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 GEOLOGY
Code ENVS537
Coordinator Dr RA Duller
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Robert.Duller@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

The aims of the module are:
to provide students with suitable background to the concepts used by the petroleum industry;
to equip them with the techniques to assess petroleum reserves and reservoir quality.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Ability to describe what the basin types are and the mechanics of their formation

(LO2) Ability to describe and apply a workflow to calculate hydrocarbon volume in place and appreciate the uncertainties inherent in the answer

(LO3) Ability to collect industry-standard sedimentological information

(LO4) Ability to synthesize, evaluate and report on a sedimentological, petrophysical and petrological dataset from the North Sea to assess: the petroleum system, reservoir quality and economic viability

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Numeracy

(S3) Teamwork

(S4) Organisational skills

(S5) Communication skills

(S6) IT skills

(S7) Leadership

(S8) Ethical awareness

Syllabus
 

Themes addressed in this module include:

Mechanics of basin formation: Extension;
Mechanics of basin formation: Compression;
Mechanics of basin formation: Strike-slip systems;
Basic principles of sequence stratigraphy;
Source rock burial and petroleum generation;
Trap styles, volumetrics and uncertainty;
General reservoir geology;
Sedimentary core and well data;
Sandstone reservoir quality;
Well data interpretation.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Online lectures
Description: Lectures will be available via CANVAS and will be delivered asynchronously (i.e. pre-recorded and uploaded)
Attend: student viewing will be recorded

Teaching Method 2 - Small group tutorials
Description: 20 minute duration per small group to support online learning. In particular this teaching method will support the online practical assessments. This will be arranged on a group-by-group basis and will be responsive.
Attend: none essential but attendees will be recorded.

Teaching Method 3 - Laboratory work in week 9
Description: 1 x 6-hour practical slot in week 9
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours       6

   30

4

 40
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 110
TOTAL HOURS 150

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
A paper-based individual course work booklet that will be completed over 6-weeks and submitted online in week 6 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Th  20 hours    50       
Paper-based, individual course work booklet with 5-page report There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedu  25 hours    50       

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