Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module GEOL3221: PETROLEUM GEOPHYSICS

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL3221: PETROLEUM GEOPHYSICS

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Mathematical Methods in Geosciences (GEOL1061) (or AS level Maths at grade C or above or equivalent). And Geophysical Methods in Geoscience (GEOL2081).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To teach the principles of acquisition, processing and interpretation of seismic reflection data, the principles of wireline logging, and applications in the petroleum industry.

Content

  • Seismic wave propagation.
  • Seismic reflection acquisition on land and at sea.
  • Principles of seismic data processing.
  • Seismic reflection data interpretation.
  • Modern techniques in seismic reflection applied to petroleum exploration and production.
  • Principles of operation of wireline logging tools.
  • Formation evaluation using wireline logs.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • To understand the principles of the seismic reflection method and know about modern applications to petroleum exploration.
  • Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in Earth's natural resources and the techniques used to locate and exploit them.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • To be able to interpret seismic reflection sections.
  • To understand the principles of operation of standard wireline logging tools and to be able to use wireline logs for formation evaluation.
  • Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to analyse, evaluate/interpret geological data.
Key Skills:
  • Solve numerical problems using computer or non-computer techniques.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module is delivered through a mixture of lectures and practical classes, supported by handouts and directed reading.
  • The practicals allow "hands on" learning and experience that contribute to understanding and teach the students how to interpret seismic reflection data and wireline logs.
  • Summative assessment is made up of the work in practicals (40%) and an unseen written examination (60%).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 24 Up to 3 per week 1 Hour 24 ■
Tutorial 1 1 Hour 1 ■
Practicals 16 1 or 0 per week 2 Hours 32 ■
Preparation and Reading 143
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
two-hour unseen written examination 100%
Component: Continual Assessment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
practical assessment 1 50%
practical assessment 2 50%

Formative Assessment:

Practical coursework (other than that which will be summatively assessed).

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University