GEO3211 – Petroleum Systems
Course description
Course content
The carbon cycle results in the fixation of carbon dioxide in living organisms, and, under specific conditions, accumulation of organic matter (OM) in rocks - sometimes in the form of source rocks (SRs) and coal. This process has occurred on the planet for more than 3.8 billion years, producing oxygen as a by-product, while steadily reducing atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide by the formation of carbonate rocks.
Sedimentary rocks include both carbonate rocks and siliciclastic rocks (shales/sandstones), and both can contain OM and SRs. These rock systems are central as a source for reduced carbon and constitute important parts of "Petroleum Systems".?Source rocks (SRs) form oil and gas and are classified according to the quality and quantity of their organic content which is determined by organic productivity and the depositional conditions of the paleo-environment.
In this course, we seek process understanding concerning the carbon cycle, SR?formation and maturation, oil and gas generation and migration. You shall?be able to explain which factors are central to organic productivity and the formation of oil and gas, and also?the occurrence of oil and gas in traps.
We study the application of?GC-FID/MS, biomarker/geomarker data and stable isotope data, to source rocks, oil and gas. We look into the effects of the biodegradation of petroleum.?The course also provides an introduction to how petroleum geochemical methods are used in oil and gas exploration, and also an understanding of how naturally occurring hydrocarbons are distributed in sedimentary systems.
Learning outcome
After taking this course, you will
- be able to explain the carbon cycle, the formation of organic-rich sediments, kerogen plus generation and migration of oil and gas
- understand and apply modern organic geochemical analytical methods in the context of "Petroleum Systems" - including the systematics concerning occurrences of oil and gas in basins
- be able to discuss and explain how the most important factors determine if a trap contains oil versus gas - such as source rock type, maturity, migration and cap rock properties
- have acquired a fundament for work with oil-oil, oil source, and oil-gas correlation
- have a fundament for following this subject in research, and in exploration - alternatively in bioremediation/pollution
- be able to understand the main factors concerning oil prices in a geopolitical context
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
Special admission requirements
In addition to fulfilling the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:
- Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2)
And in addition one of these:
- Mathematics R2
- Physics (1+2)
- Chemistry (1+2)
- Biology (1+2)
- Information technology (1+2)
- Geosciences (1+2)
- Technology and theories of research (1+2)
Mathematics R2 was a requirement up until and including the study year 2021/2022, as part of a trial arrangement. From and including the study year 2022/2023, Mathematics R2 is no longer a requirement.
The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies (in Norwegian).
Recommended previous knowledge
- GEO2120 – Sedimentology / GEL2120 – Sedimentology, paleontology and stratigraphy (discontinued)?or similar knowledge
Some basic knowledge of chemistry would be helpful.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with GEO4211 – Petroleum Systems.
- 10 credits overlap with GEO4210 – Introduction to petroleum geoscience (discontinued).
Teaching
Teaching consists of lectures in combination with practicals (4hrs + 2hrs + 2hrs per week). There will be active use?of handouts and scientific articles during the course.
Attendance at the first lecture is compulsory. Students who fail to meet are considered to have withdrawn from the course unless they have previously given notice to the Student administration (studieinfo@geo.uio.no)
We reserve the right to change the teaching?form and examination of the course in semesters where 5 or fewer students have been admitted.
Examination
- A final written examination counts 100% towards the final grade.
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you?withdraw from the exam?after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
It will also be counted as 1 of the 3 attempts to sit the exam for this course if you sit the exam for one of the following courses:
Examination support material
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.
Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass, the original examination.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.