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Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources Certificate
Mineral Resources Technologist Diploma
(formerly known as Geotech certificate program)

Scheduled to begin August 2012. Application deadline is August 1, 2012.  Applications may be accepted after the deadline if space is available.

Please contact Robert Ferro for more information at rferro@yukoncollege.yk.ca or (867) 668-8841 

Program Overview

Geological technology programs in Canada have produced a class of highly skilled workers whose knowledge base reflects an integral balance between classroom learning and practical skills. Graduates from such programs have found jobs working for mining and petroleum companies, consulting geology and engineering firms, governments and educational institutions, and a variety of public utilities and manufacturing and construction companies. The Mineral Resources Certificate Program at Yukon College is the first-year of such a technologist program, and prepares students for employment in a number of capacities in the mineral exploration and mining fields. The strong background in mathematics and the physical sciences provided by this program will enable students to succeed in an increasingly technical discipline, while the comprehensive introduction to field techniques equips students with the hard skills needed to work efficiently in a remote setting.

Program Description:

The objectives of the Mineral Resources Certificate Program are to provide students with:

     
  • A solid background in the fundamental geological disciplines with particular focus on those fields most closely linked to the mineral exploration industry. These target fields include physical and structural geology, mineralogy/petrology, and surficial geology. In addition to geology courses, students will be exposed to relevant topics in mathematics, chemistry, physics and computer science throughout the duration of the program.
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  • A comprehensive introduction to the mineral exploration industry and the specific skills required to work in the resource exploration and development sectors. Students will learn how to conduct and interpret geological, geophysical and geochemical surveys, prepare subsurface maps and cross-sections, collect field data and analyze rock and mineral specimens.
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  • A baseline of standard health and safety training in order to ensure the competency and safety of graduates in a variety of work environments. Training may include safety training such as wilderness first aid and CPR, bear awareness training, exploration and mine safety.
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  • A solid foundation in interpersonal and group management skills, with a focus on effective oral and written communication fluency. This will provide graduates with the skills to work effectively with co-workers regardless of the work setting, and the ability to convey geological information in a variety of formats. An important component of this objective is to ensure students develop the critical thinking skills necessary to assist in problem solving and troubleshooting in a work setting.
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  • An understanding of the impact of the unique First Nations governance structure that exists in Yukon and the impact of this on undertaking mining, exploration and development in the territory. This includes reviewing historical land agreements and the different categories of settlement lands, as well as discussing effective communication and conflict-resolution skills for multi-party discussions and negotiations that may include First Nations partners.
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  • The first-year courses required for the more extensive, two-year Mineral Resources Technologist diploma program at Yukon College. The second year of this program, currently under curriculum development, is scheduled to commence in Fall 2013.

Required Courses

Certificate Program (year one)

 Mandatory Non-Credit Safety Courses

 

Diploma Program (year two) to begin in 2013

 

Admission Requirements

     
  • English 12, Math 11 (Principles or Pre-Calculus; minimum 65%), Chemistry 11, and Physics 11; OR
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  • Mature Student Status with acceptable scores on College Assessments and/or GED® for English and Math prerequisites, as well as Chemistry 11 (or equivalent) and Physics 11 (or equivalent); OR
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  • Yukon College prerequisite courses ENGL 090, MATH 050 (minimum B-), CHEM 050 and PHYS 050, with computer studies recommended.

Duration

This 1066-hour program consists of 20 courses delivered, including an Introductory Field Camp (45 hours) and an Intermediate Geology Field School (90 hours).

General Outcomes

Graduation Requirements:

Students must successfully complete all courses within the program. An overall GPA of 2.00 is required to receive the Mineral Resources Certificate.

Ancillary Fees

2012-13 Ancillary Fees pdf 21 KB

Additional costs above and beyond college tuition are associated with this program of study. These costs include transportation to and from field school sites, accommodation and food during field school, and costs associated with the health and safety modules administered during field schools and the Exploration and Mining Safety class (GEOL103). In addition, students are required to purchase their own basic geology field equipment, including sturdy hiking boots, rock hammers, field notebooks, and hand lenses. The course outline for each individual class will contain detailed information regarding the costs specific to that course.