| Credit |
6 points |
| Availability |
Semester 1 (see Timetable) |
| Old unit code |
520.352 |
| Outcomes |
Students are able to demonstrate understanding of the basics of petroleum geology including a working knowledge of common geological and oil industry terminology; understanding of the basic concepts of petroleum exploration including seismic acquisition and interpretation, well-log analysis, sedimentary geology, stratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy; and are able to communicate effectively with petroleum and exploration geologists. |
| Content |
This unit provides an introduction to the processes and concepts of petroleum geology. The unit familiarises students with everyday techniques and terminology used in the oil industry, as well as providing an overview of the basic principles of all aspects of petroleum geology. Practical exercises form an important part of the unit and involve applying theoretical knowledge to industry problems. Knowledge of the geological foundations of petroleum formation and exploration is essential to any career in the hydrocarbon industry.
The unit provides a basic introduction to geology and develops the knowledge and skills necessary for understanding petroleum formation, migration and accumulation, and methods of detecting, measuring and developing petroleum reserves. It covers topics such as sedimentology and sedimentary facies; core logging; geological mapping and map interpretation; physical and chemical properties of petroleum; formation, migration and trapping of hydrocarbon accumulations. Methods of petroleum exploration include geophysical exploration and seismic section interpretation; drilling, wireline logging and interpretation; maturation modelling; computer-based visualisation and analysis of exploration data; prospect risk analysis; case studies of major international and Australian hydrocarbon fields.
The unit is taught jointly to students from Science (Geology) and Engineering backgrounds. Projects and assignments are set to reflect the intent and requirements of similar tasks in the industry. |
| Assessment |
This comprises practical exercises (40 per cent) and a final examination (60 per cent).
Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's pass degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete their course. |
| Unit Co-ordinator(s) |
Professor Myra Keep |
| Location |
UWA (Crawley) |
| Mode |
on-campus |
| Unit Rules |
| Prerequisites: completion of 48 points |
Contact hours—lectures: 18 hrs; labs: 47 hrs; tutorials: 13 hrs
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| Unit Outline | http://www.unitoutlines.science.uwa.edu.au/Units/EART3352/SEM-1/2010 |
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- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change.
- Assistance with study skills, including English language skills, is available free of charge from Student Services for all enrolled students (see http://www.studentservices.uwa.edu.au/ss/learning). Student Services location: Second Floor, South Wing, Guild Village; telephone: 6488 2423.
- Books and other materials wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary Reading', 'Recommended Reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. For first-year units the Bookshop will endeavour to make available photocopies of book lists for individual units. Books marked with an asterisk (*) are available in paperback.
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