Training for mining and geological engineers in the USA

UNIT 1

EDUCATION

Ex.1Read the following words chains as quick as possible, bearing in mind reading rules. Explain them.

Educational – student – institution – special

Centre – science – scientific – excellent – academic – Colorado – currently – school – ecology – specialty

Research – engineering – environment – variety – special

World – earth – research – energy

Energy – ecology – geology – mineralogy – geophysics – engineering

Name – made – famous – focus – open – most – taught – mind – mining

Best – centre – study – other – some

Ex.2 Read the following word combinations:

Educational institutions; in the world; one of the best known; scientific schools; variety of specialties; understanding of the earth; applied geology; energy and the environment; taught at school.

Ex.3Read and translate the following words and word combinations, define their part of speech and the way of word building. Translate into Russian:

Name: first name, last name, first name, nickname, nameless, namely, namesake;

Mind: be minded to do smth., make a mind to do smth., I’m very technically minded, minder, mindful, mindless, mindset;

Institution:institute, institutional, institutionalize;

Science:scientific, scientist, scientifically;

Academy: academic (adj.), academic (n);

Environment: environmental, environmental, environmentally.

Ex.4 Read and translate the following text

About my studies

My name is Jack. I am a student. Though there are a lot of mining educational institutions in the world I made up my mind to study at Colorado mining school. It is one of the most famous scientific schools in the world. It is one of the best known research scientific centres in Northern America.

It has excellent academic programs in engineering and applied science, and it specializes and focuses in understanding of the earth, energy and the environment. There is a variety of specialties taught at our school: open-pit and underground mining, environmental engineering, ecology, applied geology, geophysics, mineralogy and others. Currently, it has some 5,500 students.

Vocabulary notes

name, n	имя
mind, n; to mind, v	ум, разум; думать
institution, n	учреждение
research, n; to research, v	научная работа; исследовать
academic, adj.	академический, относящийся к обучению и образованию
the environment, n	окружающая среда

Ex.5Choose the proper definition to the word on the left from the fight column:

the environment	the process of getting coal or metal from under the ground
school	a school or college that teaches a particular subject or skill
engineer	someone who is trained in science, especially someone whose job is to do scientific research
mining	someone who teaches or does research at a college or university
academy	a university department or a college that teaches a particular subject
scientist	the natural world, including the land, water, air, plants, and animals, especially considered as something that is affected by human activity
academic	someone who designs or builds roads, railways, bridges, mines, or machines or repairs them

Ex.5Fill in each gap with the proper preposition

a) I graduated ____ university a month ago. I studied ___ Oxford. Last week, I had an interview___ a position ___ mining engineer ___ Rio Tinto. They noticed on my CV that I had very little experience, however, they promised not to hold that ____ me. The interview went well, but I’m not sure I’ll be hired. I was tired, so I had a hard time paying attention ___ the interviewer. Also, I’m a woman, and there are few women in my field. I fear I’ll be discriminated ____ . Hopefully being a woman won’t prevent me ___ having a successful career.

b)Modern mining is an industry that involves the exploration ___ and removal __ minerals ___ the earth, economically and ___ minimum damage ___ the environment. Mining is important because minerals are major sources of energy as well as materials such as fertilizers and steel. Mining is necessary ___ nations to have adequate and dependable supplies ___ minerals and materials to meet their economic and defense needs __ acceptable environmental, energy, and economic costs. Some ___ the nonfuel minerals mined, such as stone, which is a nonmetallic or industrial mineral, can be used directly ___ the earth.

Ex. 6Give the definition to the scientific disciplines listed in the box. Express your own interest in studying them using the following word phrases:

I’m interested to know more about…,

I am strongly convinced that…,

I find it very useful to know (that)…,

I am sure that future will much depend on research in …because…

Every mining engineer should know that…

I must study … as I think that …

Geophysics Geology Mining Mathematics Mine Surveying

Hydrogeology Paleontology Engineering Physics Metal Processing

Ex.7Read and translate the following text. Learn the expressions in italics. Tell about your studies at the university. Use the words and word combinations from the text

TEXT 1

My Studies

My name is Jack. I am a first year student of the Mining School. So I am a future mining engineer. After finishing high school in my native town I made my mind to become an engineer. To tell the truth, it was not an easy thing to decide what way to choose but my parents helped me have the right choice. I became interested in Earth sciences: Geology, Geography, Physics and Mathematics my parents advised me to fill in the application form and apply for a place in the local Mining school.

I am sure that mining engineering provides students with a broad background in science and technology, and a lot of practical training. As I was fond of natural sciences at school, took part in different scientific conferences in physics and chemistry I chose to study full time to get the qualification in mining engineering.

The Mining school I study at offers a wide range of engineering qualifications in geology and mining industry. The course of studies combine applied sciences, practical skills, and technical know-how. A mining engineer, for example, studies physics, mathematics, and mine surveying to understand the principles of mine planning, learns how to find faults with mine equipment, and acquires a great deal of knowledge about mining techniques and the minerals from different fields of knowledge, such as mineralogy and geology. So I want the best choice of career, I try to study the theory and practice and get as much knowledge as I can. We are going to have much practical training at a mine in summer as it is useful to get on-the-job training.

Besides in some time I will study economy and management as the mining engineer may also work in supervision and management, or as an equipment and mineral salesperson. I study a number of Humanities such as psychology and philosophy, the mother tongue and foreign languages to improve my scientific background and communication skills.

Our Mining school also provides post graduate course in mining engineering and geology. So I have got an opportunity to carry out a research and focus on the subject I am most interested in.

Very often I go to the library to read scientific literature and prepare for practical classes. I have to work much to become a good specialist. But don’t think that I am learning and cramming all the time. I have got some hobbies as I am keen on playing basketball and football. So I spend much time in the gym as I go in for sports. I play for our football team. At the week end I meet with my friends and we go to the cinema or theatre, have fun and relax.

Vocabulary Notes:

A first year student, syn. a freshman – первокурсник

Full time / part time studies / course – очная/ заочная формы обучения

To make smb.’s mind = to decide

To change one’s mind – изменить свое/ чье-либо решение

Keen, adj. – сильно желающий, страстно увлекающийся; to be keen on – увлекаться чем-либо

Ex. 8Answer the questions

1. What sciences one should study well to enter a mining school?

2. What does mining engineering provide students with?

3. What skills does a mining engineer obtain when studying at a mining school?

4. Is it necessary to have practical training in mining?

5. Why should a mining engineer learn foreign languages?

6. Should mining students go in for sports? Why? What kind of sports are you interested in?

Ex. 9Read and reproduce the dialogue. Give your own pro and contra becoming a mining engineer

– Good morning, Mr. Johnson! I am Jack Foster and got here to know more about my chances to enter your Technical School.

– Good morning, Mr. Forster. I’ll be glad to answer all your questions concerning the application procedure and studies here. What department are you interested most?

– First of all, I’d like to know more about mining department. What job opportunities do I have? What subjects should I learn better? How many exams do I have to take to enter the school? I was good at Physics and Math at school, so I’d like to choose one of the engineering professions…

– To begin with, mining engineers consistently earn more than most other engineers. Of course, in mining as in any other industry, there are ups and downs. The skilled survive; the incompetent suffer. Mining engineers are sought after the world over, both in the extractive industries and in exploration, tunnelling and civil engineering.

– But still, I doubt if I am competent enough to enter your school… On the one hand, mining engineers earn much, but from the other hand, it’s a very difficult job and studying here demands much effort.

– But you’ve said that you were good at natural science and math at school! You are to fill in special application forms, take three examinations in Math, Physics, and the English language. Then you’ll get an invitation letter to come for a personal interview with the Dean of the Mining Department and other members of the Teaching Stuff for. Tell about yourself: your interests and hobbies, what sports you go in for. After the interview you’ll get an invitation letter to join the students of our school. That’s all.

– Oh! Thank you very much for having informed me. My school scores are high indeed and I was in the school football team. Besides, I’m fond of travelling! I guess, Mining is a real challenge for me.

– Good luck then, Jack. Of course, mining is a challenge but this is a noble occupation for those who likes to answer challenges like this.

Ex. 10 Read the text. Give a summary of it using the following words and expressions:

First of all…, to begin with, the text is about…, the text (article) gives us some information about…, I’d like to point out that…, the main point / idea of the text (article) is …, the text (article) informs us …, it would be useful/ interesting/ curious to know/ learn that…, in a word, in conclusion…, I’d like to say that…

Training for mining and geological engineers in the USA

A bachelor’s degree in engineering, mining engineering or geological engineering is required for most entry-level mining and geological engineers.

While many mining and geological engineers earn a 4-year bachelor’s degree — often in 5 years some choose to earn a 2 or 4-year engineering technology degree instead. These programs focus on hands-on classes covering the current issues in engineering to prepare students for production and practical design work rather than jobs that require theoretical or scientific knowledge. Graduates of these programs often find jobs similar to those mining and geological engineers bachelor’s degree holder attain. However, employers consider their skill levels to be between a technician and an engineer.

For faculty positions or research and development work, a master’s degree is required. Some experienced engineers seek a graduate degree to broaden their education or learn new technology as well.

All states require mining and geological engineers to be licensed if they will offer services directly to the public. To become a professional engineer (PE), mining and geological engineers must have a degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), 4 years of relevant work experience and pass an exam. Recent grads can get started upon graduation by taking one part of the exam to become an engineer intern. Then, after completing suitable work experience they can take the second part.

Those mining and geological engineers just starting out typically work closely with a more experience engineer and may even receive formal education or training on the job. With experience and gained knowledge, they can take on more challenging projects and have great job independence. Later mining and geological engineers may become supervisors or technical specialists. Some even take on managerial roles or sales jobs.

Professional certifications are available through many organizations. They can be advantageous to mining and geological engineers seeking senior technical or managerial positions.

http://www.campusexplorer.com/careers/6811960E/mining-and-geological-engineers/

Ex. 11 Read the following descriptions of American and technological and engineering schools. Make an observation of the mining education in the USA