308081 v.1 Master of Petroleum Well Engineering

MPetWellEng(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 050593M
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1.5 Years

Introduction

An indepth knowledge of the technology and processes of drilling, completing and operating wells in a variety of environments for oil and gas exploitation. Participants are expected to want to focus their careers in this specialised area of operational oil and gas engineering. It is expected that graduates will seek employment opportunities in the international oil and gas industry in both service and operating companies. The process of efficiently drilling and completing wells is becoming a major challenge for the industry as we drill more complex and critical wells, as well as develop oil and gas fields in more environmentally hostile and economically marginal areas. In such areas there is a need for highly trained professional engineers conversant with the most up-to-date practices to drill and complete wells. The technology associated with drilling and completing wells has advanced substantially in the past 15 years and continues to progress both in terms of the equipment available and the methodologies deployed. Engineers entering the industry in this area should anticipate that over the next decade their discipline will be at the forefront of most offshore and the major onshore developments.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

An honours degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering or science discipline. Candidates with degrees in other disciplines may be considered where they have relevant work experience.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is three semesters full-time study. Continuing progress is subject to satisfactory performance. A student will not be permitted to progress in the master program unless a mark of 65 per cent is achieved in all units.

Course Organisation

The following topics are covered - geology and geophysics for drilling engineers, formation evaluation, drilling engineering fundamentals, advanced drilling practices, reservoir engineering for drilling engineers, petroleum economics and project management, production technology, advanced drilling techniques or remedial, stimulation and intervention operations, drilling operations management, and petroleum well engineering dissertation.

Professional Recognition

It is likely that successful graduates from the course would be recognised by the Institute of Australian Engineers.

Career Opportunities

It is expected that graduates will seek employment opportunities in the international oil and gas industry, in both service and operating companies. As a drilling engineer with an operating or production company, graduates will be involved in the design of wells as well as the rig-based supervision of drilling and completion programs after gaining suitable experience. Alternatively, they could secure employment with a drilling contractor or service company. With the drilling contractor, graduates may beinvolved in on-site well supervision. For the service sector, the role will provide specialist technical services such as directional drilling or specialist interventions for operating companies and drilling contractors.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure			Hrs/Wk	Credit
Year 1 Study Period 3
308066	v.1	Geology and Geophysics for Drilling Engineers 601	40.0	25.0
308067	v.1	Formation Evaluation 602	40.0	25.0
				50.0
Year 1 Study Period 4
308068	v.1	Drilling Engineering Fundamentals 603	40.0	25.0
				25.0
Year 1 Study Period 5
308069	v.1	Advanced Drilling Practices 604	40.0	25.0
				25.0
Year 1 Study Period 6
308070	v.1	Reservoir Engineering for Drilling Engineers 605	40.0	25.0
				25.0
Year 1 Study Period 7
310363	v.1	Petroleum Economics and Project Management 602	2.5	25.0
				25.0
Year 1 Study Period 8
308071	v.1	Production Technology 606	40.0	25.0
		OR
308075	v.2	Remedial, Stimulation and Intervention Operations 600	40.0	25.0
				25.0
Year 1 Study Period 9
308072	v.1	Advanced Drilling Techniques 608	40.0	25.0
				25.0
Year 1 Quarter 4
310362	v.1	Drilling Operations Management 602	30.0	50.0
				50.0
Year 2 Quarter 1
308077	v.1	Petroleum Well Engineering Dissertation 691	4.0	50.0
				50.0

It is anticipated that additional optional units will become available as developed