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Molecular Marker Compounds
[ Book online ]
This course describes the geochemistry and application of molecular marker compounds ("biomarkers") in sediments and crude oils. The objectives are to measure maturity and assess palaeoenvironment of deposition. It provides an introduction to biomarkers, biomarker classes, isoprenoids, steroids, hopanoids, aromatic hydrocarbons, and non-hydrocarbon biomarkers. Biomarkers in sediments and the application of biomarkers in petroleum geochemistry (biological sources, maturity) are discussed, as is the application of light hydrocarbon gases in petroleum geochemistry.
Course Objectives
On completion of the course, delegates will:
- have learned the structures and origins of the important classes of biomarkers (including non-hydrocarbons) in petroleum geochemistry
- understand how molecular markers can be used as indicators of maturity and of organic matter origin
- appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of the biomarker approach, and understand their routine applications in petroleum exploration
- know how to identify the different biomarkers from their mass spectra and mass chromatogram fingerprints
- be able to put this ability into practice in the interpretation of the biomarker distributions of samples.
Course Outline
- Introduction to biomarkers.
- Biomarker classes.
- Applications of biomarkers to determination of maturity.
- Biomarkers in sediments.
- Markers for biological inputs.
- Hopanoids.
- Aromatic hydrocarbons.
- Non-hydrocarbon biomarkers.
- Light hydrocarbon gases.
- BHPs, GDETs and IPLs.
Presenters
School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
- Dr Geoff Abbott (Course Leader)
- Dr Martin Jones
- Dr Helen Talbot
Fees
- Molecular Marker Compounds
- £975.00 (duration 5 days)
Formal assessment may be available for this Course. Assessment attracts an additional fee of £260.00, and delegates will be issued with a transcript and Certificate of Credit Achieved.
Owing to visa restrictions the assessment option is not available to international students.
Prerequisites
Prerequisite knowledge
It is anticipated that delegates who attend the course will have a reasonable level of knowledge of the following topics:
- Chemistry
- Geology
Please contact the Professional Development Unit if you require further information.
Academic Module Outline
This course is also delivered as a Module on at least one of the School's Masters programmes; delegates will attend with full and part time registered students. The Academic Module Outline is available via the University's Module Catalogue.