WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering involves finding the best sequence of chemical and physical processing operations, and the right operating conditions, to convert raw materials into higher-value products.

Chemical engineering covers the development, design and management of processes and equipment for the extraction, conversion and upgrading of materials, using physical, chemical and biological operations.

Our undergraduate courses

• Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) (Hons)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) (Hons), Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) (Hons), Bachelor of Science (Extractive Metallurgy)

Our postgraduate courses

• Graduate Diploma in Professional Engineering (Chemical)
• Master of Professional Engineering (Chemical)

Metallurgical engineers mostly work in converting raw metals and minerals into more useable formats, such as converting iron ore and coal into steel. They extract, refine and recycle metals and minerals that are used in many areas of everyday life, including energy production, food production, housing and transportation. In this major you will learn to design, develop, optimise and manage the operation of metallurgical processing plants that transform low-value raw materials into useful, high-value mineral and metal products – and in an economical and environmentally responsible way. You’ll gain a thorough grounding in chemical and physical engineering, economic, environmental and sustainable principles, and the extraction of metals from ores. This course also includes a strong management component.

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, Curtin University ranked 1^st in Australia and 2^nd in the world for Mineral and Mining Engineering.

Our undergraduate courses

• Bachelor of Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering) (BEng Hons)
• Bachelor of Science (Extractive Metallurgy)

Our postgraduate courses

• Graduate Diploma in Metallurgy

Mining Engineering is where the latest technology is used to extract minerals from the earth safely and efficiently. It’s a profession defined by rapid scientific advancement, and, as a Curtin student, you’ll be at the cutting edge. In this major you will learn about emerging mining technology such as robotics, data analytics and additive manufacturing. You’ll delve into mining economics, gain understanding and consideration of working with Indigenous cultures, and discover how to make a positive contribution to sustainable development.

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021, Curtin University ranked 1^st in Australia and 2^nd in the world for Mineral and Mining Engineering.

Our undergraduate courses

• Bachelor of Engineering (Mining Engineering) (Hons)
• Bachelor of Science (Mining)

Our postgraduate courses

• Graduate Diploma in Mining
• Graduate Diploma in Professional Engineering (Mining)
• Master of Professional Engineering (Mining)

Petroleum engineers extract oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface. They collaborate with other professionals to understand the geological and geophysical characteristics of particular reservoirs, before designing, testing and implementing the most effective and profitable extraction method.

Reservoirs currently yield a maximum of 30 per cent of their oil; petroleum engineers are therefore needed to develop methods that increase oil and gas production. These engineers are also needed to help develop offshore gas fields.

In this major, you will learn how to evaluate, drill, develop and mine oil and gas reserves. You’ll study chemical engineering, drilling, fluid flow through reservoirs, formation evaluation, geology, hydrocarbon phase behaviour, oil and gas field development, petroleum production technology, thermodynamics, and well completions engineering.

During your final year, you’ll undertake a major research project, as well as a field development planning and design project.

Our undergraduate courses

• Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum) (Hons)

Our postgraduate courses

• Graduate Diploma in Professional Engineering (Petroleum)
• Master of Professional Engineering (Petroleum)
• Master of Professional Engineering (Subsea)

Partners

• BHP
• BP
• Chevron
• ConocoPhillips
• Corelab
• Department of Mines, Industry Regulations and Safety
• Engineers Australia
• Halliburton
• Kappa Engineering
• Oilfield Technologies
• Petroleum Experts
• Santos
• Schlumberger
• Shell
• Weatherford
• Woodside

Appreciating the business and economic framework in which the resources sector operates requires knowledge of economic, financial, managerial, legal, regulatory, political and social environments.

Our teaching programs are offered in a flexible way to cater for fly-in-fly-out workers and busy mid-career resource sector professionals wanting to balance work and study. They are designed to help these professionals move into senior management or decision-making roles.

Business-oriented students are immersed in the workings of the energy and mining sectors, while those with a technical background learn business tactics and terminology. Both groups graduate with a deeper understanding of the sector, and the tools to put new knowledge into action.

This course will provide you with a thorough foundation in resource sector management and general business theories. You will complete coursework units on economic, financial and management issues.

You can choose the Mineral Economics major or the Energy Economics major.

In the 2022 Eduniversal Ranking Best Masters, Curtin University ranked 2nd in Australia for Master of Science (Mineral and Energy Economics).

Our postgraduate courses

• Master of Science (Minerals and Energy Economics)