Nontechnical Guide to Petroleum Geology, Exploration

Course Learning Outcomes and Relationship to Program Outcomes:
Course Learning Outcome: At the end of the course, students will be
able to…
Be able to categorize petroleum reserves and to estimate proved
reserves using volumetric, decline curve, and material balance (p/z)
methods; also, be able to forecast future production rates vs. time.
Be able to state, in concise summary form, the fundamental forms of
ownership of petroleum resources, and laws, fiscal systems and financial
interests pertinent to their exploitation in the United States and
internationally.
Be able to perform basic cash flow analysis for petroleum projects and
determine whether proposed projects are acceptable or unacceptable
and, in a given list of acceptable projects, be able determine which
projects are most attractive.
Be able to evaluate uncertainty in reserve estimates and economic
appraisal.
Be able to set personal financial goals and establish an investment plan
to reach these goals.
Be able to incorporate social, political, cultural, and environmental factors
into decision making.
Program Outcomes
11, 19
12, 22
11, 20, 22
11, 13, 20, 21
9, 14
12, 22
Related Program Outcomes:
No. PETE graduates must have…
9 A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
11 An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for
engineering practice.
12 An ability to recognize and take into account the constraints offered by political and
social systems, including environmental considerations, in problem definition and
solution.
13 An ability to recognize and take into account the difference in perspective of the
scientist and the engineer and to focus on engineering problem solving techniques.
14 Specific life and career goals, and the flexibility to modify goals and plans as
circumstances dictate.
19 Competency in application of reservoir engineering principles and practices for
optimizing resource development and management.
20 Competency in use of project economics and resource valuation methods for
design and decision making under conditions of risk and uncertainty.
21 An ability to deal with the high level of uncertainty in petroleum reservoir problems
in problem definition and solution.
22 An ability to take into account the requirements of the free-market commercial
system in which the petroleum industry usually functions, in problem definition and
solution.
Prepared by: W. John Lee, 21 January 2009
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