Hydrocarbon Exploration Course

Lesson 1 • Trap Geometry and Seal Integrity

Analyzes structural and stratigraphic trap types and the caprock properties that retain hydrocarbons. Prepares students to evaluate trap risk.

Lesson 2 • Reservoir Rock Characterization

Covers porosity, permeability, and diagenetic controls on reservoir quality. Connects rock properties to producibility assessments.

Lesson 3 • Petroleum System Fundamentals

Covers the five elements of a petroleum system and their spatial-temporal relationships. Establishes the conceptual framework used throughout the course.

Lesson 4 • Source Rock Geochemistry Basics

Introduces organic matter types, maturity indicators, and generation windows. Provides the geochemical vocabulary needed for later exploration analysis.

Lesson 1 • Core and Cutting Analysis

Covers conventional and sidewall coring, sample handling, and laboratory analysis workflows. Links physical samples to log and seismic calibration.

Lesson 2 • Well Logging Fundamentals

Introduces wireline and logging-while-drilling tools and their physical measurement principles. Establishes the basis for petrophysical interpretation.

Lesson 3 • Geochemical Sampling in the Field

Describes surface geochemical surveys, mud-gas logging, and fluid sampling methods. Connects field geochemistry to petroleum system evaluation.

Lesson 4 • Seismic Data Acquisition Principles

Explains 2D and 3D seismic survey design, source types, and receiver arrays. Provides the acquisition context needed to interpret seismic data correctly.

Lesson 1 • Stratigraphic Seismic Interpretation

Applies seismic stratigraphy concepts to identify depositional sequences and facies. Supports reservoir prediction away from well control.

Lesson 2 • Structural Interpretation Techniques

Teaches horizon picking, fault interpretation, and time-structure map construction. Builds the structural framework for prospect definition.

Lesson 3 • Seismic Data Processing Overview

Summarizes key processing steps that affect interpretation quality. Enables students to recognize processing artifacts and data limitations.

Lesson 4 • Seismic Attribute Analysis

Introduces amplitude, frequency, and coherence attributes for reservoir characterization. Enhances prospect confidence beyond structural mapping.

Lesson 1 • Petrophysical Model Integration

Combines log-derived properties with core data to build a calibrated petrophysical model. Prepares students for volumetric and static model inputs.

Lesson 2 • Net Pay Determination

Defines cutoff criteria for porosity, saturation, and shale volume to identify producible intervals. Directly impacts volumetric resource estimates.

Lesson 3 • Fluid Saturation Analysis

Applies Archie's equation and its variants to determine water and hydrocarbon saturation. Connects resistivity data to producibility assessment.

Lesson 4 • Porosity Log Interpretation

Teaches density-neutron crossplot analysis and sonic porosity derivation. Directly feeds into net pay and volumetric calculations.

Lesson 1 • Structural Framework Construction

Builds fault networks and horizon surfaces from seismic interpretation into a coherent 3D structural model. Ensures geometric consistency for reservoir modeling.

Lesson 2 • Well Correlation and Stratigraphic Framework

Applies biostratigraphy and log correlation to establish chronostratigraphic surfaces. Creates the stratigraphic backbone for 3D model construction.

Lesson 3 • Facies Modeling Concepts

Introduces deterministic and stochastic facies modeling methods within the structural framework. Links depositional environment interpretation to reservoir geometry.

Lesson 4 • Property Population and Upscaling

Distributes petrophysical properties into the 3D grid and scales them for simulation. Connects the geological model to dynamic reservoir simulation inputs.

Lesson 1 • Prospect Risking and Chance of Success

Quantifies geological chance of success by assessing source, reservoir, trap, and seal risk independently. Integrates risk into expected value calculations.

Lesson 2 • Resource Classification Frameworks

Explains internationally recognized resource classification systems and their commercial implications. Provides the definitional basis for all estimation work.

Lesson 3 • Probabilistic Resource Assessment

Uses Monte Carlo simulation to propagate input uncertainties into resource distributions. Produces P10, P50, and P90 estimates for decision support.

Lesson 4 • Recovery Factor Estimation

Determines recovery factors using drive mechanism analysis, analogs, and simulation results. Converts in-place volumes to recoverable reserves.

Lesson 1 • Drilling Program Geological Input

Covers the geologist's contributions to well design, including casing points, coring intervals, and logging programs. Links geological objectives to operational planning.

Lesson 2 • Geosteering and Directional Drilling Geology

Applies real-time log data and geological models to steer wells within reservoir targets. Maximizes reservoir contact in complex geological settings.

Lesson 3 • Real-Time Wellsite Geology

Teaches cutting description, mud-log monitoring, and formation top recognition during drilling. Enables timely geological decisions at the wellsite.

Lesson 4 • Well Completion and Testing Geology

Covers perforation interval selection, drill stem testing design, and fluid sampling during testing. Connects geological evaluation to production potential assessment.

Lesson 1 • Play Concept Development

Defines exploration plays by common source, reservoir, trap, and seal elements. Establishes the play framework for systematic prospect generation.

Lesson 2 • Exploration Portfolio Management

Applies portfolio theory to balance risk and reward across a set of exploration prospects. Supports capital allocation decisions in multi-prospect programs.

Lesson 3 • Basin Analogy and Benchmarking

Uses global basin analogs to calibrate local geological models and recovery expectations. Reduces uncertainty in frontier and emerging basin assessments.

Lesson 4 • Exploration Decision and Reporting

Structures the geological case for drilling decisions and communicates findings to technical and commercial audiences. Integrates all course competencies into a final deliverable.