• To those unfamiliar with hydrocarbon exploration and production, there are many unfamiliar terms and techniques commonly used by geologists, geophysicists and engineers. This course will introduce and explain this terminology and provide a background into exploration methods, drilling processes and field development. A combination of lectures, practical exercises and a case study are used to ensure that participants gain a full understanding of the all aspects of hydrocarbon exploration, discovery and extraction.

• By the end of the course participants have a good but general understanding of the 'upstream' oil and gas industry: how hydrocarbons are found, developed, produced and treated prior to sales. Participants work in teams on an actual field case, and go through all steps that lead to a field development plan, including an economic assessment.

1. History of the oil industry, current issues.

2. Geological concepts, global distribution of hydrocarbons, nature and geometry of hydrocarbon reservoirs, geological requirements for hydrocarbon accumulation, origin of hydrocarbons, rock types and origins

3. Methods and tools used for hydrocarbon exploration, including drilling, geological mapping; satellite imagery and remote sensing; gravity-magnetic surveys; seismic reflection geophysics acquisition, processing and interpretation; seismic mapping; play fairway mapping; prospect evaluation and risking.

4. Field appraisal and static models of reservoirs.

5. Assessing amounts of hydrocarbon-in-place and uncertainties.

6. Dynamic models and subsurface development options, surface engineering and field operations

7. Project economics

8. Environmental issues

This course is designed for entry level E&P professional staff and technical support staff who do not have formal training in geology, geophysics or engineering.