted to the intended purpose and the relevant public.
• Adopt a professional and responsible approach, showing an open and critical mind in an independent professional development process.
• Show an open and critical mind by bringing to light technical and non-technical issues of analysed problems and proposed solutions.
• Exploit the different means available in order to inform and train independently.
• Contribute by researching the innovative solution of a problem in engineering sciences.
• Construct a framework/reference model, formulate hypotheses and innovative solutions from the analysis of scientific literature, particularly in new and emerging disciplines.
• Design and implement technical analysis, experimental studies and numerical modelling.
• Collect and analyse data rigorously.
• Adequately interpret results taking into account the reference framework within which the research was developed.
• Communicate, in writing and orally, on the approach and its results in highlighting both the scientific criteria of the research conducted and the theoretical and technical innovation potential, as well as possible non-technical issues.

Learning Outcomes of UE

use analytical and numerical methods to solve the equilibrium equations; assess the stress state in virgin rock masses; calculate stress and strain fields around underground openings; look for shapes, dimensions and support pressures to be used in order to ensure the stability of a cavity depending on the set objective in terms of measurable displacements on the internal wall; design the mining engineering workings by a combination of a set of sciences (mechanics of rock masses) and techniques (construction); sequence the elementary operations to be implemented in order to realise a structure safely and by complying with environmental constraints; make a chronogram of the operations.

Content of UE

Techniques used to assess the state of stresses in virgin rock masses (before any excavation); limit equilibrium method to assess stability of rock slopes; modelling methods for underground openings : physical modelling, equilibrium equations and boundary conditions, analytical solving method - case of circular openings in elasticity and plasticity, finite elements numerical method both in elasticity and in incremental elasto-plasticity; boundary elements method; finite differences method; distinct blocks method; Rock mechanics notions related to dimensioning underground openings; techniques specific to the realisation of digging projects: use of explosives, mechanised digging, support, dewatering, taking account of particular ground conditions (low cohesion materials, water inflow under pressure, high initial stresses, etc.); studying a particular case of the practical realisation of an underground structure.

Prior Experience

mechanical behaviour of geomaterials; structural geology; numerical techniques for solving partial differential equations; extraction of mineral resources.

Type of Assessment for UE in Q1

• Presentation and/or works
• Oral examination
• Written examination

Q1 UE Assessment Comments

Weight for Modelling: 4.5 credits. The exam dealing with the theoretical part is weighted 60% of the mark. It is organised into two parts without any documentation: a general question to be prepared in a form of a written dissertation and an oral presentation. All students prepare the same general question for about one hour. The oral part consists in customised questions that deal with all the content of the course.
The practical works consist in calculating a specific rock structure by a group of students and is summarised in a report to be supplied before the January session. This report will be evaluated individually during the oral part of the theoretical exam. Weight: 40% of the mark. Weight for Design and Construction: 4.5 credits. The exam is weighted 60% of the mark. It is organised into two parts without any documentation: a general question to be prepared in a form of a written dissertation and an oral presentation. All students prepare the same general question for about one hour. The oral part consists in customised questions that deal with all the content of the course.
The practical works are summarised in a report written in continuation of Modelling and to be supplied a week before the exam date. This report written by a group of 2 to 3 students (same than for Modelling) will be evaluated individually during the oral part of the exam. Weight: 40% of the AA.

Type of Assessment for UE in Q3

• Presentation and/or works
• Oral examination
• Written examination

Q3 UE Assessment Comments

Modelling: the evaluation concerns all the 4.5 credits of the course.
The theoretical exam can be completed with questions on the report of the practical works (can be eventually re-written) if the student failed in this part during the first term session. Design and construction: The exam concerns all the 4.5 credits of the course.
The theoretical questions can be completed by some others dealing with the report if the student failed to produce an acceptable during the first session. In some cases one can ask the student (or group of students) to rewrite the report.

Type of Resit Assessment for UE in Q1 (BAB1)

• N/A

Q1 UE Resit Assessment Comments (BAB1)

Not applicable