SPECIAL ARTICLES

Wits school of Mining Engineering introduces preparative short course for entrance to postgraduate study

Due to the specialized nature of the Wits School of Mining Engineering's postgraduate programme, a decision was taken to offer a short course entitled 'Introduction to Mining Engineering', which would provide the background and introduction to the many specialities offered by the Mining School.

'It is imperative that prospective students are made fully aware of the various subjects and requirements of the postgraduate programme in order for them to make informed decisions about their education, such as choosing an area of specialization as well as being able to conduct the necessary research into such specializations,' says Professor Fred Cawood, head of the Wits School of Mining Engineering. The programme is primarily aimed at individuals who want to engage in postgraduate study at the School and who do not have a mining background, mining knowledge, or who have not met the requirements for such study. However, the course would also appeal to anyone who would like to familiarize themselves with the basic principles of mining engineering. The course content includes mining engineering, mining economics, sustainability and regulatory matters, and research methods. The comprehensive course will run from 23 July - 3 August 2012 from 08h00 - 15h00. Registration opens on 16 April 2012.

For further detail contact course administrator Lindy Dabrowski - email lindy.dabrowski@wits.ac.za

The Witwatersrand University School of Mining Engineering is the largest English-speaking school of mining engineering in the world, with a student body in excess of 700 students, 35% of whom are female and 40% of whom are studying at postgraduate level. Offering accredited world-class programmes for South Africa Africa, and the world, relevant fields of study in mining include Safety, Health, Environment and Community (SHEC), through the Centre for Sustainability in Mining and Industry (CSMI) and Mine Ventilation, through the Centre for Mechanised Mining Systems (CMMS), as well as multi-disciplinary research programmes with strong links to the rest of the University of the Witwatersrand.

About Wits

Wits is one of only two universities in Africa ranked in two separate international rankings as a leading institution in the world, featuring in the top 1% in the world in seven defined fields of research according to the 2007 ISI international rankings. Wits is also the recipient of the highest levels of external financial support of all universities in the country, from donors and partners all over the world - testimony to the high esteem in which it is held internationally. It is home to 15 South African Research Chairs, 20 research units, 10 research groups, several Centres of Excellence, and more than 200 NRF rated scientists, of which 14 are A-rated.

S. Braham
Public Relations