Energy Resource Geology - 2019 entry
MODULE TITLE | Energy Resource Geology | CREDIT VALUE | 15 |
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MODULE CODE | CSM3061 | MODULE CONVENER | Dr Sev Kender (Coordinator) |
DURATION: TERM | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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DURATION: WEEKS | 0 | 12 | 0 |
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) | 30 |
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Energy is one of humanity’s most important resources, yet at the same time one of the largest causes of environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Our continuous need to find new energy resources requires geologists to locate and produce them, but also to try to influence Government policy decisions on energy resources. This module will provide you with a framework to understand the main geological energy resources including oil, gas, coal, unconventional (e.g. shale gas), uranium and critical metals for the renewables industry. In lectures, we will explore the stratigraphic, biological and depositional settings of fossil fuel origins; we will consider the stages required in the exploration for and production of these resources with a geological focus on hydrocarbons and also consider the differing environmental impacts of these resources. In practicals you will gain hands-on experience of the relevant techniques used for interpreting organic geochemistry, petrophysical logs, seismic profiles, constructing stratigraphy and correlation.
You must have previously studied Stratigraphy and Palaeontology (CSM1035), Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (CSM2183) and Structural Geology (CSM2182) in order to undertake this module. It is therefore unsuitable for non-specialist students and is not recommended for interdisciplinary pathways, unless the pre-requisite modules have been studied.
The module provides an overview of the main geological energy resources of the planet, including hydrocarbon origins, chemical composition, reservoirs seals and traps, conventional and unconventional fields, uranium and coal formation, geosequestration and environmental impacts.
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge :
1 Able to describe the distribution of fossil fuels on earth, and the history of its extraction;
2 Demonstrate knowledge of the stratigraphic tools used in exploration;
3 Interpret geophysical logs and seismic surveys with respect to basin modeling and hydrocarbon sources;
4 Able to describe the different types of hydrocarbon sources, reservoirs and traps;
5 Able to describe the chemical composition of hydrocarbons and diagenetic pathways;
6 Demonstrate knowledge of major conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon fields;
7 Able to describe the formation and extraction of both coal and uranium ore deposits;
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge :
8 Demonstrate knowledge of the environmental impacts and potential mitigations of fossil fuel usage;
9 Appreciate the geological methods required in the exploration for, and production of energy resources;
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge :
10 Collect and integrate different types of datasets and report the results accordingly;
11 Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate scientific data.
- Introduction to the module: history of fossil fuel exploration, potential careers;
- Basin-types and stratigraphic techniques for industry, (sequence, logging, biostratigraphy);
- Coal: biological origin, burial and diagenesis;
- Source rocks: biological origin of coal, oil and gas, depositional settings, diagenesis, chemical composition, petroleum generation, migration and alteration;
- Reservoir rocks, seals and traps: clastics, carbonates, depositional models and factors affecting quality;
- Unconventionals and future directions: Shale gas/oil, coalbed methane, tight gas and oil sands;
- Proven resources in prolific basins and frontier basins;
- Environmental impacts, geosequestration, global warming and policy;
- Energy metals: from uranium and lithium exploration to critical metals for renewables.
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities | 40 | Guided Independent Study | 110 | Placement / Study Abroad | 0 |
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Category | Hours of study time | Description |
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 40 | 10 hours Lectures; 30 hours Practical Work |
Guided Independent Study | 110 | Independent Study, guided by Reading List |
Form of Assessment | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
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Drop-In Presentation Plan Clinic | 1 hour (Approx.) | 8, 10, 11 | Oral; informal session held during the assignment period to address any deficiencies in skills or knowledge |
Coursework | 30 | Written Exams | 70 | Practical Exams | 0 |
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Form of Assessment | % of Credit | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
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Multiple Choice Questions | 10 | Two half-hour quizzes | 2-5, 7, 9 | Written |
Presentation | 20 | A 15 minute review of the evidence for environmental impacts and mitigation | 8, 10, 11 | Mark and individual feedback via attainment against proforma marking scheme |
Examination | 70 | 2 hrs | 1-9, 11 | Question by question, general feedback to the group |
Original Form of Assessment | Form of Re-assessment | ILOs Re-assessed | Time Scale for Re-assessment |
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Presentation | Essay | 8, 10, 11 | August Ref/Def Period |
Examination | Theory Exam | 1-9 | August Ref/Def Period |
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Basic Reading:
Reading list for this module:
Type | Author | Title | Edition | Publisher | Year | ISBN |
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Set | Allen, P.A. and Allen, J.R. | Basin Analysis: Principles and Application to Petroleum Play Assessment | 3rd | Blackwell Scientific Press | 2014 | 978-0470673768 |
Set | Gluyas, J. and Swarbrick, R. | Petroleum Geoscience | Wiley-Blackwell | 2004 | 978-0632037674 |
CREDIT VALUE | 15 | ECTS VALUE | 7.5 |
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PRE-REQUISITE MODULES | CSM1035, CSM2182, CSM2183 |
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CO-REQUISITE MODULES |
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) | 6 | AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING | No |
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ORIGIN DATE | Thursday 6th July 2017 | LAST REVISION DATE | Tuesday 30th July 2019 |
KEY WORDS SEARCH | Energy Resources; Oil; Gas; Coal; Uranium; Unconventional Environment |
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Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.