This module is suitable for engineers either already employed by the oil and gas industry or looking to transfer into this field. The module provides an overview of petroleum geology and the properties of petroleum fluids.

This module integrates knowledge of petroleum geology and the properties of petroleum fluids to allow you to develop an understanding of reservoir engineering and formation evaluation and demonstrate how the value of a hydrocarbon accumulation is created.

On completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Apply fundamental geological concepts that will allow you to understand how hydrocarbon accumulations occur, how different reservoirs are formed, what considerations must be taken into account in the development and production from specific types of reservoirs encountered.

• Apply the essential tools available for finding and characterizing hydrocarbon accumulations and obtain essential knowledge related to reservoir's economics' potential valuation parameters and conditions. Appreciate the basic principles and concepts of reservoir simulation.
• Relate field observations to geological structure and petroleum production potential and acquire the fundamental vocabulary and understanding that will allow you to successfully communicate these concepts with industry participants.
• Master the essentials of reservoir and fluid properties from surface and down-hole measurements and analysis and estimation of initial and remaining reserves.
• Appraise and justify the importance of Formation Evaluation as part of accessing and producing hydrocarbons; apply the principles of formation evaluation to oilfield development.

• Essentials of geology and their application to the origin of hydrocarbons, its entrapment and the principles of accessing and extracting the value.
• Concepts of reservoir engineering; properties of reservoir rock, fluid distribution and properties, porosity systems and permeability and production chemistry.
• Dynamics of fluid flow in reservoirs, static pressure and well-test analysis and PVT analysis.
• Determination of hydrocarbon volumes, estimation/classification of reserves and essentials of recovery methods.
• Concepts of formation evaluation and geophysical prospecting methods.

You will learn through a mix of online lectures, tutorials and self-guided study.

All modules are credit rated and can be worth 5, 10, 15 or 30 credit points. This equates to the number of study hours required within the module, for example 50 hours for 5 credit points, 300 hours for 30 credit points. The SCQF modules can range from level 7 (undergraduate) through to level 11 (Masters) on the Scottish Credit Qualification Framework (SCQF). You can undertake individual modules or build them up to gain an exit award.

Find out more on progression and the framework on the SCQF website.

This is an online distance learning course and we recommend you have a 2.2 UK honours degree in Engineering or a related discipline, and proficiency in English language for academic purposes (or IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent). Qualification through previous relevant industry experience may be considered.

You should note that modules taken through Professional Development@RGU are not eligible for Tier 4  sponsorship.

This module is approved as being an acceptable element of an individual Further Learning plan for Chartered Engineer registration in that it meets the requisite content, academic level and academic rigour expected of an approved Further Learning plan for Chartered Engineer registration.

For general enquiries please call 01224 262180 or email pdenquiry@rgu.ac.uk

To apply for the course, complete the Professional Development @RGU Application Form

At the end of this module you will understand the essential principles of petroleum geology. You could progress to other modules within the IMECHE suite which would assist in gaining Chartered Engineer status.

This module is assessed by a mix of a coursework and a closed book examination. Arrangements can be made for the examination to be taken at a location external to the university e.g. overseas.

The fee for this course is £1200.

Find out more about how to pay for your course.

• Payment options