Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)
Module GEOL3221: PETROLEUM GEOPHYSICS
Department: Earth Sciences
GEOL3221: PETROLEUM GEOPHYSICS
| Type | Open | Level | 3 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2015/16 | Module Cap | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- GEOL1081, Further Mathematics for Geoscientists OR a comparable module taught in the Mathematics Department, AND GEOL2081 Geophysical Methods for Geoscientists.
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 and practice of seismic data processing.
- Seismic reflection data interpretation.
- Principles of operation of wireline logging tools.
- Formation evaluation using wireline logs.
- Application of seismic reflection and wireline logging to petroleum exploration and production.
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:
- Critical Analysis
- Research capability
- Scholarship
- Practical competency
- Independent learning
- Numeracy
- IT skills
- Literacy
- Teamwork
- Time management
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 by giving students experience in processing and interpreting seismic reflection data, and in evaluating wireline logs.
- Problems classes on signal analysis for understanding the principles of geophysical signal processing.
- 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 | 20 | Weekly | 1 hour | 20 | ■ |
| Practicals | 20 | Weekly | 2 hours | 40 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 140 | ||||
| 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 |
| Practicals on seismic reflection processing and interpretation, and borehole logging | 60% | ||
| Tests on spectral analysis and deconvolution | 40% | ||
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