Course Structure
The MSc Course mix core and specialist subject options throughout the two semesters. The core subjects cover the fundamentals of petroleum geology, such as Reservoir Geology, Geophysics Fundamentals, Petrophysics, Operations Geology, Fundamentals of Exploration and Production Geoscience and Geochemistry. In semester two specialist subjects are taken, specific to each MSc, focussing either on Exploration or Production geoscience
All MSc students at Manchester also complete a course in Communication Skills and undertake two field classes. The communication skills course is designed to develop good writing skills, oral presentation skills, computing skills and develop your powers of critical analysis. Overseas students whose first language is not English will receive additional help to improve their use of English. Between June and August you will undertake an Independent Research Project, which will be examined by a report-style dissertation, a poster and a presentation.
From 2010 we will be offering two MSc programmes: Petroleum Geoscience for Exploration (PGE) and Petroleum Geoscience for Reservoir Development and Production (RDP). Semester 1 is jointly taught and builds the foundation in petroleum geoscience. Students study petrophysics, geophysics, reservoir sedimentology, geochemistry and look at the fundamentals of the value chain and the roles of exploration, appraisal, development and production
In Semester 2, some part modules are shared, but each MSc will also have specifically tailored courses.
Petroleum Geoscience for Exploration
This course focuses on exploration geoscience, and develops key skills for understanding petroleum systems, evaluation of sedimentary basins, and leads and prospect generation. It aims to train geoscientist with the skills to explore for oil and gas (and unconventional hydrocarbons), and provides a global overview of major hydrocarbon provinces, and current exploration trends. This degree provides training for a geoscientists who wish to pursue a career in the oil industry working in exploration for oil and gas, but also has elements that introduce field appraisal and development.
Semester 2 comprises four specialist modules:
3D Seismic Interpretation and Basin Analysis: developes interpretation skills using Petrel. Basin analysis and modelling. Structural and stratigarphic trapping mechanism, petroleum system analysis
Group Exploration Project : run as part of the AAPG Barrel award. Working in groups of 4 or 5, mentored by research students and staff and analysing a typical exploration dataset
Field Appraisal and Development: introduce the geoscientist to the tools and techniques used by petroleum engineers to develop oil and gas fields. To understand the role of the geoscientist in oil and gas field development.
Prospect Evaluation and Petroleum Economics: developing leads and prospects, assessing reserves and risk, evaluation the value with petroleum economics
Petroleum Geoscience for Reservoir Development and Production
This course combines the teaching and research strength of our geoscience and chemical engineering schools. The oil industry has clear objectives to maximise recovery from oil and gas fields, and to extend the life of existing fields. This course aims to meet the need for skilled personnel by training graduates that specialise in appraisal / development / production geoscience and the fundamentals of reservoir engineering. The course concentrates on characterization and modeling of the reservoir, fluid flow, and the impact of recovery mechanisms and dynamic displacement. There are also courses in seismic interpretation.
Semester 2 comprises four specialist modules:
Integrated Subsurface Description: 3D Seismic Interpretation and Visualisation, Trapping Framework, Reservoir Framework, Reservoir Properties, Fluid Properties, Uncertainty & Risk,
Oil & Gas Reservoir Dynamics: Reservoir Compartments, Reservoir Energy and Recovery Mechanisms, Geological Reservoir Modelling, Reservoir simulation, Well Testing
Group Development Project : working in groups of 4 or 5, mentored by research students and staff, and using a typical dataset to undertake a field evaluation.
Field Depletion Planning: Resource Assessment, Rate & Production Profile Prediction, Depletion Plan, Operating an Oil & Gas Field, HSE, Petroleum Economics and Risk Analysis, Reservoir Management, Base Management
