Skip to content
Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2011

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2011.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2010.

311679 v.1 Master of Engineering Science (Petroleum Engineering)

MEngSc(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 064461G
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 2 Years

Introduction

There is a strong requirement for qualified petroleum engineers in the Australian oil and gas industry, as well as in the rest of the world. The course is comprehensive in nature and provides multidisciplinary education and hands-on training in petroleumengineering. Candidates completing the course are expected to work as fully qualified petroleum engineers requiring minimum supervision in the upstream oil and gas industry. The teaching staff in the department consists of professionals with many years ofworking experience in the petroleum industry, both locally and internationally and they bring their industrial experience into all classes and units. The course is structured over two years in normal semester format, with a research thesis comprising thefourth (last) semester. This thesis component allows the student to work with industry on an industrial project, as well as providing the additional time for international students to consider applying for Permanent Residency (PR) status. Industrial companies which support student thesis projects may be interested in employing the student which they have assisted.

Course Entry Requirements/Prequisites

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

Specific Requirements

Students without a good Honours degree in science or engineering are advised not to apply- students who have not studied physics or calculus at first year university should not consider applying.

Recognition of Prior Learning

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

Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is four semesters (two years) of full-time study accruing a total of 400 credits. Continuing progress is subject to satisfactory performance. A student will not be admitted to the Masters program unless a mark of 65 is achieved on completion of the first two semesters (first year) units- 200 credits. Students who do not achieve this level of academic performance may apply for an intermediate award after achieving at least 200 credits- the Postgraduate Diploma in Petroleum Engineering.

Intermediate Awards 1

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate award(s) approved for this course are:

Intermediate Award II

Master of Petroleum Engineering, Postgraduate Diploma in Petroleum Engineering

Course Organisation

The course takes two-years to complete, with four units per semester for the first three semesters and a final thesis during the fourth (final) semester. Completion of the two-year course allows international students the opportunity to apply for Permanent Residency status, so that contacts obtained with industry during the thesis component may allow sponsorship.

Professional Recognition

Students completing this course may apply for Acting Membership of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (U.S.)

Career Opportunities

There is a strong requirement for qualified petroleum engineers in the Australian oil and gas industry, as well as in the rest of the world. The course is comprehensive in nature and provides multidisciplinary education and hands-on training in petroleumengineering. Candidates completing the course are expected to work as fully qualified petroleum engineers requiring minimum supervision in the upstream oil and gas industry.

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 Semester 1
301729 v.3   Applied Geology and Geophysics 602 5.0 25.0
301735 v.3   Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering 605 5.0 25.0
301736 v.3   Hydrocarbon Phase Behaviour 606 5.0 25.0
301737 v.3   Formation Evaluation 604 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
301734 v.3   Drilling Engineering 603 5.0 25.0
301738 v.3   Advanced Reservoir Engineering 601 5.0 25.0
301739 v.4   Petroleum Production Technology 320 5.0 25.0
308075 v.2   Remedial, Stimulation and Intervention Operations 600 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
301741 v.3   Numerical Reservoir Simulation 612 5.0 25.0
308069 v.1   Advanced Drilling Practices 604 5.0 25.0
310363 v.1   Petroleum Economics and Project Management 602 5.0 25.0
311336 v.1   Petroleum Assets Management 604 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
311680 v.1   Petroleum Engineering Thesis 601 20.0 100.0
  100.0

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.