Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Petroleum Reservoir Geoscience Research Project
Code ENVS608
Coordinator Professor RH Worden
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
R.Worden@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 60

Aims

To train students, via initial lectures and personal practice, in professional scientific journal style writing;
To train students, via initial lectures and personal practice, in formulating, presenting and defending a professional research proposal;
To train students, via personal practice under academic supervision, in the execution and presentation of professional-level research in petroleum reservoir geosciences.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Have an understanding of the principles and guidelines under which professional level petroleum-related research is pursued and communicated.

(LO2) Have gained a leading-edge understanding of a specific research area in petroleum reservoir geosciences.

(LO3) Understand the function of different modes of scientific communication involved in the effective execution of petroleum reservoir geosciences.

(S1) Be able to devise and defend a strategy for the execution of a research project.

(S2) Ability to undertake a comprehensive literature review on a petroleum-reservoir related scientific topic.

(S3) Have in-depth knowledge of a specific subject area within petroleum reservoir geosciences including use of complex scientific equipment and data.

(S4) Be able to execute a good quality research and technical research project in petroleum reservoir geosciences.

Syllabus
 

Seminars (to be scheduled for 2 to 3 hours long and held early in Semester 2):
Scientific philosophy behind petroleum reservoir geosciences research;
Scientific practice behind petroleum reservoir geosciences research;
Scientific writing style for journals and reports;
Preparing diagrams and illustrations for scientific reports and papers;
The key elements of a research proposal (who are you writing for?);
Writing research or technical proposals (NERC application as a case study);
What is a literature review?;
Writing a report or paper: what should be put in, what should be left out?;
Giving a successful talk

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Tutorial
Description: Specific topics on writing research proposals, literature reviews and research reports and papers plus associated issues of written style, diagram preparation. Also topics given on various aspects of presentation skills. Planned 2 to 3 hours for each session, depending on class size and specific requirements.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Supervision
Description: This time is the 1-to-1 individual discussions and research supervision that MSc students will have with their project advisors. The recommended contact time is approximately half an hour per week over the 30 weeks (two semesters) of the project. It is recognised that this will not be evenly spread and there may be many weeks with no direct supervision and other weeks with more than one hour per week supervision. Supervision includes all forms of contact including comments on research proposal, literature review, talk and final dissertation. Su pervision includes all discussions with all staff and relevant PhD students, post-docs and technical staff (i.e. not just time with firt supervisor)
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours     20

     15

 35
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 565
TOTAL HOURS 600

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
MSc dissertation Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 3 (summer)  12,000 words includi    50       
Research Proposal There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2      20       
Literature review There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2  8000 words including    20       
Assessed seminar presentation to department and group on final results Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester   15 mins    10       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.