Petroleum Geology Free Course

The goal of this course is to obtain knowledge of the origins of petroleum and gas.

An overview is given on the conditions that are needed for oil and gas to accumulate in reservoirs. Moreover, techniques to find and exploit these reservoirs are highlighted. The focus always is on the task of the petroleum geologist during the different phases of oil and gas exploration and production.

After an introduction to the course including typical numbers and historical developments, essential terms and concepts like biomolecules and the carbon cycle are explained. The course then explains the maturation of the source rocks when forming oil and gas, the composition of oil and gas, how the oil travels from the source rock to the oil reservoir, and where it is explored.

The course also discusses the reservoir rock properties, like permeability and porosity, how the oil or gas can be trapped inside the reservoir rock, and the exploration and production of different types of basins.

In several of the lectures, non fictive case studies are presented in order to clarify the theory presented. In order to properly understand the course, prior knowledge in general geology and fluid flow in rocks is preferred.