Introduction to Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Course: Non-Technical Language

The course provides a comprehensive overview of the oil and gas exploration and production industry from an historical, current and future perspective for both non-technical and technical staff. The principles of exploration, development and production will be covered and complemented by what is happening in the industry and what the future holds. The full lifecycle of exploration to product deliver will be covered.

The course is designed for:

• Professionals who need to learn about the industry
• Personnel within the industry
• Technical support staff entering the industry
• Technical staff who want to expand their understanding of the industry
• Students considering the industry as a career

Course outline

The role of oil and gas in society

• The nature of oil and gas
• Uses for oil and gas

Petroleum Geology

• Geological time
• Rock types
• Sedimentary basins
• Mapping
• Plate tectonics
• Source rocks
• Reservoirs
• Traps and seals

History of oil and gas

• Pre-history
• 1800s to the great wars
• Post war to present

Exploration

• Gravity and magnetic surveying
• 2D, 3D and 4D seismic
• Field valuation
• Field appraisal

Drilling

• Drilling basics
• Drilling, casing and completing a well
• Sampling and testing

Field development and production

• Field development planning
• Lifecycle costing
• Economic analysis
• Development drilling
• Facilities and production
• Abandonment

The big picture

• Upstream
• Midstream
• Downstream

Health, Safety and Environment

• Health considerations
• Safety considerations
• Environmental considerations

Alternatives

• Unconventionals
• Alternatives to oil and gas
• Carbon capture and storage 
• (CO2 sequestration)

The future

• Peak oil
• Where will we find oil and gas in the future