308081 v.1 Master of Petroleum Well Engineering

MPetWellEng(Curtin)

Introduction
An in depth 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 wish to orientate their careers in this area of specialism 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 majorchallenge 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
A bachelors degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline. Well rounded personal and communication skills will also be useful attributes, although these will be further developed in the course.

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

Duration and Availability
This fee paying course will be available on a full or part time basis. On a full time basis the normal duration of the course will be of 18 months duration and will follow the sequential series of modules. On a part time basis the program could be undertaken over a period of up to 4 years, but would follow a schedule to be approved by the Academic Coordinator. Participation within all modular units is compulsory.

Course Organisation
Geology and Geophysics for Drilling Engineers, Formation Evaluation, Drilling Engineering, Advanced Drilling Practices, Reservoir Engineering for Drilling Engineers, Production Technology, Advanced Drilling Techniques, Well Completions and Workover, Drilling Operations Management, Contracting and HSE, Remedial, Stimulation and Intervention Operations, Group and Team Well Design or Workover Project, Petroleum Well Engineering 691.

Professional Recognition
Successful graduates are be recognised by the Institute of Australian Engineers. Future accreditation by other Professional and Engineering Institutes of International standing is pending.

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 could beinvolved in well supervision on site. For the service sector the role would be that of providing specialist technical services such as directional drilling or specialist interventions for operating companies and drilling contractors.

Additional Course Expenses
A full list of fees is available upon request or at enrolment. In addition, students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials and may, if required, also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables (which varies depending on area of study).

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Short Period 10

SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0

25.0

Year 1 Short Period 11

308074 v.1 Drilling Operations Management, Contracting and Health Safety and Environment 607 160.0 25.0

25.0

Year 1 Short Period 3

308066 v.1 Geology and Geophysics for Drilling Engineers 601 140.0 25.0

25.0

Year 1 Short Period 4

308067 v.1 Formation Evaluation 602 160.0 25.0

25.0

Year 1 Short Period 5

308068 v.1 Drilling Engineering 603 160.0 25.0

25.0

Year 1 Short Period 6

308069 v.1 Advanced Drilling Practices 604 40.0 25.0

25.0

Year 1 Short Period 7

308070 v.1 Reservoir Engineering for Drilling Engineers 605 40.0 25.0

25.0

Year 1 Short Period 8

308071 v.1 Production Technology 606 40.0 25.0

25.0

Year 1 Short Period 9

SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0

25.0

Year 2 Quarter 2

308077 v.1 Petroleum Well Engineering Dissertation 691 4.0 50.0

50.0

Year 2 Short Period 12

308076 v.1 Group or Team Well Design Workover Project 690 4.0 25.0

25.0

Optional Units to Select From in Year 1 Short Period 10 Hrs/Wk Credits

308073 v.1 Well Completions and Workover 610 40.0 25.0

Optional Units to Select From in Year 1 Short Period 9 Hrs/Wk Credits

308072 v.1 Advanced Drilling Techniques 608 40.0 25.0

308075 v.1 Remedial, Stimulation and Intervention Operations 40.0 25.0

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

Availability

Availability Information has not been provided by the respective School or Area. Prospective/current students should contact the School or Area listed above for further information.