Geomechanics and Excavation Engineering (PG)

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
ENGP 5018
Course ID icon
Course ID
206811
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Civil Eng & Cons Mgt
Course level icon
Course level
5
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

The course aims to provide students with a basic knowledge in rock mechanics, rock excavations, geotechnical risks and hazards assessments, dynamic events, instrumentation and monitoring, and rock supports in mining operations. The course also gives an introduction to numerical modelling for mining geomechanical problems.

Course learning outcomes

  • Have a working knowledge of the engineering properties of rock
  • Be able to select and use appropriate analytical and numerical methods for the design of underground structures and support systems
  • Have the necessary grounding in rock mechanics to embark upon a study of the principles of rock engineering
  • Recognise the evolving nature of the discipline and develop skills to access, evaluate and integrate new knowledge and processes
  • Explain the contribution of rock breakage to the mining process
  • Describe the various methods of rock breakage
  • Select appropriate methods of drilling and rock breakage for given in-situ rock conditions
  • Apply fundamental principles to the design and selection of safe and efficient blasting to:Design blasts to achieve particular outcomes; Manage and control blast damage and environmental impacts; Evaluate productivity and economics
  • Appropriate technical knowledge
  • Skills of analysis, synthesis and problem solution, and the ability to tolerate ambiguity
  • Lifelong ability to learn

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

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Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.