Module GEOL4131: PETROLEUM GEOPHYSICS IV

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL4131: PETROLEUM GEOPHYSICS IV

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

• GEOL4101 Petroleum Geoscience IV, GEOL4111 Environmental Geochemistry IV, GEOL4171 Paleobiology IV, GEOL4121 Tectonics and Deformation Processes IV, GEOL4161 Earth Structure and Dynamics IV, GEOL3221 Petroleum Geophysics, GEOL4141 Earth System and Climate IV, GEOL4151 Hydrogeology and Geomechanics IV,.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Critical Analysis
• Research capability
• Scholarship
• Practical competency
• Independent learning
• Numeracy
• IT skills
• Literacy
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
• Consider received information critically, even that received from a perceived reliable source.
• Analyse conventionally accepted information based on independent thought.
• Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences in written and verbal forms.
• Put together a written review of a Petroleum Geophysics topic of the students choosing.
• Use internet and library resources effectively.
• Acquire skills necessary for self-managed lifelong learning including independent research, critical analysis, and time management.
• Identify and work towards targets for personal and academic development.

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.
• Two timetabled meetings during Michaelmas and Epiphany terms (four total) designed specifically to promote advanced critical reasoning, scientific research, and scientific writing skills, and writing skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

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