Nautilus Full Course List

Nautilus is part of the RPS Group

 Contents

Geophysics and Seismic Interpretation

Structure and Tectonics

Clastics

Carbonates

Reservoir Development

Petrophysics

Exploration Tools

Unconventional Resources

Engineering
GEOPHYSICS and SEISMIC INTERPRETATION
Course List
Course
Course Title
Number
F085 Introduction to Seismic Interpretation
F240 Using Seismic Data from Acreage Capture
to Early Field Development
M002 Velocities for Depth Conversion
M004 The Essentials of Rock Physics for Seismic
Amplitude Interpretation
M032 Professional Level Rock Physics for Seismic
Amplitude Interpretation (AVO and Seismic
Inversion)
M038 VSPs in Exploration and Production
M040 Interpretation of 3D Seismic Data
M049 Seismic Attributes for Exploration and
Reservoir Characterisation
M066 An Objective Approach to Seismic
Acquisition, Processing and Reprocessing
M071 Workshop in Geological Seismic
Interpretation: Salt Tectonics
M072 Workshop in Geological Seismic
Interpretation: Deep Marine Systems
M074 Geological Seismic Interpretation Field
Seminar: Compressional Systems (Montana,
USA)
M080 Geophysics for Subsurface Professionals
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Summary
For petrotechnical professionals seeking to gain a practical knowledge
and understanding of the techniques and concepts used in the seismic
interpretation process, this course provides a thorough introduction
covering all aspects, from the basis of the seismic method right through to
the role of deriving seismic attributes.
In this Foundation Level course seismic interpreters take an actual field
data from acreage acquisition, through locating a discovery well, and
into field development. Through hands-on exercises, participants learn
about bidding on blocks, locating a wildcat well, tying a well to seismic
data, mapping reservoir structure and quality from 2D and 3D seismic
data, estimating recoverable reserves and planning an appropriate
platform.
A comprehensive review of the various velocities relevant to seismic
interpretation, including their analysis and application to depth
conversion. The ultimate objective is an understanding of the process of
inverting data from travel time to depth efficiently and effectively.
This course focuses on the construction and application of first-order
models in seismic amplitude interpretation and through this promotes the
understanding of the essential aspects of rock physics that are relevant in
interpreting all types of seismic displays (including reflectivity, impedance
and AVO data).
This course focuses on the role of log-based rock physics within seismic
interpretation, with the objective of getting the attendees to be
comfortable with using log data in seismic modelling. It builds on the
material in the Essentials course (M004), developing the concepts to
include probabilistic prediction methods and time-lapse studies.
This course is designed to provide geophysicists and other geoscientists
with a practical knowledge of borehole seismic techniques with the
emphasis on the practical and effective application of VSP technology.
The course makes extensive use of examples and case studies and
includes some exercises to reinforce key learning points.
This course is designed to give a broad-based knowledge and
understanding of the key seismic interpretation techniques relevant to
subsurface analysis. The nature of the seismic response will be considered,
with reference to both structural evaluation and to methods for
stratigraphic analysis. The analysis of fluid types within the pore spaces will
also be considered, along with attribute analysis and display techniques.
Upon completion of this course, participants will have the basic skills
required to apply the appropriate seismic attributes in exploration and
reservoir characterization projects. This course provides a comprehensive
introduction to the generation and use of seismic attributes including
combined attributes and neural network tools and also focuses on the
need for calibration, pre-planning and modeling.
The course addresses the fundamental issues involved in acquiring and
processing seismic data and the questions which seismic interpreters
need to ask their processing specialists to determine whether, and how, to
re-acquire or re-process existing seismic data. It covers critical processing
decisions including pitfalls and cost-benefit analysis. Attendees will gain
an understanding of the latest techniques and know how to apply them
effectively and efficiently.
This hands-on workshop presents geologic concepts, models, practical
observations and workflows to help constrain interpretations of salt
structures on migrated seismic data. The bulk of the time will be spent
interpreting a variety of seismic data illustrating some of the characteristic
structural styles of salt basins.
The course is aimed at seismic interpreters working in areas dominated by
deep water depositional systems. Through a combination of lectures and
case studies, the participants are exposed to many aspects of seismic
stratigraphic interpretation, with emphasis on predicting, mapping and
quantifying deep water reservoirs.
The class uses interwoven outcrop observations and seismic exercises
to teach fundamental and advanced concepts in the geological
and seismic interpretation of compressional structures and systems.
Participants make observations in the field and combine these with
surface and subsurface data to create a subsurface interpretation during
the final exercise.
This course will provide non-geophysicists, especially those who are
managing or supervising assets, with a practical understanding of what
the seismic method can provide and the strengths and weaknesses of
each technique. They will know what questions to ask their technical staff
and will have a view on cost-benefit.
 GEOPHYSICS and SEISMIC INTERPRETATION

Course List

M092 Fundamentals of Reservoir Geophysics This course will illustrate the role and value of seismic and other geophysical
data in reservoir evaluation and production management by presenting,
as a coherent package, a comprehensive introduction to the methods of
reservoir geophysics as used in appraisal and development.

M172 Depth Conversion Methods and Pitfalls A course dealing with that part of the interpretation process which takes
time horizon maps and converts them to depth, so that in-place oil and
gas volumes can be quantified and successful wells planned.

M217 Seismic Imaging and Velocity Model- This is an advanced course beginning with the theoretical basis of the
Building Techniques: Concepts, Examples seismic reflection image and working through a systematic description
and Pitfalls of the principal techniques deployed by todays seismic processors
to image complex subsurface structures in time or depth domains.
This course will allow participants to evaluate the potential value of
competing techniques and gain a greater understanding of the issues in
complex velocity model building.

M224 Methods for Quantifying and
Communicating Uncertainty in Depth
Conversion and Volumetrics
This advanced course takes an in-depth, quantitative look at the sources
of error and uncertainty in the construction of depth maps from seismic
data, and the resulting impact on reservoir volumetrics. The course will start
from basic geostatistical theory and work through the depth conversion
elements toward a stochastic simulation and probabilistic volumetric
maps. Worked examples will illustrate the issues encountered at various
stages of the asset life-cycle, from data-sparse exploration settings to the
relatively data-rich appraisal and development phases.

M254 A Practical Introduction to Geological This course raises the quality of geological thinking using the medium of
Interpretation of 3D Seismic Data 3D seismic data. It enables seismic interpreters to improve their seismic
interpretation skills through a better understanding of the nature and
limitations of seismic data. It describes modern techniques for eliciting
structural and stratigraphic information from those such and includes
many examples of seismic data in a variety of geologic settings.
M255 An Integrated Approach to 3D Seismic This course examines in detail the practice of 3D seismic interpretation
Interpretation with the objective of improving the skills and productivity of subsurface
professionals. It advocates an integrated approach and work plans
tailored to meet project objectives. The workflow involves understanding
the available data, defining subsurface geometries, inferring geological
meaning, hydrocarbon presence and volumes and communicating
results, including risk and uncertainty.
M258 Synthetic Seismic Modelling and its This course will provide an overview of different synthetic seismic modelling
Application concepts, methods and applications for seismic calibration and better
reservoir characterisation in different areas of the E&P business. It will
demonstrate the effectiveness of synthetic modelling techniques through
practical examples.

M282 An Interpreters Guide to Seismic Depth This course is for seismic interpreters seeking to gain a practical
Imaging understanding of the current commercial methods of seismic depth
imaging. Participants will receive the knowledge required to make
informed decisions regarding which algorithms to use, how to build and
update velocity models, and learn to effectively design, guide, and
quality control depth-imaging projects in a variety of geological settings.

M286 Seismic Acquisition Principles and Practice This course is for geoscientists seeking to gain a practical understanding of
(Houston, USA) the underlying principles and current industry practices regarding seismic
data acquisition from high land to marine environments. Participants
will obtain a working knowledge of significant issues related to survey
design, invitations to bid, the process of data acquisition, supervision/
QC including field data processing, and Health/Safety/Environmental
compliance.

M306 A Practical Introduction to Seismic Inversion This practical course explains the principles and practice of inversion of
seismic reflection data to yield volume properties. It illustrates potential
benefits but also emphasises the inherent non-uniqueness in the process
and the various ways to handle both this and the information that is
missing in the seismic data.

M317 A Practical Introduction to Depth Imaging This course provides an introduction to modern seismic depth imaging
for Interpreters methods for seismic interpreters and project leaders. It provides non-
specialists with the understanding needed to direct and contribute to
seismic processing projects, where integration between interpreters
and processors is vital to achieving project objectives. It addresses
how interpreters can add value through initial design and input data
considerations, velocity model-building, pros/cons of various migration
algorithms and quality control.
M318 Advanced Seismic Processing Techniques The course provides an advanced level discussion of current seismic
and Workflows processing techniques and develops appropriate workflows. Basic
theoretical knowledge and familiarity with seismic processing is assumed.
The emphasis of the course is to teach the theory with examples, not to
teach or to emphasize a particular software system. Participants will use
a specially developed seismic processing training toolkit to process real
seismic data examples; individual results will be compared and discussed.

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STRUCTURE and TECTONICS

Course List

Course
Course Title Summary
Number
F090 Seismic Structural Styles Workshop This course is a hands-on workshop that builds interpretation skills within
different structural settings. Structural techniques and conceptual models
are introduced and applied to seismic data to demonstrate how to
best delineate structures, determine timing, and evaluate exploration
risk. Lectures, exercises and physical models illustrate interpretation of
extensional, compressional, strike-slip, inversion, igneous events and salt
and shale structures.

F138 Structural Interpretation in Petroleum
Exploration and Development
This course describes the large scale tectonic setting of the major structural
styles and the distinctive trap-forming structures that characterize each
style. It presents the principal tools and techniques which are used,
together with an understanding of the basic mechanical properties of
rocks, to more accurately predict and interpret the shape of these trap-
forming structures.

F160 Seismic Interpretation of Structural Styles: A
Workshop for Petroleum Geoscientists
This course demonstrates the application of structural geology concepts
to the interpretation of seismic data in a broad range of different
structural regimes. The class has a workshop-style format and will consist of
presentations and lectures interspersed with numerous seismic exercises.
Participants may bring their own examples of interesting, or problematic,
seismic data for discussion.

F319 Sedimentary Basin Evolution and Petroleum This course examines the tectonic, stratigraphic and sedimentary
Systems controls on petroleum systems in sedimentary basins. The tectonic
processes generating sedimentary basins, their structural development,
the geometry of each basin type and the development of depositional
systems within basins are described.

M016 Structural Geology for Petroleum
Exploration (Nevada, USA)
This course examines aspects of structural interpretation in different
tectonic regimes, from outcrop to regional scale, using field examples,
petroleum industry case studies, seismic exercises and scaled analogue
modelling examples. All key aspects of both extensional tectonics,
inversion tectonics and thrust tectonic regimes are described, analysed
and reviewed.

M023 Salt Tectonics Field Seminar: Diapirs and This field and classroom course examines salt diapirs developed in a
Associated Deformation (Nova Scotia, Carboniferous extensional basin. Diapirs penetrate clastic strata of varying
Canada) competence (sandstones, siltstones, shales) and extensive coastal
sections expose diapir margins that exhibit salt-related deformation
features, both syn- and post-depositional in origin. Salt-body influence on
sediment pathways is also examined. Classroom sessions review imaging
and interpretation issues, salt structural styles, deformation and trap
geometries.

M041 Extensional Tectonics and Normal Fault This course is a field, lecture and practical based investigation of the
Patterns (Utah, USA) extensional tectonics and normal fault patterns of the northern Paradox
Basin, SE Utah. Participants examine the superbly exposed, salt-detached,
extensional structures of the northern Paradox Basin and the Moab Fault
system. Comparisons with subsurface analogues will be made throughout
the course.
M053 Compressional Structural Styles: Models The course is a combined lecture and field-based investigation of thrust
for Exploration and Production (Alberta, and fold structures in compressional belts, examining the changes in
Canada) structural geometries in different lithologies, at different burial depths,
and along strike as the structures die out. Comparisons with subsurface
examples and seismic models of exposed structures are made throughout
the course.

M114 Extensional Tectonics and Normal Faulting
(Nevada & California, USA)
This advanced structural geology course provides geoscientists with
hands-on experience analyzing complex extensional structures at the
reservoir scale. The field localities provide exceptional two- and three-
dimensional exposures that allow participants to virtually walk through
structures like those found in the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea and the
Niger Delta. The course begins in Reno and ends in Las Vegas, Nevada.

M116 Structural Geology for Petroleum
Exploration (SW England, UK)
This course examines aspects of structural interpretation in different
tectonic regimes, from outcrop to regional scale, using field examples,
petroleum industry case studies, seismic exercises and scaled analogue
modeling examples. All key aspects of extensional tectonics, inversion
tectonics, strike-slip tectonics and thrust tectonics regimes are described,
analysed and reviewed.

M142 Structure and Fault Systems in Hydrocarbon
Exploration (Southern Pyrenees, Spain)
This field and classroom course examines the structural interpretation
of fault systems in contractional and extensional tectonic regimes from
outcrop to regional scale. The Spanish Pyrenees are a magnificent
natural laboratory in which to study thrust structures, as well as inverted
extensional basins. These basins exhibit facies and geometries of syn-
rift sediments, enabling analysis of extensional fault geometries and
subsequent inversion.

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 STRUCTURE and TECTONICS

Course List

M144 The Corinth Rift: Normal Faults, Tectonics
and Stratigraphic Architecture (Gulf of
Corinth, Greece)
This course evaluates rift stratigraphy and structure, the geometry
and kinematics of a normal fault network and the facies of selected
Gilbert-type fan deltas. Participants will analyse: sequence stratigraphic
interpretations and modelling of fan deltas in active rifts; the controlling
factors in delta construction and distribution; geometry and connectivity
of a normal fault network; the interaction of surface processes and
tectonics in active rifts.

M149 Practical Salt Tectonics This class discusses the origin and distribution of salt and provides intense
instruction on the essential elements of salt mechanics, diapirism,
structural styles of salt deformation and salt-sediment interaction. It
comprises lectures and exercises involving interpretation of seismic data
from basins around the world.

M163 Salt Evolution and Coeval Sedimentation in
the Paradox Basin (Utah, USA)
The Devonian Catskill Delta complex of the northern Appalachian Basin
contains numerous organic-rich black shales which serve as source and
seal for oil and gas fields in the basin and are prospective reservoirs for
unconventional gas plays. This course explores the structural geology of
these shales, with a focus on the influence of stratigraphy on their brittle
behavior and suitability as unconventional reservoirs.

M169 Structural Geology for Reservoir
Characterization: Seismic-scale Outcrop
Analogues and Applied Methods (SW
Montana, USA)
This course evaluates techniques that transform seismic-scale structural
interpretation into quantitative prediction of reservoir properties for
reservoir simulation. Participants learn how to use restoration, curvature
analysis and stress modeling to gain insight into the spatial variability
of reservoir properties and the orientation of structural anisotropy.
Calibration with analog data allows structural heterogeneity to be
quantified and incorporated into reservoir simulation, thereby optimizing
field development.

M202 Characterising Continental Rift Infills:
Depositional Analysis and Extensional
Development of the Triassic Fundy Basin
(Nova Scotia, Canada)
The course focuses on the characterisation of continental depositional
systems in a rift setting from basin to pore scale and will also develop
participants petroleum system and play analysis skills by examining the
key elements of the Fundy Rift Basin from regional tectonics, reservoir
development and characterisation to seal and source rock distribution.

M218 Structural Controls on Deepwater Systems: This course will familiarise participants with the principles of structural
Growth Structures and Minibasin Fill development of growth folds and controls on deepwater systems. The
(Austrian Alps) course is primarily field-based, integrated with theory and practical
sessions interpreting analogous subsurface data.

M220 Structural Geology and Seismic This course examines aspects of structural interpretation in different
Interpretation for Petroleum Exploration and tectonic regimes, from outcrop to regional scale, using field examples,
Production seismic examples, petroleum industry case studies, seismic exercises and
scaled analogue modeling examples. All key aspects of extensional
tectonics, inversion tectonics, strike-slip tectonics and thrust tectonics
regimes are described, analysed and reviewed.

M231 Understanding, Evaluating and Managing This course examines a wide range of fracture characteristics and their
Fractured Reservoirs (includes Core effects on shale, sandstone and carbonate reservoirs. Participants will
Workshop) learn how different fracture types form, what kinds of fracture distributions
are likely and how to predict whether fractures will enhance, or degrade,
reservoir production. Students will also learn how fracture permeability
can change with changing reservoir conditions during production.

M232 Salt Tectonics: Global Styles, Spanish A combined lecture/field course covering global salt tectonics and its
Outcrops (Basque-Cantabrian Pyrenees, practical application to petroleum exploration and production. In the
Spain) Cantabrian Pyrenees, both field exposures and seismic data illustrate
thick- and thin-skinned salt structures, extensional and contractional
diapirs, halokinetic deformation involving turbidites, and allochthonous
salt, in a passive-margin setting subsequently subjected to convergent-
margin tectonics.

M266 Stress and Geomechanical Analyses (West This course will appraise course participants of key concepts in
Texas, USA) geomechanics and explore the importance and application of stress
and geomechanical analyses to exploration and production, in both
conventional and unconventional reservoirs. It will examine applications
such as well design, borehole stability and hydraulic fracturing and
will develop the skill sets necessary for planning and evaluating a
geomechanics study.

M288 Interpretation of Seismic Data in Structurally Seismic interpretations are often carried out in areas with multiple episodes
Complex Settings of structural deformation. This course develops skills in interpreting 2D
and 3D seismic data sets that show examples of structural reactivation
and superposition of different structural styles, directions and timing. The
course combines structural analysis with a practical application of a
workstation-based workflow and a set of best practices that can be
used to approach complex data sets.

M295 Structure and Evolution of a Passive Margin:
Implications for Hydrocarbon Exploration
(Western Alps, France)
This course traces the evolution of the passive margin of the Western Alps
from the external zones with the (failed) rifted margin, via the collapsed
outer high (Brianconnais), the exhumed mantle of the internal Alps,
terminating with the development of the Alpine foreland basin. The Digne
Thrust system illustrates Mesozoic basin evolution with its implications for:
hydrocarbons, allochthonous salt, phased evolution of the thrust system
and the geometry of the mountain front.

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STRUCTURE and TECTONICS

Course List

S088 Petroleum Systems in Rift Basins: Field
Seminar (Gulf of Suez, Egypt)
The course is field work based, focussing on the fault patterns, associated
syn-depositional structural features, tectonic history and the clastic and
carbonate sediments in the Gulf of Suez rift system, and their relationship
to offshore fields. There will be discussions of global analogues from a
petroleum industry perspective.

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CLASTICS
Course List
Course
Course Title
Number
F155 Introduction to Clastic Depositional Systems: This course examines and differentiates the main clastic depositional
a Petroleum Perspective
F171 Stratigraphic Interpretation of Siliciclastic
Reservoirs: An Integrated Approach
M009 Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Reservoir
Geology of Deepwater Clastic Systems
(County Clare, Ireland)
M011 High Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy:
Reservoir Applications (Utah, USA)
M027 Reservoir Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
of Continental Clastic Systems (Wyoming,
USA)
M028 Sand-rich Turbidite Systems and
Megaturbidites: From Slope to Basin Plain.
Facies, Stacking Patterns and Controlling
Factors (Pyrenees, Spain)
M035 Sedimentology, Sequence Stratigraphy and
Reservoir Architecture of Paralic Deposits
(Utah, USA)
M042 Reservoir Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
of Coastal and Shelfal Successions:
Deltas, Shorelines and Origins of Isolated
Sandstones (NW Colorado, USA)
M096 Recent Depositional and Stratigraphic
Analogues for Fluvial and Shallow Marine
Reservoirs (South Carolina, USA)
M102 Deepwater Slope Channel Complexes:
Architecture and Evolution to Distal Facies
(South and East Turkey)
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Summary
systems in a pragmatic way from a petroleum perspective. Exploration,
basin-scale aspects of the depositional systems are addressed, and the
key development and reservoir scale issues are reviewed in this context.
Subsurface expression of the systems is reviewed, using seismic, well log
and core data. Strategies for the use of these data sets in characterising
and correlating the deposits of different depositional systems emerge
from the discussions. The overall aims of the course are to provide a basic
overview of clastic depositional systems and an awareness of current
trends in subsurface analysis.
This course will examine the data types and techniques involved in the
stratigraphic analysis of siliciclastic reservoirs, and demonstrate how these
must be integrated to produce a robust and predictive interpretation of
reservoir distribution, geometries and architecture. Lecture material, case
histories and exercises have been selected from a variety of play types to
illustrate generic concepts.
The focus of the course is an outcrop examination of basin floor, slope
and shelf margin architecture and stratigraphy. Controls on deepwater
sedimentation are discussed in depth, specifically high amplitude sea-
level changes, sediment supply and importance of varied gravity flow
processes to reservoir elements and their distribution in space and time.
Observations and interpretations are supported by lectures, case studies,
analogs and recently acquired behind outcrop core and wireline log
data.
This course evaluates key sequence stratigraphic principles and their
usage in reservoir applications, based on detailed sedimentological
and stratigraphical examination of the deltaic marginal to shallow
marine deposits of the Cretaceous Book Cliffs and Coal Cliffs, SE Utah,
USA. Attendees will learn to recognise key marginal marine facies and
key surfaces, their sequence stratigraphic significance and reservoir
implications.
Continental clastic reservoir systems (eolian, alluvial, fluvial, and lacustrine)
account for at least 30% of the total known global hydrocarbon resource.
Participants will be exposed to critical exploration and exploitation
concepts for continental clastic reservoirs through a combination of
outcrop exercises, classroom lectures, and core examination, all placed
within an applied sequence stratigraphic context.
This course studies deepwater clastic deposits in the Ainsa and Jaca
Basins. Shelf-slope-basin relations are examined in detail, and reveal
features such as: ponding in sub-basins; system architecture; reservoir
stacking patterns in a confined setting. Identification of facies types is
emphasised at both reservoir and exploration prospect scales. Subsurface
analogs are discussed. Participants are encouraged to discuss their own
data with the class.
Fieldwork supported by lectures and a half day core workshop. Contrasts
high and low subsidence areas and stratigraphy in the Book Cliffs, viewing
parasequences from their updip to downdip extremities in both outcrop
and core. Focuses on the recognition and correlation of key surfaces and
prediction of reservoir geometry within that framework.
Field-based instruction at outstanding Late Cretaceous outcrops of the
Western Interior Seaway on models for exploration and exploitation
within coastal through shelfal depositional settings. Topics include:
sedimentology of deltaic, shoreline and shelfal siliciclastic depositional
settings; recognition of stratigraphic signatures in marginal marine and
shallow marine settings; geometry and architecture of major sandstones;
and origin of stratigraphic traps.
Participants will examine and sample modern alluvial, deltaic, estuarine,
barrier island and tidal channel facies to understand the growth,
geometry and heterogeneity of reservoir sandbodies. Geomorphology
and stratigraphy are linked through the use of trenches, cores and log
data to provide insights into three-dimensional subsurface interpretations.
Cenozoic basins of Southeast Turkey host spectacular deepwater
clastic systems and, therefore, are excellent analogues for the improved
understanding of slope channel complexes. The exposures analysed on
this course include: architectural components, such as sand and gravel-
filled slope channel complexes; exhumed canyons; debris flows and
mass-transport complexes; gravel-dominated slope aprons; mud, sand
and gravel-filled channels; leveed channels, traceable to over-bank
deposits for hundreds of metres.

M112 Basin-Scale Analysis of a Confined Turbidite
System (Grs dAnnot, SE France)
M115 High Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy:
Application to Deltaic Systems and
Reservoirs (County Clare, Ireland)
M117 Shoreline and Shelf Reservoir Systems:
Outcrop Lessons for Exploration and
Production (NW Colorado, USA)
M153 Stratigraphic and Sedimentological
Controls on Hydrocarbon Productivity: Core
Examples from the NW Shelf of Australia
M156 Clastic Depositional Systems in a Basinal
Framework: Exploration and Reservoir
Implications (Pyrenees, Spain)
M195 Deltaic to Deepwater Depositional Systems
of NW Borneo - Concepts and Models for
Reservoir Prediction (NW Borneo, Malaysia)
M244 Clastic Reservoir Prediction Using
Advanced Sequence Stratigraphic
Interpretation (Wyoming, USA)
M247 Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and
Architecture of Fluvial, Deltaic and
Deepwater Reservoirs: An Outcrop
Perspective of Linked Depositional Systems
(Arkansas, USA)
M252 Deepwater Depositional Systems of SE
France (Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur,
France)
M264 Prediction of Changes in Reservoir
Architecture in Tidal-, Wave- and Fluvial-
influenced Marginal Marine Systems: An
Outcrop and Core Perspective (Alberta,
Canada)
M309 Fluvial Sedimentology and Stratigraphic
Architecture Based on Observations of the
Platte, Loup and Elkhorn Rivers (Nebraska,
USA)
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CLASTICS
Course List
This courses analyses the initiation, fill history and links between a suite
of structurally confined deepwater sub-basins, with reference to local
and regional scale facies and stratigraphic architecture. The course
aims to enhance understanding of subsurface deepwater basins that
are confined by structures related to salt- or mud-deformation, faults and
fault-related topography.
Deltaic depositional systems are excellent settings for the examination
and application of sequence stratigraphic concepts and outcomes.
This course provides a comprehensive review of deltaic processes and
their resultant deposits, focusing particularly on the application of high-
resolution sequence stratigraphy methods in a high frequency, high
amplitude glacio-eustatic context.
World class outcrops of Late Cretaceous deposits in northwestern
Colorado offer a unique opportunity to study shoreline and shelf systems.
Outcrops allow participants to contrast deposition by wave dominated
deltas, strike-fed interdeltaic shorelines and shelf systems. These
systems are studied within the context of sequence stratigraphy where
sedimentologic and stratigraphic principles are used to understand and
predict facies distributions.
Experts guide participants through core suites from Rankin Trend fields,
North West Shelf Australia - a Late Triassic to Middle Jurassic fluvial to
marine progression. Supporting lectures provide background information
and a forum for discussion. This workshop is an excellent opportunity for
geoscientists, petrophysicists and engineers to examine and discuss the
stratigraphic controls on hydrocarbon productivity in reservoirs developed
in fluvial, coastal-deltaic and shelf environments.
A field course analysing the distribution, architecture, internal
characteristics, and reservoir quality of sandstone bodies from a wide
range of clastic depositional environments. The depositional settings
examined occur in two regional scale sediment transport paths and
include alluvial fan, fluvial, tidal- and wave-dominated shoreline/shelves
and deepwater (within a well constrained basinal framework). Emphasis
is on the spatial distribution of different depositional settings as controlled
by the basinal framework, and reservoir attributes of sandstone bodies in
different settings.
This field course examines Oligo-Miocene outcrop successions which
are the equivalents of major petroleum-bearing accumulations in the
adjacent offshore. A range of sedimentary facies and reservoir types will
be investigated in a regional-scale traverse from deepwater, through
shelfal, deltaic and coastal plain environments. The E&P implications will
be referenced to adjacent oil fields with examples of core and well log
expressions of different reservoir/trap configurations.
This course enables participants to apply sequence stratigraphic
concepts to well-log correlation for characterization and prediction of
sandstone reservoirs. The daily itinerary includes conceptual lecture,
outcrop observations, core examination linked to log characteristics
and reservoir quality, and computer-assisted local and regional well-log
correlation exercises. The course visits classic outcrops that have excellent
behind-the-outcrop cores and log suites.
This course studies fluvial, deltaic and deepwater depositional systems in
a source-to-sink context. Sediment type and volume, climate, tectonic
setting and sea level impact each system differently and ultimately
control the character of sand bodies. Outcrop examination is combined
with core and log data from behind-the-wall boreholes to characterize
these three depositional systems and to develop a better understanding
of their similarities, differences and linkage.
The course provides a working knowledge of the key processes that build
deep marine clastic systems, and the skills needed to make informed
interpretations of these environments. It will entail detailed facies analysis
of turbidites, linked to system architecture, with focus of the effects of
bathymetric confinement, characterisation of sheet and incisional
channel architectures and the processes that cause spatial and temporal
transitions between these architectural styles.
The key objectives of this course are to provide participants with the
ability to recognise and classify mixed-influence marginal marine systems
utilising sedimentological, stratigraphical and ichnological techniques.
This will enable them to better manage uncertainties and to improve
predictions of lateral facies changes, to correlate more realistically and
to recognise potential stratigraphic compartmentalisation issues in these
types of systems.
This course offers a blend of field experience and classroom sessions
to build an understanding of the sedimentology and stratigraphy of
fluvial systems and their deposits. Field visits will be made to modern
meandering, anabranching and braided rivers, including the Platte River,
where links between process and sedimentary product will be established
to facilitate a fuller understanding of alluvial reservoir architecture.
CLASTICS

Course List

M315 Deepwater Slope Canyons and Channel
Complexes (Southern and Central
California, USA)
Submarine canyon, channel and slope systems have a wide range of
morphologies, architectures and facies associations that are difficult to
predict in the subsurface. The class will emphasize the recognition of
facies diversity in the subsurface, and seismic to subseismic architectural
organization. Field visits to coastal exposures of slope sediments, slope
channels, canyons and fans are interspersed with classroom sessions on
processes and architectures in modern and ancient deepwater systems.

S107 Turbidite Facies Architecture, Reservoir
Applications and Predictive Stratigraphy
(Karoo, South Africa)
This field class examines the links between depositional processes, facies
distribution, reservoir architecture and stratigraphic evolution of the
deepwater complexes of the southwestern Karoo Basin, South Africa.
The differences in morphology, stacking patterns and stratigraphic fills of
channels from basin floor to shelf margin/fluvial systems are investigated.
The following are reviewed: evolution down fan from net-bypass to
net-deposition; confi ned and unconfined transport and deposition;
development and distribution of depositional elements, i.e. channel,
lobes and levee/overbank deposits.

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CARBONATES
Course List
Course
Course Title
Number
F020 Carbonate Depositional Systems: Reservoir
Sedimentology and Diagenesis
F201 Depositional Systems and Sequence
Stratigraphy of Carbonate Rocks (with
reference to Asia-Pacific)
M059 Applied Carbonate Geology: Carbonate
Facies and Reservoirs (Mallorca and
Menorca, Spain)
M073 Workshop in Geological Seismic
Interpretation: Carbonate Systems
M091 Carbonate Reservoir Architecture and
Applied Carbonate Sequence Stratigraphy
(West Texas and SE New Mexico, USA)
M134 Carbonate and Shale Faulting and
Fracturing Field Seminar (Texas, USA)
M143 Advanced Concepts in Carbonate
Exploration and Reservoir Characterisation
(Northern Spain)
M186 Complex Carbonate Reservoirs: Influence
of Facies and Tectonic Processes on
Porosity Development (Southern Italy)
M235 Exploring for Carbonate Reservoirs
(Dolomites, Italy)
Back to Contents
Summary
The course examines and illustrates the construction and use of play
fairway maps as a means of expressing exploration risk. Participants
combine field observations and data from the Wessex Basin in classroom
exercises to generate play fairway maps, and develop an understanding
of the critical play elements for resource assessment and exploration
risking.
This course examines the processes of the formation and accumulation
of carbonate sediments with reference to examples from Asia-Pacific.
Facies and facies models are described, including their variation in
different tectonic settings. The principles and practical application of
sequence stratigraphy are reviewed, together with discussion on how this
improves our understanding of carbonate reservoirs. Diagenetic changes
that carbonate rocks undergo are also analysed.
The course provides an in-depth understanding of the controls on the
development of carbonate successions using a process-product oriented
approach. The dominant influences of biota and sea level change on
the facies, architecture and reservoir characteristics of ramp and reef
systems are examined. Participants develop an understanding of the
processes driving carbonate systems that help reduce uncertainties in the
prediction of subsurface facies and porosity distribution.
This course presents a comprehensive approach to seismic interpretation
in carbonate systems, built up from diagenesis and rock physics through
to depositional geometry and high-resolution sequence stratigraphy.
Through a combination of lectures, discussion, case studies and exercises,
the participants will be exposed to many aspects of seismic stratigraphic
interpretation related to carbonate reservoirs.
This field course is aimed at geoscientists and engineers exploring for and
developing carbonate reservoirs and has particular relevance to those
working in the Permian Basin. At the end of this course, participants should
have improved abilities to predict depositional facies and related porosity
based on seismic features, stratal geometries, sequence stratigraphy,
and depositional models.
This field seminar explores faulting and fracturing processes in Cretaceous
carbonate and shale strata in central and west Texas, with a particular
emphasis on excellent exposures of the Eagle Ford and equivalent
Boquillas formations. It examines factors that influence the style and
intensity of faulting, folding, and fracture development from map to
fault block scale and the relationship between fracture spacing and
mechanical layering.
This field course analyses a series of outstanding outcrops to examine
modern concepts in carbonate reservoir geology. Three principal themes
are: the nature of carbonate shelf architecture (with specific analogues
for PreCaspian Palaeozoic carbonates) through a seismic-scale outcrop
transect; hydrothermal dolomite plays and their structural controls; and
shelf geometry and mixing-zone palaeokarstic porosity associated with
third-order sea level changes.
The course follows the trajectory of a virtual well drilled in the prospective
Monte Alpi (and Tempo Rosso) trend. The effects of a contractional
regime on a wide range of carbonate rocks, from basinal to platform
margin and interior facies, are observed. Principal among these effects
is fracturing, and the resultant implications for reservoir performance are
examined. The development of karstic macroporosity is also reviewed.
This course is targeted at geoscientists engaged in petroleum exploration
in basins where carbonate rocks are anticipated. Through a series
of lectures, exercises using wireline logs, seismic and field work in the
incomparable Italian Dolomites, participants will obtain a thorough
grounding in the controls on the geometries of carbonate platforms,
their seismic expression, petroleum systems in which carbonate rocks
are key, and the data requirements for assessing carbonate exploration
prospects.
RESERVOIR DEVELOPMENT

Course List

Course
Course Title Summary
Number
F006 An Introduction to Reservoir Engineering The course examines the standard reservoir engineering processes and
techniques, focussing particularly on their interface with geoscience
activities. It follows, and illustrates with examples, the use of subsurface data
and the techniques employed during the construction of a reservoir model.
The course covers three related main themes - building a static reservoir
model; developing a dynamic reservoir numerical simulation model;
reservoir management during the producing life of a field.

F008 An Introduction to Reservoir Appraisal and The course teaches the principles and techniques necessary for a geoscientist
Development to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary field development team.
Emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of appraisal, field development
planning and reservoir management, supported by field case studies. On
completion, participants will understand the multi-disciplinary nature, of the
workflows that underpin oil and gas field development projects.

F157 An Introduction to Drilling and Wellsite With a blend of classroom lectures and practical exercises, this course
Operations provides an introduction to drilling technology, wellsite operations and
wellsite formation evaluation techniques for those personnel either new
to the industry or transferring to more operational roles. Highlighted and
discussed topics additionally cover drill bit types and selection, wellsite
geology roles and responsibilities, and wellsite services.

F253 Geoscience for the Oil Industry: The Jurassic
Coast Petroleum System (Dorset, UK)
The course is a predominantly field-based introduction to the oil and gas
industry using the world famous Jurassic Coast Petroleum System in Southern
England for illustration. It is intended as an introduction to petroleum
geoscience and the basics of petroleum exploration and exploitation for
individuals who have limited technical knowledge of these subjects.

F278 Basic Reservoir Engineering The course is a basic introduction to reservoir engineering and resource
evaluation, emphasising the basic data which reservoir engineers use and
their interpretation of them to estimate in-place volumes and predict field
performance. Analytical modelling techniques, as part of the reservoir
engineering tool kit, will be covered as well as the theory and practice
of numerical modeling. Examples will be used throughout the course to
enhance the learning experience.

M006 An Introduction to Reservoir Engineering The course examines the standard reservoir engineering processes and
techniques, particularly their interface with geoscience activities. It follows,
and illustrates with examples, the use of subsurface data and the techniques
employed during the construction of a reservoir model. The course covers
three related main themes - building a static reservoir model; developing
a dynamic reservoir numerical simulation model; reservoir management
during the producing life of a field.

M012 Reservoir Modelling Field Class (Utah, USA) This course examines the reservoir modelling workflow from static 3D
geocellular modelling through to dynamic flow simulation. Participants work
a series of exercises in teams based on high-quality outcrops, considering
and developing each as a modelling exercise. The majority of this course is
spent in the field, but several of the exercises have classroom components
with supporting lectures.
M022 A Critical Guide to Reservoir Appraisal and This course is designed to explain the key technical understandings beyond
Development seismic interpretation that need to be taken, incorporating geological,
petrophysical and reservoir engineering techniques. The importance of
developing decision-related and coherent reservoir models will be illustrated
with case studies, and the role of multi-disciplinary subsurface teams will be
emphasised, with reference to the business decision making process.

M033 Characterisation, Modelling, Simulation
and Development Planning in Deepwater
Clastic Reservoirs (Tabernas, Spain)
The objective of this workshop is to explore the petroleum engineering and
reservoir modelling aspects of deepwater clastic reservoirs. The class is
presented by a team consisting of a production geologist, a reservoir engineer
and a sedimentologist involved in deepwater reservoir development. The
discussion highlights the linkage from depositional processes to geological
architecture and flow heterogeneity in development planning.

M058 Reservoir Characterisation and The class delivers expertise in the applied geostatistical methods that are an
Geostatistical Modelling in Field essential underpinning of effective modern reservoir characterization and
Development modelling. Variograms, kriging and stochastic simulation are thoroughly
explained from their basics upwards and illustrated in their application to
modelling problems.

M106 Advanced Reservoir Modelling (Elgin, UK) This course is intended for staff who are already familiar with 3D geomodelling
and wish to work more effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. The course
objective is to stimulate discussions on key topics and to promote expertise
and effectiveness in workflows in this rapidly expanding and complex area.

M108 Exploration and Geological Model This field based course integrates fluvial sedimentology predictive models
Development in Fluvial Reservoirs (Ebro with applied exploration and field development, using case studies from
Basin, Spain) the Miocene of the Ebro Basin, Spain. Variations in fluvial architecture are
considered in terms of proximal to distal setting within a depositional system
and the impact of the architecture on field developments are considered,
together with practical guidance on the choices made in building static
and dynamic models of these complex systems.

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M213 Advanced Reservoir Characterisation and
3D Petrel Modelling of Coal-bearing, Fluvio-
Deltaic Sediments (Kentucky, USA)
M215 Advanced Techniques for Modelling Fluvial
and Deltaic Architecture using Petrel
(Utah, USA)
M277 Integrated Trap and Seal Analysis for
Exploration and Production (Utah, USA)
M285 Clastic Diagenesis and Reservoir Quality
Modeling
M292 Deepwater Depositional System
Stratigraphy for Exploration and
Development (Arkansas, USA)
M304 4D Seismic for Reservoir Management
M310 Carbonate Reservoir Modelling and Field
Development Planning (Provence, France)
Back to Contents
RESERVOIR DEVELOPMENT
Course List
This reservoir characterisation and modelling course focuses on capturing
the geological knowledge necessary to build realistic models of coal-
bearing fl uvial and deltaic sediment body architecture. Outcrops, cores
and well logs are studied to characterise both small and large-scale patterns
of sedimentary architecture within a sequence stratigraphic framework in
these Carboniferous coal-bearing fl uvio-deltaic sediments.
This is a Skilled Application level reservoir geocellular modelling course,
focused on teaching the course participants novel and practical methods
to build realistic models of fluvial and deltaic sediment body architecture,
demonstrated using Petrel software. The techniques can easily be adapted
to other surface-based 3-D static modelling packages.
This course combines lectures, outcrop discussion and exercises on fault
characterisation, trap/seal analysis, and risk. Field areas display seismic
and subseismic scale geometries and aid understanding of uncertainties
in the mapping of complex fault zones and the processes that create
potential seals from fault rocks. Field exercises focus attendees on the
characterisation of faults critical to interpretation and seal assessment in
subsurface reservoirs.
This course describes the basics of sandstone diagenesis, facies analysis
and the application of this technology to assess the risk of reservoir quality
preservation in the subsurface. Much emphasis is placed on the design and
techniques of quantitative pre-drill prediction modeling. Participants will
develop the knowledge and confidence to effectively integrate reservoir
quality models into ongoing exploration projects.
The Pennsylvanian-age Jackfork Group strata of central Arkansas offer a
world-class field area to examine the common deepwater architectural
elements that constitute many reservoirs worldwide. This course stresses
applications to both exploration and development and presents 3D
geological models that have been constructed for the outcrop reservoirs
and subjected to reservoir performance simulation. Thus, participants can
visualize while standing on the outcrop the geologic factors that might
affect different drilling scenarios.
This course provides three days of intensive study of time-lapse seismic
(4D) methodologies. The objective of the course is to give participants the
knowledge they need to understand and participate in projects including
any aspect of 4D technology. Emphasis is placed on the economic value of
applying 4D, as well as the technical benefits and limitations of time-lapse
seismic technologies.
Using analogue outcrops in the Luberon and Cassis area of Southern
France, this course develops workflows for static and dynamic modelling
in carbonate reservoirs, covering in particular the issues of conceptual
reservoir characterisation, the handling of scale and the representation of
fracture detail in cellular models. The analogue section chosen is a direct
analogue for Shuaiba/Kharaib Middle East reservoirs, including high and
low energy areas of rudist platforms, inner and outer shelves and chalks.
The modelling principles are transferable to other carbonate environments.
PETROPHYSICS

Course List

Course
Course Title Summary
Number
F003 Geological Interpretation of Well Logs The course is an introduction to the principles and qualitative applications
of conventional well logs. The course shows how combinations of logs,
preferably supported by other well derived data, can be used to interpret
mineralogy, lithology, facies, depositional environments and important
events such as flooding surfaces. The ultimate objective is to be able to
use sets of well logs to establish robust correlation schemes that can be
used to guide well placement.

F083 Petrophysics: Basic Principles and Practices The course examines petrophysical analysis and formation evaluation,
exploring the physical properties of rock formations and their constituent
fluids and demonstrating how these properties are estimated both in the
laboratory and the wellbore. It focuses on the key petrophysical analytical
tools and the uses of the data they produce for the interpretation of
rock properties and evaluating formations. The course emphasis is on
conventional hydrocarbon reservoirs where the hydrocarbons (oil and/or
gas) are free fluids in an interconnected pore space. A final short section
considers how these concepts and techniques relate to unconventional
hydrocarbons, introducing new petrophysical concepts to include
petrophysical assessment of the adsorbed gas component, crucial for
many shale gas plays and coal bed methane projects.

F095 Integrating Core and Log Data for Reservoir The course examines various uses of core, including: core planning,
Characterisation acquisition and handling; geological and petrophysical core description;
routine and special core analysis; core logging and description; effective
interfacing with coring and core analysis contractors. The course takes
place in a core store facility, with immediate access to a range of varied
examples.

F121 Modern Petrophysical Well Log Starting with the fundamental petrophysical models for calculating
Interpretation shale content, porosity and water saturation, the course describes the
principles and methods associated with the petrophysical interpretation
of open-hole well logs. Both established and recently introduced
tools are discussed, showing how log data can be used to determine
porosity, hydrocarbon saturation and lithology, and to interpret facies,
stratigraphic and structural features.

M030 Rocks and Fluids: Practical Petrophysics The course is a field-based introduction to the fundamentals of
(Isle of Wight, UK) petrophysics and in particular the way reservoir fluids interact with
reservoir rocks. There is a strong emphasis on simple descriptive models
to explain what controls petrophysical properties, the distribution of fluids
in reservoirs and the scale dependence of these properties. The principal
way of teaching is through field exercises at a number of coastal outcrops
chosen to illustrate different aspects of petrophysics and their relationship
to the geological properties of the rocks; some class-room based work
supplements the field teaching and introduces any essential information
required for use in the field.

M054 Intermediate Petrophysics for Conventional This intermediate, practical petrophysics course explains the physical
Reservoirs properties of rocks and their constituent fluids, how their properties
are measured (core and downhole), and how this information is used
in subsurface studies. particular emphasis is given to the interactions
between rock and fluid volumes, which are explained and then illustrated
with real examples. A significant proportion of the class time is spent on
petrophysical exercises, covering both clastics and carbonates.

M105 Petrophysics for Carbonate Reservoirs The course enables participants to recognise the key distinctions between
carbonates and sandstones within the context of modern wireline and
LWD measurements and to optimise tools and techniques to design
and interpret a cross-discipline formation evaluation programme to
evaluate carbonates. It will focus on the contrasting log signatures, pore
classification and distribution, and common responses.

M187 Low Resistivity Low Contrast Pay This course will provide a proven methodology to identify and evaluate
Low Resistivity Low Contrast (LRLC) pays as seen in modern wells or as
depositional bypassed pays in old wells. Worldwide examples from
productive LRLC reservoirs will be discussed. The guest lecture will cover
the applicability of some of the latest logging tools.

M267 Petrophysics for Shale Gas Reservoirs The petrophysical evaluation of mudstones presents significant challenges
because of complex mineralogy, significant amounts of organic matter,
the proportion of adsorbed versus free gas and very low permeabilities.
This course explores the physical and chemical nature of shale gas,
how these properties constrain our petrophysical approach, and how
modified core measurements integrated with log analysis can help
towards developing an appropriate petrophysical model. Note that this
course focuses on shale gas, not shale oil. Liquids are briefly considered
but do not form a central part of the course.

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 PETROPHYSICS

Course List

M314 Advanced Petrophysics for Conventional This advanced level petrophysics course explores some of the new
Reservoirs tools, methods and technology in the area of formation evaluation of
conventional reservoirs. The course includes developments in wireline and
LWD tools as well as special core analysis measurements and how they
can be used in reservoir characterization. Particular emphasis is given to
diagnosing reservoirs that exhibit low contrast behavior and the recently
developed tools available for evaluating them.

Back to Contents
EXPLORATION TOOLS

Course List

Course
Course Title Summary
Number
F005 Tectonic Controls on Basin Development This course examines the tectonic, stratigraphic and sedimentary
and Petroleum Systems controls on petroleum systems in sedimentary basins. The tectonic
processes generating sedimentary basins, their structural development,
the geometry of each basin type and the development of depositional
systems within basins are described. Emphasis is placed on the processes
that influence the variability of structural styles, their influence on sediment
transport pathways and, hence, trap geometry and reservoir predictions.

F019 Play Fairway Analysis: A Tool for Effective
Exploration and Risk Quantification
(Dorset, UK)
The course examines and illustrates the construction and use of play
fairway maps as a means of expressing exploration risk. Participants
combine field observations and data from the Wessex Basin in classroom
exercises to generate play fairway maps, and develop an understanding
of the critical play elements for resource assessment and exploration
risking.

F031 Prospect Evaluation and Volumetric The course examines the processes of prospect evaluation through:
Methods (Dorset, UK) probability theory; statistical methods; Direct Hydrocarbon Indicators
(DHIs); and analysis of the key volumetric parameters. Through highly
interactive exercises, participants will learn the practical processes of
prospect evaluation and volumetric calculation, including the common
pitfalls.

F084 Petroleum Generation and Migration This course examines all aspects of the formation, migration and
accumulation of oil and gas in sedimentary basins. The emphasis is on
the qualitative and quantitative prediction of hydrocarbon charge to
petroleum reservoirs and understanding its quality within the reservoir.

F087 Play Fairway Analysis and Exploration
Prospecting
F089 Exploration Risk Analysis: Prospect
Quantification, Decision Techniques,
Estimating under Uncertainty and Upstream
Portfolio Management
This course provides the opportunity to learn about hydrocarbon
exploration via play fairway analysis in a frontier basin. Through a series of
map-based exercises, teams of participants acquire a portfolio of leads;
develop, evaluate, risk and rank prospects; bid on drilling locations; and
calculate reserves.
This course details the generic processes used by oil companies to rank
exploration prospects, and provides insight into how the business case is
assembled. The emphasis is on taking a prospect through the geotechnical
stage into the realms of portfolio management. Participants complete
a series of exercises as the course develops to take them through the
process first-hand.

F124 Play Fairway Analysis and Prospect
Evaluation: Key Concepts and Techniques
The course covers the essential principles, concepts and methods
involved in subsurface play fairway analysis, prospect evaluation, risk
assessment, the calculation of prospect volumetrics and petroleum
economics. A series of integrated exercises are used to provide hands-on
experience and reinforce the key learning points.

F125 Petroleum Generation, Migration and Basin The course will examine the role of geochemistry in predicting and
Modelling Techniques evaluating the type, quality and quantity of petroleum in subsurface
accumulations. The class will discuss the various oilfield uses of
geochemistry, and its limitations. By the end of the course, participants
will have the ability to interpret the main types of geochemical data.

F140 Introduction to the Earth Sciences and the The course reviews the fundamentals of the Earth Sciences, examining
Oil Industry the occurrence, global distribution and quantifi cation of conventional
oil and gas reserves. It will review these hydrocarbon resources from their
exploration through to mature production, and provide an introduction
to the peak oil debate.

F154 Orientation to the E&P Business for the New
Petrotechnical Professional
F209 ArcGIS Essentials for Petroleum
This course will orient new petrotechnical professionals (geologists,
geophysicists, petrophysicists, engineers, and technicians) to the
vocabulary, practices, and career opportunities of the exploration,
production refi ning and marketing business. It includes an introduction
to the full exploration and production life cycle and of the value chain
it generates.
Participants explore the benefits (and limitations) of applying Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) to their E&P workflows. Participants will develop
ArcGIS skills fundamental to the building of an E&P base map and the use
of geoprocessing tools and spatial analysis applications.

F260 Practical Subsurface Mapping This course provides an introduction to the basic skills and techniques
required to generate reliable subsurface maps and volumetric estimates
by hand from well and seismic data. Although subsurface interpretation
work and contouring is now often done using computers it remains
essential for early career geoscientists and petroleum engineers to
understand the basic concepts and retain control of the critical decisions
involved in the process.

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F316 Petroleum Geology for Non-Geologists
M007 Seismic and Sequence Stratigraphy for Play
Prediction and Basin Analysis
M010 Geochemistry and Petroleum System
Modelling
M013 Overpressure in Petroleum Systems and
Geopressure Prediction
M014 Petroleum Economics and Risk Analysis
M043 Gulf of Mexico Petroleum Systems
M067 Stratigraphic Traps Identification Workshop:
Sequence Stratigraphic Concepts and Trap
Styles in Clastic Systems
M130 The Petroleum Geology of SE Asia
M137 Seismic Facies Mapping in a Sequence
Stratigraphic Framework
Back to Contents
EXPLORATION TOOLS
Course List
This course introduces non-geologists to the vocabulary and methods used
by geoscientists to explore for and develop hydrocarbon reservoirs. Topics
include an overview of geologic concepts and principles (e.g. geologic
time, sedimentary rock classification, rock layering, plate tectonics,
rock deformation); depositional systems; subsurface temperature and
pressure; formation, migration and trapping of petroleum; exploration
and production practices; reservoir characterization; and dealing with
risk and uncertainty.
The course explains and illustrates, with exercises, the fundamental
techniques and methods of seismic and sequence stratigraphic analysis.
It provides participants with tools to use for reservoir prediction in basin
analysis, play mapping and prospect generation. Through highly
interactive practical exercises, attendees learn to apply the principles
of seismic and sequence stratigraphy and basic structural interpretation.
The course teaches how to use geochemistry to evaluate exploration
plays and prospects. The key elements to be discussed are (1) recognition
and evaluation of source rocks, (2) 1D and 3D thermal modeling principles,
practices and limitations, (3) prediction of petroleum properties, (4)
correlation of oils and gases and (5) genesis of unconventional gas
deposits.
This course addresses the origin and distribution of overpressure in the
subsurface. Participants will learn how to measure, estimate and model
pore pressure as an aid to anticipate drilling conditions and to evaluate
trap/seal integrity, reservoir quality, source-rock maturation and primary
hydrocarbon migration.
The course details the main economic evaluation techniques that are
used in the oil and gas upstream business to assist decision making on
either the investment of capital or the divestment of assets. The course
will be focussed upon the conversion of hydrocarbon volumes to dollars
and the requirement for consistent means of determining both the
absolute and relative attractiveness of investment opportunities, from
new field developments to portfolio management decisions.
Leading experts present an overview of petroleum systems in the Gulf of
Mexico (GOM). The course provides an understanding of the hydrocarbon
source, reservoir and trapping styles with particular emphasis on the
deepwater settings in the northern GOM. Attendees will learn methods
and principles to optimize their exploration and exploitation efforts in the
basin.
Participants in this workshop gain extensive hands-on interpretation
experience. A range of modern case studies provide the basis for the
interactive sessions. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own
examples of stratigraphic traps, or play types, for discussion. Lectures are
interspersed with practicals, analysing modern geological/sequence
stratigraphic models and interpretation techniques relating to reservoir,
source and seal prediction.
The course will cover the geotectonic evolution of SE Asia, plate
reconstructions and examine hydrocarbon occurrences in the region
area by area and principal data sources. Stratigraphic patterns, trapping
styles and charge will be compared and contrasted in different basins
from west to east. Lectures and seismic exercises.
An understanding and application of the principles of sequence
stratigraphy is essential for the successful prediction and analysis of
seismic facies in the subsurface. This seismic facies mapping course
includes multiple class exercises and case history examples, integrated
with lectures on sequence stratigraphic concepts, providing the relevant
knowledge and skills for participants to successfully use sequence
stratigraphy in exploration and prospect identification.
UNCONVENTIONAL RESOURCES
Course List
Course
Course Title
Number
M141 Unconventional Resources: Exploration for
Tight Gas Sands
M162 The Geology of a Devonian Gas Shale Play:
A field workshop in the Appalachian Basin
(New York and Pennsylvania, USA)
M184 Unconventional Resources: The Main Oil
Systems (Colorado, USA)
M206 Seismic Tools for Unconventional Reservoirs
M245 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy of
Lacustrine Systems: Reservoir and Source
Rocks, Great Salt Lake and Green River
Formation (Utah and Colorado, USA)
M250 Evaluation Methods for Shale Gas Reservoirs The evaluation of shale gas reservoirs presents a challenge: while some
M259 From Outcrop to Subsurface:
Understanding and Evaluating Shale
Resource Plays (Alberta, Canada)
M271 The Bakken Petroleum System as a
Resource Play (Montana and Wyoming,
USA)
M274 Unconventional Resource Engineering for
Geoscientists
M279 Geological Characterization and
Engineering of Unconventional Oil and
Gas Shales: Classroom and Field Seminar
(Oklahoma, USA)
M284 Seismic Attributes and Pre-Stack Inversion
Tools for Characterizing Unconventional
Reservoirs
Back to Contents
Summary
This course is designed to train the explorationist to recognize, predict
and map tight gas resource plays. These large, pervasive opportunities
occur in both clastics and carbonates, and examples are provided for
both reservoir types. Inasmuch as these unconventional accumulations
will be a focus of future gas exploration in North America, it is critical to
understand their occurrence and characteristics.
The Devonian Catskill Delta complex of the northern Appalachian Basin
contains numerous organic-rich black shales which serve as source and
seal for oil and gas fields in the basin and are prospective reservoirs for
unconventional gas plays. This course explores the structural geology of
these shales, with a focus on the influence of stratigraphy on their brittle
behavior and suitability as unconventional reservoirs.
This is a survey course for the five main unconventional oil petroleum
systems. It presents the characteristics of these accumulations and
discusses production and reserve estimation, resource distribution,
exploitation technologies and environmental considerations. Lectures
in the classroom are followed by a core workshop (mature source rock,
pervasive tight sand reservoirs and tar sand cores) and a field day in the
Denver Basin viewing two active plays (mature oil source rock, pervasive
tight oil sands).
Students completing this course will understand the theory and the
practical application of multi-azimuth and/or multi-component 3D
seismic and VSP technologies. Students will also acquire the basic skills
necessary to participate actively in the planning of 3D seismic surveys
and VSPs as well as the advanced skills required to analyze data from
azimuthally anisotropic tight gas and shale gas reservoirs.
This course evaluates the lacustrine deposits of the modern Great Salt
Lake and the Eocene Green River formation. Themes are improved
subsurface characterization of lacustrine deposits through utilization of
outcrop analogs (carbonate, mixed carbonate/clastic and oil shale) and
examination of the Green River formation petroleum system (clastic and
carbonate gas reservoirs and shale source at Altamont-Bluebell, Bakken-
like oil shale exploitation in Uinta basin).
of the approaches applied are the same as those used for conventional
reservoirs, some new tools and many new methodologies have been
developed for this rapidly evolving subject. More than ever, the
evaluation requires an integrated, multi-disciplinary effort. This course
presents current views on the evaluation methods applied in a variety
of disciplines.
Outcrops, cores, well logs, field studies and exercises are used to introduce
techniques for identifying, understanding and evaluating fractured
shale reservoirs. Appreciable time is spent on outcrops examining the
geology of shale, with an emphasis on how shale fabric influences natural
fracture systems. The roles of geophysics, petrophysics, geochemistry and
reservoir engineering in developing interpretations of shale resources are
examined.
This course will examine the petroleum geology and selected engineering
topics of the Bakken / Sappington / Exshaw / Three Forks plays. It will
comprise a day of introduction to the stratigraphy and oil plays in these
units, a day of lectures on engineering aspects, primarily completions,
and four days in the field.
This course introduces geoscientists to the terminology and practices
of the drilling, completion and reservoir engineers with whom they
interact on multi-disciplinary unconventional resource evaluation teams.
It also presents the environmental issues associated with resource play
developments, and discusses future directions in unconventional resource
engineering.
This two-part course is designed to integrate the latest information on the
geological characterization and engineering characteristics of resource
shales. Part I will present an overview of some common unconventional
resource shales and develop an integrated workfl ow for the geological
characterization of shales. Part II will present engineering aspects of the
drilling, completion, production and reservoir management of shales,
including recent advances and economic analysis.
Participants will develop the skills required to review, select and interpret
the range of seismic attributes and pre-stack inversion tools available
for the characterization of unconventional reservoirs including tight
sandstones, shales, and heavy oil/bitumen sands.
 UNCONVENTIONAL RESOURCES

Course List

M287 Exploiting Clastic Resource Plays in Fluvial
Through Shallow Marine Environments
(Alberta, Canada)
This course presents the key geologic attributes that determine the
viability of clastic reservoirs as potential resource play targets. Facies
heterogeneity, permeability anisotropy, areal extent and architecture
of clastic reservoirs in a variety of depositional settings are examined
to determine reasonable constraints on the lateral variability in clastic
facies that will reduce risk, enhance accurate characterization and add
predictability in resource plays and reservoir simulations.

M289 The Niobrara Formation as a Resource Play The course will present the regional geology of the Niobrara Formation,
(Colorado, USA) set it in a petroleum system context and discuss it as an emerging
resource play in the Rocky Mountain Region. A wide range of topics will
be covered to familiarize participants with the important nuances of the
Niobrara. Log, core and seismic examples of producing areas will be
presented and recent developments discussed.

M291 Geological Reservoir Characteristics of
Siliciclastic Unconventional Light Oil Plays,
Western Canada Sedimentary Basin
(Alberta, Canada)
The course presents an overview of siliciclastic unconventional light oil
play types, including their different reservoir characteristics, play fairways
and depositional environments. Several examples from the Western
Canada Sedimentary Basin will be discussed and compared through
examination of cores and well logs. Properties discussed will include
porosity, permeability, reservoir architecture and heterogeneity from pore
to field scale, fracability, sweet spots, hydrocarbon source and migration,
and fairway orientations and widths.

M313 Evaluating Resource Plays This class provides an introduction to the exploration, appraisal and
development of oil and gas resource plays. It identifies the data that
need to be collected, how to analyze and interpret them, and how to
integrate and apply this knowledge to the decision-making process.
(This course replaces Nautilus course M082 - Appraising and Developing
Unconventional Resources, which is no longer on offer.)

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ENGINEERING

Course List

Course
Course Title Summary
Number
E900 Applied Reservoir Engineering This course covers a wide range of topics of interest to those who practice
reservoir engineering, including methods of reserve estimation, the
physics of fluid flow in porous media, well and reservoir performance and
various types of improved recovery processes. It is presented to introduce
experienced engineers to new technology.

E904 Integrated Reservoir Analysis Important reservoir information is often hidden in completion and
production performance data. This course teaches participants how to
integrate classic methods with modern reservoir analysis tools such as
numerical processing and graphics techniques to more fully utilize these
data in developing a comprehensive picture of the reservoir. This allows
the reservoir engineer to build better simulation models and make better
development decisions.

E905 Reservoir Characterisation This course provides an understanding of the impact of variations in
petrophysical properties of rocks on reservoir performance and examines
reservoir heterogeneity and statistical representations of heterogeneity.
Topics include the role of pore geometry, the basis of single phase
petrophysical properties, the role of thermodynamics on two phase
properties, the role of pore geometry on residual saturations and the use
of statistics to represent heterogeneity.

E908 Well Testing and Pressure Transient Analysis This course provides participants with the advanced skills and
understanding required to interpret and analyze complex pressure
transient tests in oil, gas and water injection wells. Simple models are used
to illustrate principles and to analyze real reservoirs. More complicated
models are introduced as extensions of the simple models. Several
commercial well test analysis software packages will be available as
learning tools.

E911 Modern Production Analysis Methods This workshop teaches participants how to use routinely collected
production data (rates and pressures) to estimate important reservoir
information such as original oil in place, production forecasts, formation
permeability and wellbore skin, using analysis methods developed in
recent literature and available in commercial software. Traditional
production analysis methods and decline curves are reviewed, applied
and compared with modern methods.

E913 Petroleum Geology for Engineers This course introduces petroleum engineers to the vocabulary, tools and
methods used by geoscientists to explore for, evaluate and develop
hydrocarbon reservoirs. Topics include depositional setting (clastic and
carbonate reservoirs), trap development, the type of oil and gas charge
and reservoir heterogeneity. Reservoir characterization is covered to
describe how geology is used to build a high-resolution geological model
that can be upscaled for reservoir simulation.

E914 Log Analysis for Engineers This course describes the principles and methods associated with the
petrophysical interpretation of well logs, with emphasis on petroleum
engineering applications. Well established and recently introduced
measurements are discussed, showing how open-hole log data can be
used to determine porosity and hydrocarbon saturation. Cased hole
topics include thru casing measurements for fl uid movement monitoring,
casing-integrity measurements, cement-bond logs, skin effect and
perforation penetration issues and an overview of Production Logging.

E918 Petroleum Reservoir Fluids This skilled application level course is offered to provide training in the
properties and behavior of reservoir fluids. It covers hydrocarbon systems
black oil, volatile oil, dry, wet and retrograde gases, as well as water.
Ideal and real gases, phase equilibrium, flash separation, laboratory PVT
studies and liquid-gas separation are discussed. Appropriate property
correlations for oil, gas and oilfield waters are presented and discussed.

E923 Fractured Reservoir Characterisation and This course provides a practical, integrated approach to characterising,
Modelling classifying, analysing and modelling natural fractures. It uses lectures,
modelling software and field examples to deliver an understanding of:
geomechanics; the building and use of simple conceptual and more
complex fi nite difference models; and the impact of fractures on well
and reservoir productivity and recovery.

E933 Reservoir Engineering Fundamentals This course is an introduction to Petroleum Engineering, emphasising the
physical principles that govern reservoir and well performance. Basic
principles and terminology are discussed and applied to: measuring
rock and fluid properties; estimating hydrocarbon volumes; analysing
production and well test data; assessing static and dynamic reservoir
processes; and predicting long term performance.

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 ENGINEERING

Course List

E934 PVT The course covers reservoir fluid composition, phase behaviour and
reservoir fluids classification; optimally obtaining high quality PVT fluid
samples; effect of contamination; PVT tests and correlations/modelling;
the evaluation and application of PVT reports; Equation of State tuning,
PVT analysis by compositional methods using a compositional behaviour
model; applications in reservoir simulation. There will be a discussion of
potential causes of errors and several case studies. There is some fl exibility
on the topics covered during the course based on the participants
experience and interest.

E936 Reservoir Engineering Principles and This course applies the physical principles that govern subsurface
Practice fluid flow and phase behaviour to the prediction of reservoir and well
performance. It describes methods for: reserve estimation; analyzing
fluid flow in porous media; interpreting well and reservoir performance;
assessing the performance of primary and secondary recovery processes.
New technologies are described where appropriate. Participants are
encouraged to bring short case studies to discuss informally in class.

E940 Modern Completion and Production The course expands a basic awareness of wells and completions to
Enhancement Techniques cover how completions can affect production. It covers: - Completion
scope and types - Inflow performance - Perforating, stimulation and sand
control - Vertical and artificial lift - Production chemistry - Well integrity
- Completion equipment and installation The book Well Completion
Design accompanies the course (700+ pages, full colour) and covers all
the material taught in the class.

E942 Gas Condensate Reservoir Engineering This course enables participants to develop skills to analyse and manage
including HPHT gas condensate reservoirs. It draws on Heriot-Watts world leading
expertise and addresses: phase behaviour; relative permeability varying
with velocity and interfacial tension; material balance equations; well
productivity and pseudo-pressure calculation for different completion
strategies, condensate banking and gravity drainage; practical fluid and
flow simulation models; and demonstrating NeW-COIN software.

E943 Well Test Interpretation in Practice This course provides participants with the advanced skills and
understanding required to analyse complex pressure transient tests. The
methodology followed has become the industry standard, systematic
way of interpreting well tests in homogeneous and heterogeneous
reservoirs, including fissured and multilayered systems. Recommendations
for designing tests in such formations are also addressed for oil, gas and
multi-phase fl ow wells.

E944 Shale Gas and Shale Oil Completions Using
Multi-Staged Fracturing and Horizontal Wells
The course introduces basic shale candidate selection using
petrophysical, geochemical and petroleum engineering information,
then adds detailed practical knowledge of well planning, construction,
stimulation, production and fi nally environmental conservation. It
provides explanations, theory and practical understanding designed to
recognize and build commercial completions and uses gas and oil play
case histories from fi ve commercial North American shales: Barnett, Eagle
Ford, Gothic, Horn River and Marcellus.

E950 Applied Reservoir Simulation This course is an overview of reservoir simulation concepts and
assumptions and discusses data selection, preparation and integration;
the strengths and weaknesses of various types of models and modelling
strategies; the computing environment and the steps required to create a
credible model. The concepts will be illustrated via ECLIPSE software, but
the concepts are applicable to other simulation packages. The specific
software to be used will be Eclipse black-oil for simulations, Eclipse Offi
ce for xy plotting, and Floviz for 3D visualization. Third party visualization
software such as, S3GRAF or TECPLOT RS, may also be used depending
on license availability. The workshop begins with an overview of general
reservoir simulation concepts and assumptions, followed by a discussion
of data preparation and history matching techniques. Significant time will
be allocated for hands-on application of the simulator. Topics of discussion
include introduction to reservoir simulation, introduction to ECLIPSE, grids,
aquifers, PVT data, rock and fluid data, initial conditions, and time-
dependent data. The class builds upon a single example simulation
which applies many of the most common elements of a simulation study.
The class will not use all the auxiliary tools for preparing simulation data
(e.g. 3D geomodels, PVT programs or vertical-flow performance analysis).
However, the application of such software in the simulation workflow will
be discussed.

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ENGINEERING
Course List
E952 Resource Assessment and Assurance
E953 Uncertainty and Risk Management in
Upstream Hydrocarbon Assets
E957 Forecasting Production and Estimating
Reserves in Unconventional Reservoirs
E958 Production Analysis and Forecasting for
Unconventional Resources
E959 Hydraulic Fracturing for Conventional, Tight
and Shale Reservoirs
E961 Strategic Reservoir Simulation
E963 Fluid Flow Mechanisms Observation of
Rocks at Outcrop and Implications for
Reservoir Modelling, Simulation and Field
Development Planning: Continental-Deep
Marine Deposystems (SW Ireland)
E964 Initialisation Strategies for Reservoir
Simulation
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The course investigates the classification and categorisation of resources
within both the SEC and the SPE-PRMS systems. By the use of particular
case studies, the course rigorously studies the boundaries between class
and category when assessing resources for management and financial
disclosure. The methodology for assessing hydrocarbons-in-place and
resources is explained and the significance of uncertainty is described.
Both deterministic and probabilistic approaches to volumetric assessment
are outlined. The engineering toolkit, using static, decline curve, material
balance and reservoir simulation, is described. Practical exercises
and illustrations of the pitfalls and issues in resource categorisation are
illustrated by examples.
The course introduces probabilistic and deterministic approaches,
their benefits and shortcomings, as applied to project approval,
appraisal, reservoir surveillance and production forecasting. Themes
include: Examination of the factors contributing to project uncertainty,
including: subsurface, drilling, facilities, production, scheduling, cost
and economics. Understanding complex and varying risks in delivering
accurate estimates of production, reserves and value to key internal and
external stakeholders. Expert tuition on: Probabilistic and deterministic
approaches, and their relative merits; Combination of uncertainties
and risks to deliver precise estimates and forecasts; Improving the
ability to estimate the probability of risks and uncertainties; Establishing
standardised practices to drive significantly greater value for the business
through forecasting and estimation.
This course provides participants with the skills and understanding required
to forecast production and estimate reserves in unconventional (ultra-low
permeability) reservoirs, mostly gas but with some applications to oil. The
course will emphasize gas shale and tight gas formations.
This course is based on observed characteristics of tight gas and shale gas
wells and also applies to many shale oil wells. The behavior of these wells
follows mathematical models which have been developed specifically
for this purpose. Mathematical models include linear flow and bilinear
flow and transitions. The wells can produce from formations that have
natural fractures and hydraulic fracture, resulting in double-porosity and
triple-porosity reservoir models.
This course addresses the many technical and economic variables
involved in the design and implementation of hydraulic fracturing, from
determining the need to frac and frac design to postfrac economic
evaluation. Industry software is used to perform the basic and complex
calculations required in treatment design and analysis. Fracture mapping
and implementation of multi-stage hydraulic fractures in horizontal wells
are included.
This course provides an overview of the role of reservoir simulation, giving
guidance on the construction, validation and use of simulation models.
Rather than focussing on keywords and data structures specifi c to a single
simulator, the course emphasises the modelling workfl ow with tips and
techniques to ensure that models are fi t-for-purpose, and that modelling
limitations are understood. Additionally, the course introduces the rapidly
evolving technology of experimental design, automatic history matching,
proxy modelling and handling uncertainty in reservoir simulations.
This course will examine various clastic deposystems in outcrop,
characteristic of common reservoir types, and will explore the processes
that control fluid flow through the deposits and the implications for field
development studies.
This course covers various methods for establishing initial water saturation
in a dynamic 3D simulation model. It also covers basic input of SCAL
models (Pc, Sr, Kr), endpoint scaling together with associated input
checking, and orientation of various SCAL options in common reservoir
simulators such as ECLIPSE. Whilst many of the course examples are
based on ECLIPSE, reference to similar options in other simulators such as
STARS and VIP are used whenever that is felt useful. This course applies
the physical principles that govern subsurface fluid flow and phase
behaviour to the prediction of initial reservoir water saturations. Course
attendees should have a basic knowledge of reservoir engineering and
some familiarity with commercial reservoir simulators such as ECLIPSE 100.
Participants are also encouraged to bring short case studies to discuss
informally in class.
 ENGINEERING

Course List

E966 Integrated Reservoir Characterisation and The focus of the course concerns the best ways to integrate work between
Performance Prediction geosciences, petrophysics and reservoir engineering; in order to better
understand flow processes in reservoirs and as a result plan optimum field
appraisal and development. Participants will develop an understanding
of how to gather and interpret both rock property and production data.
The will deal with the data and its uncertainties in both sandstone and
carbonate reservoirs, with case studies based on natural depletion, water
drive (natural and injected) and gas drive (natural and injected).

E967 Introduction to Reservoir Engineering This courses provides a practical understanding of how hydrocarbon
reservoirs are described (rock and fluid properties), what the primary
mechanisms of oil and gas production are, and how recovery can be
enhanced with secondary recovery methods. It is intended for engineers
and geologists who are involved with making reserve estimates and
production forecasts for primary and secondary recovery.

E969 Optimizing Waterfloods Course participants will acquire an understanding of the basic mechanisms
that result in greater or lesser degrees of success for waterfloods. They
will learn about methods to modify these mechanisms and how to
make decisions to improve waterfl ood performance. Practical design
considerations are discussed and worked examples are provided.

E970 Cased Hole Logging for Production This practical course discusses use of modern Cased Hole Logging tools
Monitoring and interpretation techniques to understand, analyze, improve and
resolve a variety of reservoir and near-wellbore production situations.
It covers formation evaluation through casing using pulsed neutron
tools (PNC and C/O) as well as basic and advanced technologies for
evaluation of multi-phase flow and fluid movement in production and
injection wells. Fiber optic temperature (DTS) and acoustic (DAS) logging
are also introduced.

E973 Reservoir Engineering for Unconventional
Gas and Tight Oil Reservoirs
This course addresses topics which are specific to exploitation of
unconventional reservoirs identification and characterization,
economics, efficient completion technologies, well testing and
development strategies. Tight gas and shale gas reservoirs and coal bed
methane engineering are addressed.

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