171 / 2023-08-31 01:40:08

Mine Surveying Degrees: Internationalizing the Curriculum

higher education,internationalization,Curriculum design,standardisation

In an increasingly interconnected world, where borders are becoming less significant and global collaboration is imperative, it is of utmost importance for institutions of higher learning to internationalize their curricula. This holds true for Mine Surveying degrees as well, which have traditionally focused on local practices and regulations. By embracing an international perspective in surveying education, students can acquire a broader understanding of the field, gain cross-cultural competencies, and be better prepared to contribute effectively in a globalized society. At the onset, incorporating an international dimension into mine surveying degrees allows students to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the discipline. Surveying is not limited to a single country or region; its principles and techniques can be applied universally, yet the mining branch of surveying is still not studied as a standalone degree. By studying various international case studies, students can learn about different approaches to underground measurement, mapping technologies, and geospatial analysis methods. Exposure to diverse perspectives will enable them to critically evaluate these practices and identify best practices that transcend national boundaries. As a result, this will enhance their problem-solving skills and make them adaptable professionals in an ever-changing global context.

Moreover, by internationalizing and standardizing mine surveying degrees, students can gain invaluable cross-cultural, cross-mineral, and cross-operational competencies that are highly sought after in today's job market. As they engage with international faculty members and industry professionals from different backgrounds, they will be exposed to alternative ways of thinking and problem-solving. This exposure fosters a wider competency range and industrial awareness while developing effective communication skills across mineral approach divides. In addition to technical knowledge, employers are increasingly looking for candidates who possess global competence – the ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. An internationally-focused curriculum provides students with opportunities to practice these skills through group projects, internships abroad, or participation in exchange programs.

This paper explores mine surveying programs run in selected countries across 5 continents. The selection of these programmes was based on the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities with a sub-criterion of the country's production or supply of mineral commodities in the world. The mine surveying programmes from these countries were compared for the purpose of finding a synergy in curricula. The aim of such mutuality would prepare students for careers in a globalized world, addressing common challenges faced by mine surveyors worldwide. One such challenge, noted in this paper is the harmonization of professional standards and regulations across countries.

Mine surveyors often encounter discrepancies in terms of measurement units, mapping conventions, and legal frameworks when working internationally. By incorporating courses that address these issues into the curriculum, students can develop an understanding of the complexities associated with standardization and gain insights into international efforts to promote uniformity in mine surveying practices. This knowledge will equip them to navigate such challenges more effectively and contribute towards the development of global standards in mine surveying.

To successfully internationalize surveying degrees, this paper investigates several strategies that educational institutions can adopt. Such as fostering collaborations with international universities and industry partners to facilitate faculty exchanges, joint research projects at final year of the undergraduate programmes and sharing of best practices. This will expose students to a broader range of expertise and enhance their learning experience. The paper concludes by demonstrating a need for an improvement in mine surveying education to meet the vision of an internationally standardized and recognized degree by broadening the curriculum to encompass international perspectives, gain a more comprehensive understanding of the discipline and enable graduates to apply their skills seamlessly across borders.