Petroleum Geoscience
MSc and Postgraduate Diploma
Syllabus
Tectonics and lithosphere dynamics
The course comprises three modules. The first introduces students to modern plate tectonic theory
and our understanding plate tectonic processes based on earthquake data, tomography, gravity
and magnetics. The second part of the course applies that to different tectonic settings and
examines how our understanding of the mechanical properties of plates can be applied to understanding
deformation, subsidence and heat flow. The third part of the course examines different terranes
through the interpretation of remote sensed imagery and includes training in the use of GIS systems
as a tool for such interpretation, as well as the broader use of GIS systems in compiling geological
databases.
Geophysical analysis
The course comprises three modules. The first module covers the principles of seismic wave theory,
the various steps involved in the processing of seismic data and the limitations of the technique
in terms of imaging the subsurface. The second module is an introduction to seismic interpretation
and covers the basics of horizon and fault correlation, tying seismic data to well data, 2D and
3D interpretation methodologies. The third week focuses on horizon processing, attribute analysis
and amplitude analysis, including an introduction to AVO. The second and third modules both involve
considerable workstation based practical exercises.
Structural analysis
The course comprises three modules. The study of large scale structures found in sedimentary basins
comprises the focus of the first two weeks where students are introduced to the types of structures
found in different structural settings through a combination of learning materials and the interpretation
of seismic data and remotely sensed imagery. The third module involves an introduction to the
theory of section balancing and structural restoration techniques and their practical application
using a combination of paper based and workstation based exercises.
Sedimentology
and stratigraphy
The course comprises three modules. The first examines clastic sedimentary systems in terms of
processes and different depositional environments. The second examines carbonate sedimentary systems
and the application of sequence stratigraphy to the understanding of carbonate platforms and ramps.
The third introduces the principles of stratigraphy and develops a thorough understanding of sequence
stratigraphic concepts in clastic systems.
Reservoir geoscience
The course comprises three modules. The first two are primarily concerned with the qualitative
and quantitative interpretation of data obtained from commonly used well logging techniques (gamma
ray, calliper, SP, sonic, density, neutron, resistivity, dip meter and image logs tools) and
their use to determine the lithological and petrophysical characteristics of hydrocarbon reservoirs.
The third involves the study of rock physics and rock mechanics, the former to integrate well
log data with seismic data to study the geophysical characterisation of reservoirs using AVO
and seismic inversion techniques, as well as the modelling of potential AVO responses.
Petroleum systems
The course comprises four week-long modules. The first week introduces the concept of
petroleum systems, and places particular emphasis on understanding source rocks and hydrocarbon
generation in the context of basin evolution. The second week moves to the analysis of individual
prospects, looking at seals, trap formation, play analysis, prospect risking and economic analysis.
The final two weeks give students (working in teams) the opportunity to apply these concepts to
case studies based on industry data – first of all in a series of shorter practical exercises
looking at petroleum systems in a number of different tectonic settings and finally through a more
in-depth analysis of individual data sets.
Independent research project
The module is research based, but involves individual reviews of project proposals with supervisors,
regular review consultations with supervisors and progress reports to supervisors, and individual
supervision as required. Students are required to produce a report of up to 15,000 words.