WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering - Science & Engineering | Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia

School discipline areas

Mining Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering

Teaching is focused toward mining and metallurgical processing operations, which encompass the conversion of mineral and chemical resources into metallic, refining and processing to produce high-performance materials for applications from consumer products to automobiles, aerospace and electronics.

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018, Curtin ranked 2nd in the world for Mineral and Mining Engineering.

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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. It covers the development, design and management of processes and equipment for the extraction, conversion and upgrading of materials.

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018, Curtin ranked top 100 in the world for Chemical Engineering.

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Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum engineers decide on the best way to extract oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface. They work closely 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 for that site.

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Exploration Geophysics

Exploration geophysics is an applied branch of earth sciences that utilises physical phenomena to remotely image and characterise the subsurface, with applications in mining, oil and gas, geothermal, groundwater and carbon underground storage industries.

In the Australian Government’s Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2015 assessment, Curtin University ranked above world standard in Geophysics.

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Mineral and Energy Economics

Mineral and Energy Economics offers postgraduate courses for energy and resources sector professionals looking to advance their career and originated within the WA School of Mines in Kalgoorlie, a prominent mining town for over a century.

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Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) PhD Scholarship

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a combination of microbial attachment and corrosion that accelerates deterioration and can lead to catastrophic failure of structures, costing billions of dollars a year. Chemical inhibition is often used to reduce the effects of MIC, however there is a need to develop safer and environmentally benign systems. A recent collaborative research project between Deakin University, Curtin University and Vrije Universiteit Brussel has been initiated to investigate the mechanisms of MIC (including biofilm formation) the behaviour of different bacteria and bacteria colonies on steel substrates in a marine environment as well as the design, synthesis and mechanistic characterisation of novel, dual active corrosion inhibitors. This project is multidisciplinary and will involve a team of researchers across chemistry, microbiology and materials engineering.

The PhD project at Curtin University will focus on studying the properties of complex, natural (multispecies) biofilms formed on steel surfaces in seawater and their relationship with corrosion and corrosion inhibition. It is expected that the student spend some time in the laboratories of collaborators at Deakin University and/or VUB in Brussels and there will opportunity to attend at least one international conference.

For further information, please contact Dr Laura Machuca Suarez.

The School is located at both Curtin’s Bentley Campus and in the dynamic City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, in Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields.

The WA School of Mines has a very active WASM Alumni for all graduates who have studied within the School; whether Geology, Spatial Sciences, Exploration Geophysics as well as for Mining and Metallurgical degrees or post grad certificates. The WASM Alumni have a Branch that represents graduates and supports student with career mentoring, work experience, scholarships and networking opportunities at both Bentley and Kalgoorlie Campus. WA School of Mines students are eligible for free membership, please visit the website for more information.