| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
|---|---|
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
None, but a geological or chemical background will be useful.
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The aim of this unit is to describe 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.
Introduction to biomarkers, biomarker classes, isoprenoids, steroids, hopanoids, aromatic hydrocarbons, non-hydrocarbon biomarkers. Biomarkers in sediments. Application of biomarkers in petroleum geochemistry: biological sources, maturity. The application of light hydrocarbon gases in petroleum geochemistry.
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.
On completion of this module students will have learned the structures and origins of the important classes of biomarkers (including non-hydrocarbons) in petroleum geochemistry. They will understand how molecular markers can be used as indicators of maturity and of organic matter origin. Students will appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of the biomarker approach, and will understand their routine applications in petroleum exploration.
On completion of the module, students will know how to identify the different biomarkers from their mass spectra and mass chromatogram fingerprints. They will be able to put this ability into practice in the interpretation of the biomarker distributions of samples.
| Graduate Skills Framework Applicable: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 5:30 | 5:30 | Coursework (biomarker interpretation exercise) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Class test |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 13 | 1:00 | 13:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 13 | 1:00 | 13:00 | Revision for exam. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 6:00 | 6:00 | Practical write-up. |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 14:30 | 14:30 | Background reading. |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 13 | 1:00 | 13:00 | Lecture write-up. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 29:30 | 29:30 | Includes reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material. |
| Total | 100:00 |
Specialist knowledge and understanding are primarily imparted via lecture classes, supported by computer-hosted reference materials. Subject specific skills are taught through data-interpretation exercises.
Students are encouraged and expected to learn through reflection and independent reading. They are supported in this by the provision of an extensive, but prioritised, reading list. Observations and discussions during data interpretation workshops aid development of understanding whilst a short test at the end of the module (ten-minute-tests) enables students to monitor the progress of their learning. Subject specific skills are learnt through participation in, and reflection on, data-based exercises.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 60 | Unseen written exam |
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 40 | A biomarker interpretation exercise. Numerical exercise based on 5 oil and source rock chromatograms and spectra (5.5 hrs effort). |
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | Short (10 minute) tests |
The specialist knowledge and understanding imparted during this module are assessed by means of unseen written examination and a single coursework item (a biomarker interpretation exercise). The examination paper employs a range of approaches in order to accurately assess student abilities. These may include essay, calculation, data interpretation, and multi-part questions
N/A
Note: The Module Catalogue now reflects module information relating to academic year 13/14. Please contact your School Office if you require module information for a previous academic year.
Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.