ERB303 Energy Resources and Basin Analysis
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| Unit code: | ERB303 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | ERB203 and ERB302 |
| Equivalent(s): | NQB612 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $5,244 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ERB303 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | ERB203 and ERB302 |
| Equivalent: | NQB612 |
| Coordinator: | Craig Sloss | c.sloss@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The vast majority of the world's energy is derived from fossil fuels. Advanced concepts of stratigraphy and basin analysis are fundamental for exploration, evaluation, exploitation and conservation of oil, gas, coal and water in sedimentary rocks. Knowledge of subsurface geologic methods using core, well and geophysical data is essential for anyone wishing to enter the petroleum, coal or strata-bound minerals industry. This unit will cover advanced basin analysis concepts and combine project based learning and practical exercises to provide insight into the exploration of petroleum and other natural resources.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse sequences of sedimentary rocks in basins of different types and geometries to explain the stratal architecture of a basin as a function of the interaction of paleogeography, paleoclimate, eustatic fluctuations, tectonics, thermal history and sediment fill.
- Summarize petroleum genesis, habitats, generation, migration, traps, seals and reservoirs as well as oil and gas field appraisal techniques.
- Construct correlations of sedimentary sequences using an array of stratigraphic data, facies analysis and subsurface geophysical and well log data.
- Develop problem identification and problem solving skills for practical and theoretical petroleum geology and basin evolution issues.
- Assess subsurface management issues and relationships between resource extraction, environmental protection and societal needs.
- Prepare written reports and oral presentations to a professional standard.
Content
The unit covers the following topics in both theoretical and applied terms:
- Basin characterization, formation and evolution (thermal, diagenetic, tectonic); three dimensional geometry of oil and gas reservoirs and coal seams
- Advanced correlation using biostratigraphy, chemostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy;
- Application of seismic interpretation and other subsurface mapping tools and techniques;
- The nature of petroleum systems including source rocks, maturation of hydrocarbons, reservoir rocks and trapping mechanisms of both conventional and unconventional resources (coal seam gas , shale gas and tight gas resources); fluid flow in porous media
Learning Approaches
The unit uses an inquiry-based approach, combining lectures, self-directed online and library research, practical exercises in a collaborative setting, and interactive seminars to provide you with the theoretical skills and practical experience to interpret sedimentary basin architecture and evolution. Your participation in practical exercise will enhance problem-solving skills and develop skills in the evaluation and communication of geological data. Lectures and practicals are assessed in a final project report. The lectures will be delivered in a synchronous online module.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Weekly feedback on practical exercises. Written feedback on theoral presentations and logging exercise.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment of this unit will include a problem-solving task, a student presentation and a project. If campus access is restricted at the time of the central examination period/due date, an alternative, which may be a timed online assessment, will be offered. Individual students whose circumstances prevent their attendance on campus will be provided with an alternative assessment approach.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Task
Stratigraphic logging practice during class time will be summarized with an exercise utilizing two real world coring and sampling techniques (mudlog derived rock chips and diamond core)
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Project (applied)
A research and analytical project on basin evolution and petroleum exploration and its potential relationship to environmental and societal needs. The project will require students to write an extended abstract and give an oral presentation.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Final Project Report (written)
Description: Geological report on the tectonic and sedimentary architecture of a given basin and its energy resources, wherein all concepts and practices explored in class are summarized and utilized.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
1. Allen and Allen (2005) Basin Analysis: Principles and Applications, 2nd Edition, Blackwell
References:
1. Miall AD (2000) Principles of Sedimentary Basin Analysis, 3rd edition, Springer, Berlin ; New York
2. Boggs S (2001) Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, 3rd edition, Prentice Hall
3. Magoon LB & Dow LG (eds) (1994) The Petroleum System, Oklahoma: AAPG 3.
4. Reynolds (2011) An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics, 2nd Edition, Wiley
Periodicals:
1. Basin Research
2. Journal of Sedimentary Research
3. AAPG Bulletin, American Association of Petroleum Geologists
4. Petroleum Geoscience
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no significant risks relating to this unit.