| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
|---|---|
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
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The aims of this module are to -
Introduce the concept of organic maturation and the means by which the degree of maturation is measured and modelled;
To describe catagenesis, the process by which sedimentary organic matter is altered by increasing temperature to result in the generation and migration of oil and gas.
Origin of petroleum
Abiogenic versus Biogenic source
-Geological evidence
-Geochemical evidence
Composition of petroleum
Types of oils and their characteristics
Generation of oil in source rock
Kerogen is the major source of hydrocarbons in petroleum
Kerogen - Maturity and Type
How do we analyse kerogen?
Principal kerogen types and evolution paths of kerogen
Kerogen composition and relationship to petroleum potential
Catagenesis- from kerogen to petroleum
Geothermal gradient - what are the factors that control it? Effects of temperature and pressure on kerogen stability and petroleum generation
Metagenesis and gas generation
Overview of diagenesis, catagenesis and metagenesis
Principal zone of oil generation.
What do we mean by thermal history?
Relationship between thermal history and petroleum generation
Vitrinite reflectance
Vitrinite reflectance and maturity
Vitrinite reflectance interpretation
Colour spectra
Rock-Eval maturity parameters
Basin modelling
Definition of gas: Biogenic and thermogenic gas; Isotope systematics of gas generation
Isotopic characteristics of main gas types
Origin and controls on the abundance of inorganic gases: carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen sulphide.
On completion of this unit, students will know that petroleum has a biogenic origin and that it is generated by the thermal breakdown of macromolecular organic matter termed kerogen. They will learn that petroleum generation is a process controlled by kerogen quality and type, as well as by the geothermal gradient, and will understand how petroleum is transported through the source rock on generation. They will be aware that the level of organic maturity can be determined through microscopical and geochemical techniques (vitrinite reflectance, spore colour, Rock-Eval pyrolysis and fluorescence), and that it can be modelled using computer-based approaches. Students will be familiar with the features of catagenesis and metagenesis. They understand the effects of thermal stress and overburden on kerogen stability and the consequences for the generation process. They will know how to relate the evolution path of a kerogen to its type and will be able to predict the petroleum potential of a kerogen from its composition. They will know how gas is generated by biogenic and thermogenic processes and how the chemical and carbon isotopic composition of gas gives important clues about its source and maturity.
On completion of this unit, students will be aware how microscopical, geochemical and modelling techniques can be applied to the estimation of organic maturation.
| Graduate Skills Framework Applicable: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 13 | 1:00 | 13:00 | Revision for exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 7:30 | 7:30 | Coursework (problem solving exercise) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 13 | 1:00 | 13:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 6:00 | 6:00 | Practical write-up. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Computer based workshops |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 13 | 1:00 | 13:00 | Lecture write-up. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 43:00 | 43:00 | Includes background reading and 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 (practicals). Subject specific skills are taught through modelling and 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 workshop exercises aid development of understanding whilst a short test at the end of the module (ten-minute-test) enables students to monitor the progress of their learning. Subject specific skills are learnt through participation in, and reflection on, workshop classes and exercises.
Key skills are practised through participation in workshop 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 | An interpretation of gas compositional and isotopic data - 1000 words. |
The specialist knowledge and understanding imparted during this module are assessed by means of unseen written examination and a single coursework item (an exercise on the interpretation of gas compositional and isotopic data). 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.