Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Advanced concepts of stratigraphy and basin analysis are fundamental for exploration, evaluation, exploitation and conservation of petroleum and other resources in sedimentary rocks. They are also essential for effective coastal zone planning, management, and development, and for understanding Earth history. Knowledge of subsurface geologic methods using core, well and geophysical data is essential for anyone wishing to enter the petroleum, coal or strata-bound minerals industry.

Aims

The aim of the unit is to provide you with a fundamental working knowledge of sedimentary strata at regional and basin-wide scales, so as to allow you to solve problems in the exploration and modern environmental management sectors. This unit fosters the skill of critical three- and four-dimensional analysis that usually sets geoscientists apart from other scientists and technologists, and develops an understanding of exploration and production aspects of the fossil fuel industries.

Undertaking this unit, you will acquire:
1. The conceptual and technical tools to enable you to rationally interpret the distribution of rock units in space and time.
2. An understanding of the genesis and setting of hydrocarbon resources.
3. An understanding of the techniques of exploration, evaluation and utilisation of petroleum.

Objectives

Successful completion of the unit will promote your ability to:

1. Extract and analyse relevant data from sequences of sedimentary rocks in basins of different types and geometries. Comprehend the fundamental principles of basin formation, sediment fill, thermal history and basin deformation.
2. Understand petroleum genesis, habitats, generation, migration, traps, seals and reservoirs as well as oilfield appraisal techniques.
3. Recognise and utilise various types of real and proxy data for the correlation of sedimentary sequences including lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, seismic stratigraphy, facies analysis, and chemostratigraphy. Apply various techniques and approaches to analysing stratigraphic information in basins emphasizing the ability to utilise subsurface geologic data.
4. Observe critical detail and understand how to approach and solve problems in practical and theoretical petroleum geology and basin evolution. Develop critical and creative thinking skills to visualise rock units in three dimensions and evaluate the quality and significance of geological data, and appropriately integrate into reports and oral presentations for communications with professional geologists.

Content

The unit covers the following topics in both theoretical and applied terms:
- Basin characterisation and evolution;
- Advanced correlation utilising biostratigraphy, chemostratigraphy, seismic stratigraphy, and sequence stratigraphy;
- Application of subsurface mapping tools and techniques;
- Basin formation, setting, architecture, and thermal history;
- Origin and characteristics of petroleum fluids including generation, accumulation and migration through time and space; study of structural and stratigraphic traps and reservoir rock characteristics; application of drilling, logging and geophysical and correlation techniques.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This is a project-based unit. The are 2 major projects, and weekly practical exercises that provide support for the final take home written examination. The larger of the 2 projects is directly tied into the lectures, and there are weekly discussions regarding each of the steps in the project. The unit combines lectures, library research, practical exercises, and seminars providing students with firm theoretical skills and practical experience to interpret sedimentary basin architecture and evolution. Practicals and assignments will enhance problem-solving skills and develop skills in evaluation and communication of geological data.

Assessment

60% of the marks are the 2 projects, and 40% for the final exam piece. The practicals are designed to be formative in the development of talents and critical thinking skills.Students receive weekly feedback on practical exercises. Written feedback on the oral presentations and logging exercise will be provided.

Assessment name: Diamond drill core logging
Description: Core logging practice during class time will be summarized with a trip to Banyo core logging facility to undertake an independent exercise.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 4

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: A research and analytical project on basin evolution and petroleum exploration. The project will require students to make an oral presentation.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 9

Assessment name: Exam (written report format)
Description: Scientific geological report on the architecture of a given basin. Wherein all concepts and practices explored in class are summarized and utilized.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required text:
1. Allen and Allen (2005) Basin Analysis: Principles and Applications, 2nd Edition, Blackwell

References:
1. Miall AD (2000) Principles of Sedimentary Basin Analysis, 3rd edition, Springer, Berlin ; New York
2. Reading (1996) Sedimentary Environments: Processes, Facies and Stratigraphy, 3rd Edition, Blackwell Science
3. Emery and Myers (1996), Sequence Stratigraphy, Blackwell Science
4. Boggs S (2001) Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, 3rd edition, Prentice Hall
5. Walker & James (Eds), Facies Models: Response to Sea Level Change, 192. Geol. Assoc. Canada

Petroleum Books:
1. North FK (1985) Petroleum Geology, Allen & Unwin
2. Magoon LB & Dow LG (eds) (1994) The Petroleum System, Oklahoma: AAPG 3. Brooks J (ed) (1990) Classic Petroleum Provinces, Geological Society of London, Special Publication No. 50.
4. Demaison G & Huizinga B (1991) Genetic Classification of Petroleum Systems, AAPG Bulletin 75, 1626-1643. 5. Halbouty MT (ed) (1992) Giant Oil and Gas Fields of the Decade, 1978-1998. AAPG Memoir 55.
6. Tearpock D & Bischke R (2003) Applied Subsurface Geological Mapping, 2nd edition, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 822p.

Periodicals:
1. Basin Research
2. Sedimentary Geology
3. AAPG Bulletin, American Association of Petroleum Geologists
4. Journal of Petroleum Geology

Risk assessment statement

There are no significant risks relating to this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 02-Jul-2012