UCD School of Geological Sciences MSc in Petroleum Geoscience Outline Course Structure GEOL 40390: Petroleum Systems Prof. P.M. Shannon Prof. P.M. Shannon, Prof. P.D. W Haughton, Dr T. Manzocchi, Dr I. Lokmer. Semester I, Level 4, 5 Credits. Petroleum systems are the integrated geological components and processes that result in the generation and entrapment of hydrocarbons. This module provides an introduction to petroleum systems and their analysis. It will outline the formation of mature source rocks, migration pathways, reservoir rocks, traps and seals. It will introduce the methodologies used in the development of petroleum play concepts and in the analysis of petroleum systems. The structure and operation of the oil industry will be described in the context of global production trends. Practical exercises will involve both group and individual work designed to provide an introduction to the data and techniques used in petroleum systems analysis. This module will serve as an introduction to other modules in the course that will explore the details of individual components of petroleum systems. On completion of this module students should be able to: 1. Describe the critical geological components of petroleum systems, illustrated by real examples from different parts of the world. 2. Explain and analyse the critical timing relationships involved in the formation of a petroleum system. 3. Discuss the main methods of petroleum systems and prospect analysis. 4. Appreciate the basics of petroleum economics and the principles underlying the development of an oil company exploration strategy. 24 x 1 hour lectures. 12 x 3 hour practical classes. 50 hours autonomous learning/directed reading. 4 hours assessment. 50% Continuous assessment (combination of practical exercises and tests). GEOL40420 (Exploration and Prospect Evaluation) and GEOL40430 (Production Geology and Field Management).
GEOL 40380: Depositional Systems and Sequence Stratigraphy, Dr P.J. Orr, Prof. I.D. Somerville Semester I, Level 4, 5 Credits Depositional systems are 3D facies mosaics left by surface environments. This module will review the characteristics of the main clastic and carbonate environments and the depositional systems they leave, with an emphasis on potential reservoirs and seals. The module will demonstrate how process interpretations and stratigraphic context can be used to ultimately constrain reservoir volumes, architecture, heterogeneity and rock quality. Sequence stratigraphy will be introduced as a tool for facies prediction, subsurface correlation and merging detailed core- and well-based observations with seismic-scale constraints. Elements of the course will feed into Basin Analysis and Modelling module (GEOL40370) in terms of basin-scale lithology prediction. The key controls on deposition (tectonics, base level, sediment supply) and their interaction will be explored. Practical exercises will serve to illustrate the wide range of data and tools that are used to reconstruct environments of deposition, constrain reservoir architecture and place prospects and producing fields in a wider stratigraphic context. On completion of this module participants will be able to: 1. Constrain original depositional environments, carrying appropriate uncertainty where warranted. 2. Work with well data (cuttings, cores, wireline logs) and integrate these with other datasets (regional geology and geophysics, 2- and 3D seismic data, remote sensing imagery, outcrop analogues). 3. Place constrains on the geometry (orientations, dimensions, connectivity) of potential sandstone and carbonate reservoirs and shale gas plays. 4. Unravel the depositional and post-depositional controls on pore system development and reservoir properties. 5. Apply sequence stratigraphic concepts at local and regional scale as an aid to sand prediction, well correlation and reservoir zonation. 24 x 1 hour lectures. 12 x 3 hour practical classes. 50 hours autonomous learning/directed reading. 4 hours assessment. 50% Continuous assessment (combination of practical exercises and tests).
GEOL 40370: Basin Analysis and Modelling: Dr. C. Childs Dr C. Childs,, Prof. P.M. Shannon, Prof. C.J. Bean, Prof. J.J. Walsh, Dr. T. Manzocchi. Semester I, Level 4, 5 Credits While all basins are different in detail, their individual characteristics are determined by a limited number of first-order controls including tectonic and palaeogeographic setting, and base-level variations. An understanding of these controls and their interaction on basin structure, basin fill and subsequent burial is crucial to evaluating the hydrocarbon potential of a basin. This module will provide the student with a large-scale perspective and an overall structural framework for basin development in a range of geological settings. It will explore the key controls on regional sediment fill, thermal history and fluid flow at basin scale. It will introduce the principle and practice of basin modelling. Basin analysis requires input from many branches of the geosciences and the impacts of variations in these inputs on estimated charge, reservoir and seal risk will be evaluated in 1D basin models. On completion of this module students should be able to: 1. Understand the first-order controls on basin evolution and how they determine the general style of a basin. 2. Evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of a basin from a knowledge of its general setting and geological history. 3. Construct 1D models of basin evolution incorporating the subsidence, thermal and charge histories and evaluate the exploration risk associated with each. 24 x 1 hour lectures. 12 x 3 hour practical classes. 50 hours autonomous learning/directed reading. 4 hours assessment. 50% Continuous assessment (combination of practical exercises and tests).
GEOL 40350: Introduction to seismic techniques Dr Ivan Lokmer Dr Ivan Lokmer, Prof. C.J. Bean Semester I, Level 4, 2.5 Credits. Seismic methods play an important role in hydrocarbons exploration. There are three main stages in seismic exploration: data acquisition, processing and interpretation. This module is intended to help students to understand the common practice and physical principles underlying the first two stages, in order to deal more efficiently with the interpretation stage (dealt with in more detail within other modules). The student will learn the basics of spectral analysis, filtering, and the relationship between the physical properties of rocks and seismic wave velocities before being introduced to reflection and refraction seismic techniques. Although the physical concepts will be introduced at a basic level, the module will make the student aware of the more advanced techniques of analysing geophysical data, because these can greatly improve the efficiency of the extracting useful subsurface information. On completion of this module students should be able to: 1. Understand the physical principles behind subsurface imaging using seismic data. 2. Undertake the basic processing of raw seismic reflection sections. 3. Appreciate the limitations of geophysical exploration methods. 4. Discuss the reasons behind using a particular data acquisition technique/geometry 5. Apply basic spectral analysis techniques to the recorded dataset in order to maximise the extraction of useful information about subsurface structure. 12 x 1 hour lectures. 6 x 3 hours practical classes. 20 hours independent research and learning. 6 hours group project/report/presentation. 2 hours examination. 50% Continuous assessment (combination of practical exercises, projects and tests).
GEOL 40360: Petrophysics To be delivered by industry specialist(s) Semester I, Level 4, 2.5 Credits Petrophysics deals primarily with rock and fluid properties constrained by a range of well logging tools. These properties include the lithology, composition, density, porosity, compressibility, resistivity, fluid content (hydrocarbon and water saturations), fluid type and permeability. This short module, delivered in a block, will review the physical background to the commonly used open-hole and other logging tools, and show how these tools are used, often in combination, to constrain important reservoir and fluid properties and borehole characteristics. In addition, the module will deal with core-to-log and log-to-seismic calibration, the use of log data in well correlation and well steering, and the role of image logs in constraining depositional interpretations in the absence of core. There will be an emphasis on data integration using practical examples from recent exploration and behind-outcrop boreholes, and producing hydrocarbon fields. On completion of this module participants should be able to: 1. Infer lithology in well bores away from cored intervals using a combination of open-hole logs. 2. Undertake a core-to-log matching exercise and provide core-to-log shifts. 3. Use log data to tie wells to seismic data and calibrate seismic response. 4. Identify and interpret depositional, diagenetic and structural features in boreholes using image logs. 5. Use well logs to determine reservoir porosity and assess the types of fluid, the volumes of moveable hydrocarbons and the position of and nature of fluid contacts. 6. Generate and interpret wireline log transforms e.g. Vsh, Sw and reservoir permeability. 7. Correlate wells using a combination of petrophysical logs and other data and stratigraphic methods. 12 x 1 hour lectures. 8 x 2 hours practical classes. 20 hours independent research and learning. 6 hours group project/report/presentation. 2 hours examination. 50% Continuous assessment (combination of practical exercises, tests and group project).
GEOL 40340: Structural Geology Prof. J.J. Walsh Prof. J.J. Walsh, Dr T. Manzocchi & Dr C. Childs Semesters I and II, Level 4, 5 Credits This module outlines the principal controls on the geometry and growth of the broad range of geological structures which impact the migration, trapping and production of hydrocarbons from sedimentary basins. Concentrating on generic aspects of structural geology, theoretical, experimental and observational constraints will be presented for geological structures arising from tectonics, halokinesis, overpressure and gravitational instability. Emphasis will be placed on establishing the controlling processes and quantitative characteristics of geological structures as a basis for prediction and modelling in hydrocarbon exploration and production. The scope of this module therefore extends from fundamental processes through to the practical methods currently employed in industry. On completion of this module students should be able to: Understand the theoretical, experimental and mechanical constraints on the faulting and fracturing of rocks. Outline the principal characteristics of the geometry and growth of different modes of fault systems. Describe the main types of structurally-controlled hydrocarbon traps. Outline the structure of fault zones and the nature of associated fault rocks. Describe the main processes, factors and practical techniques associated with fault sealing within siliciclastic sequences. Outline the main generic structural features of fractured reservoirs and the related industry methods for their analysis and modelling. Apply some of the main industry methods for analysing fault and fracture systems and their impact on flow. 24 x 1 hour lectures. 12 x 3 hour practical classes. 50 hours autonomous learning. 4 hours assessment. 50% Continuous assessment (combination of practical exercises and tests)..
GEOL 40400: Fieldwork 1 Classes:, Prof. P.M. Shannon, Dr T. Manzocchi, Dr I. Lokmer. Semester I, Level 4, 5 Credits The core of this module will be built around a one-week (7-day) residential field course based in Co. Clare, western Ireland. The module will directly follow on from and build on the overview Petroleum Systems module (GEOL40390) by illustrating aspects of depositional and petroleum systems analysis in a very well-exposed Pennsylvanian analogue succession. The module will combine outcrop characterisation of delta, slope and basin floor successions with behind-outcrop subsurface data from recent cored wells. It will also illustrate the use of data from outcrop analogues to help characterise working petroleum systems elsewhere. The focus will be on hydrocarbon source rock/shale evaluation, sandbody architecture, facies prediction and the application of sequence stratigraphy in understanding the wider pattern of basin filling against a backdrop of changing controlling variables (sediment supply, sea-level, subsidence). Topics covered will include stratigraphic surface recognition, methods of well correlation, depositional heterogeneity and how it can be captured, reservoir-scale stratigraphy and volumetrics, and the disparity between outcrop/core-scale observations and seismic resolution and how the two scales can be bridged. Field exercises will run alongside problem-based classroom training sessions and seminars on background context delivered by participants themselves. On completion of this module, participants will be able to: 1. Appreciate how outcrop information and learning can be incorporated in subsurface workflows. 2. Collect and interpret relevant data from outcrops bearing on reservoir heterogeneity, sandstone connectivity and shale character. 3. Relate features and surfaces in core to their expression in adjacent outcrop and on wireline logs. 4. Appreciate the hierarchical nature of rock successions and the underlying auto- and allogenic controls. 5. Undertake well correlation and lithology prediction using wider stratigraphic understanding and basin context. Background lectures (4 hours). 7 day field class (56 hours). Independent research/background reading/preparation of presentations on field-related topics (30 hours). 2 x 3 hour practical classes using behind-outcrop core material (6 hours). Essay on topic relevant to field course (10 hours). 40% Continuous results from the field and classroom-based exercises/field notebooks 20% Presentations and presentation material. 40% Essay.
GEOL 40420: Exploration and Prospect Evaluation. Prof. P.M. Shannon, Dr Ivan Lokmer, Prof. J.J. Walsh, Dt. T. Manzocchi, Dr. C. Childs, Prof. C.J. Bean, Dr P.J. Orr, Industry specialists. Semester II, Level 4, 10 Credits This module will follow a typical exploration workflow from preliminary basin screening through to identifying play concepts, prospect evaluation, risking, well design, and the interpretation of first well results. Both conventional and unconventional resources will be highlighted. The initial emphasis will be on what makes a basin prospective and regional play fairway analysis in basins of different style. It will draw on the Basin Analysis and Modelling (GEOL40370) and Depositional Modelling and Sequence Stratigraphy (GEOL40380) modules. The role of remote sensing, public-domain data, regional geophysical techniques (gravity, magnetics, passive-source seismology) and seismic stratigraphy in characterising frontier basins will then be introduced and practical examples provided. The use of source and migration modelling and seal and trap integrity studies in more mature settings will also be covered. Methods used to identify, evaluate and rank prospects will then be reviewed, including direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHIs), volumetrics, pressure prediction and reservoir quality analysis. The latter part of the module will deal with basic well design, well prognosis and operations geology, and will include geohazard assessment, environmental protection and a review of regulatory aspects. Information derived from exploration wells will include the application of biostratigraphy, fluid prediction techniques and well tests. Practical work will culminate in participation in AAPG's Imperial Barrel Award Program (IBA), an annual prospect evaluation competition for Masters geoscience students from universities around the world. Elements of the module, including exploration histories, will be delivered by industry experts. On completion of this module, participants will be able to: 1. Screen frontier basins using limited data and a range of tools to identify potential leads and prospects, both conventional and unconventional, under data room conditions. 2. Interpret regional geophysical data in frontier settings and be aware of new tools and developments in subsurface imaging. 3. Perform seismic stratigraphic analysis with a view to source and reservoir prediction. 4. Make a regional reservoir quality assessment. 5. Estimate likely fluid volumes (in place and recoverable) and types in leads and prospects. 6. Recognise direct hydrocarbon indicators and be able to use these and other data to quantify risk and to rank prospects. 7. Put a well location and prognosis together and make a justified business case for an exploration well. 8. Understand drilling operations and the role of geoscience in mitigating drilling and environmental hazards. 9. Undertake post-drill analysis of well data from both discoveries and dry-holes. 40 x 1 hour lectures. 20 x 3 hour practical sessions (including Barrel award project work). 60 hours independent learning. 35 hours project work/presentations. 5 hours assessment. 50% Continuous Assessment (including Barrel Award presentation and work package). 50% End of Semester written examination (3 hours). GEOL40390 Petroleum Systems, Basin Analysis and Modelling (GEOL40370), Depositional Modelling and Sequence Stratigraphy (GEOL40380) and GEOL40430 (Production Geology and Field Management).
GEOL 40430: Production Geology and Field Management Dr. T. Manzocchi Dr T. Manzocchi,, Prof. P.M. Shannon, Dr Ivan Lokmer, Prof. J.J. Walsh, Dr C. Childs, Prof. C.J. Bean & industry specialists. Semester II, Level 4, 10 Credits This module addresses the geoscientific challenges associated with hydrocarbon reservoir management, and the techniques used to tackle them. The principal subjects addressed are reservoir characterisation using geological, geophysical and reservoir engineering data, reservoir geostatistics and modelling, and fractured and unconventional reservoir geology. Like the work of a practicing production geoscientist, the course is multi-disciplinary, covering also relevant aspects of petroleum engineering and petroleum economics. Practical exercises are performed partly on paper, working with the underlying principals governing production geoscience techniques, and partly on workstations using real sub-surface datasets analysed with standard industry software. On completion of this module, students should: Have a broad understanding of the full scope of the scientific and engineering work associated with hydrocarbon reservoir management. Understand the geoscientific challenges and tools associated with different conventional and unconventional reservoir types. Have experience working with industry-standard interpretation and modelling software, on a range of technical problems. Understand the close synergies between geoscience and engineering aspects of reservoir production, and be confident working with multiple data types to understand reservoir behaviour. Be able to build a 3D reservoir model, including assessments of uncertainty, from seismic and well data, populate this model with reservoir properties, and present the model in a format required for flow simulation modelling. 40 x 1 hour lectures. 15 x 3 hour practical classes. 2 x 10 hour group exercises. 1 x 10 hour independent exercise. 80 hours autonomous learning. 5 hours assessment. 50% Continuous assessment (combination of practical exercises, group projects and tests). 50% End of Semester written examination (3 hours). GEOL40390 Petroleum Systems, GEOL 40380 Depositional Systems and Sequence Stratigraphy, GEOL 40350 Introduction to seismic techniques, GEOL 40360 Petrophysics, GEOL 40340 Structural Geology.
GEOL 40410: Fieldwork 2, Prof. P.M. Shannon, Dr T. Manzocchi, Dr C. Childs, Prof. J.J. Walsh, Prof. I.D. Somerville. Semester II, Level 4, 10 Credits This 10-credit module incorporates two tranches of field work, attendant practicals and independent and group learning components. Each of the field courses will involve at least 8 days of field-based exercises and instruction. The fieldwork builds on the Semester I GEOL40400 outcrop experience and integrates and applies many aspects of the other classroom-based modules. The first of the courses will involve a visit to the north Somerset coast and the Wessex Basin in the south of England and will have a dual focus. Outcrops around the Severn estuary (Somerset) will be used to illustrate key structural geology principles, with a particular focus on the geometry and kinematics of normal and strike-slip faults and the characterisation of fault rocks. Associated structural features (joints, veins, folds) will also be examined. Classic outcrops of a working petroleum system in the Wessex Basin will then be visited, including key source horizons, reservoirs, seals and traps. Both clastic and carbonate reservoirs will be covered. Outcrop sites will be linked to laterally equivalent subsurface data and the intention is to visit a producing hydrocarbon field and/or well site during the trip. The second course will be based in the Pyrenees and will deal with all aspects of petroleum systems in foreland basin settings (Ainsa, Ebro and Jaca basins). Structural aspects will focus on compressional tectonics and on wider tectonic controls on sedimentation, subsidence, basin filling and trap formation. A wide range of different reservoir analogues will be visited in traverses across both clastic and carbonate depositional profiles. Again outcrop systems will be related to local subsurface equivalents and to their expression in local exploration and behind-outcrop cores and seismic data, and to analogous producing reservoirs elsewhere. On completion of this module participants will be able to: 1. Reconstruct a wide range of depositional systems, both clastic and carbonate, and understand their inherent variability and likely subsurface expression. 2. Make informed predictions about lateral facies relationships and reservoir geometries based on the wider stratigraphic and system context and anticipated variability across different styles of depositional profile. 3. Appreciate how structural characterisation of faults, fractures and folds in outcrop can help characterise similar features in the subsurface. 4. Integrate sedimentological and structural data to better understand reservoir geometries and traps in tectonically-active settings. 5. Understand petroleum systems in a wider basin context against a backdrop of the changing tectonic, climate, sediment supply and other controlling factors. Background lectures (4 hours). 16 day field exercises/instruction (120 hours). Independent research/background reading/preparation of presentations on field-related topics (60 hours). 4 x 3 hour practical classes (12 hours). Essays on topics relevant to field work (20 hours). 40% Continuous results from the field and classroom-based exercises/field notebooks/overall contribution and participation. 20% Field course related presentations and presentation material. 40% Essays to be completed after each field course.
GEOL 40440: Research Project Prerequisites: All Semester 3, Level 4, 30 Credits. This 30-credit module involves an independent research project of 12 weeks duration. Projects will either be undertaken with petroleum-focussed research groups within the UCD School of Geological Sciences or off-campus in association with industry or regulatory bodies as an internship or summer placement. Project topics will be tailored to student s specific interests and ability. They could be field-based, core-based, petrographical, desk-top, geophysical studies etc. and will have an applied focus with well-defined objectives that the student will help shape. Students will have an internal supervisor who will help guide the work and provide advice, but the onus is on the student to develop and execute a work programme around the selected topic and to liaise with industry, as appropriate. The results of the project will be summarised in an original thesis and a final technical presentation (talk and poster) to colleagues, staff and industry representatives, including the external examiner(s). The research project will give students an opportunity to: 1. Apply and reinforce the skills and knowledge acquired during semesters I and II. 2. Undertake and drive a significant piece of original technical work and to follow it from the planning stage through to final reporting and presentation of the results. 3. Demonstrate critical reasoning skills and general aptitude for research and a technical work role. 4. Deepen understanding in an area of particular interest and acquire specific expertise 5. Show they can work to a schedule and ultimate deadline. 6. Sharpen their presentation skills, both written and oral. 480 hours of independent research, including reporting and presentation. 80% for thesis. 20% for presentation (talk and poster). To undertake a research project, students must have passed all taught modules of the MSc programme.