The course is intended to provide an understanding of geochemistry that can be applied by explorationist in prospect appraisal and exploration decision making. The explorationist may be required to estimate the amount and timing of oil and gas generation, evaluate drainage areas and migration paths, and from these explain the presence/absence and character of hydrocarbon occurrences. Only by having a sound understanding of geochemical principles can the explorationist make sound interpretations of the available data and possibly plan further work. This course provides that opportunity.

1. Fundamental concepts and basic applications

2. Thermal/maturation modelling

3. Relationship of geothermal gradients, thermal conductivities and heat flux; measured and calculated thermal maturity values; interpretation of thermal history; misapplications.

4. Interpretation of pyrolysis data/source rock productivity

5. Effects of kerogen type, maturity kerogen composition; potential and hydrocarbon productivity.

6. Hydrocarbon composition/oils/biomarkers

7. Control of hydrocarbons on physical properties of petroleum; source type, maturity, mixing and alteration processes reservoir geochemistry.

8. Source rock/basin modelling

9. Source rock facies, palaeoenvironments and geochemical signatures; the geochemical approach to basin modelling; case histories.

10. Geochemical evaluation

11. Range of geochemical analyses; organisation of analytical programmes; combinations of analyses to solve specific problems; case histories.

12. Each session involves worked examples.

The course is primarily aimed at geologists and geophysicists with little previous knowledge of geochemistry, although it also includes advanced concepts of geochemistry including biomarker analysis.