Study plan for MAMN-PETGO Reservoir Geology, fall 2024

Name of qualification

The master's programme leads to the degree Master of Science in Reservoir and geoenergy. It is a two year programme (120 ECTS credits).

This study combines the classic natural sciences chemistry, physics and mathematics with geology to give a solid scientific fundament in order to tackle challenges related to production of oil and gas. The study is in particular directed towards mechanisms for production of oil and the study of multi-phase flow in porous media. The aim is to take advantage of research and expertise both from internal (UiB) and external research environments to educate candidates with technological competence suited for work in the petroleum industry.

Porous and permeable reservoir rocks are the basis for the presence of oil or gas, and to what extent these resources can be produced. For these reasons it is important to map out the geology of the reservoir, both by analyzing the stratigraphy and studying the sedimentology and geometry of the constituent geological formations. Key reservoir properties can also be analyzed through different laboratory methods to obtain information about porosity and permeability, fundamental parameters in determining the potential for flow of oil and gas through the reservoir.

Required Learning Outcomes

A candidate with a master´s degree in Reservoir Geology will have deep, research-based knowledge in reservoir geology, and extensive experience and understanding of petroleum technology research in general. The candidate is experienced in the independent performance of a research task, which includes the following subtasks:

Evaluate the geometry and flow properties of a reservoir
Acquiring knowledge about a research topic form the scientific literature
Formulating a hypothesis that can be proved or disproved
Making a critical evaluation of the existing knowledge in the field and identify areas that need new knowledge or understanding
Evaluating methods and choosing a methodology that could lead to the required knowledge
Completing the research task
Interpreting the results in light of the initial hypothesis
Presenting the work orally and in writing using the established formats of scientific publication

The candidate will have extensive knowledge which qualifies for continuing independent work in the industry and further research specialization.

Admission Requirements

In order to apply for the Master Programme in reservoir geology you need a bachelor degree in petroleum and process technology or the like. The degree needs to fulfill specific admission requirements.

Bachelor degrees from UiB that qualify:

Bachelor degree in petroleum and process technology
Bachelor degree in physics or mathematics (courses PTEK211, PTEK212 and GEOV260 must be included)
Bachelor degree from the Faculty of Science and Technology with topics covering the admission and grading requirements (the courses do not need to be part of the degree)

Bachelor degrees that qualify

Norwegian bachelor degrees in petroleum technology (UiS) and oil and gas technology (NTNU), or equivalent bachelor degrees where courses similar to PTEK211, PTEK212 and GEOV260 are included.
Norwegian bachelor degrees in energy where courses similar to PTEK211, PTEK212 and GEOV260 are included.

Other bachelor degrees can qualify if you can document 80-100 ECTS in petroleum technology or equivalent.

You also need to document:

Average grade of minimum C (equivalent to Norwegian grade C)
Proficiency in English

Master thesis credits

In consultation with your academic supervisor, you will choose a master's thesis (60 ECTS credits) and produce a progress plan containing important milestones for your project. The master's thesis can have a theoretical (modelling and simulation) or an experimental character, but often be a combination of the two. External partners (industry, research institutions) are also often involved.

Sequential Requirements, courses

A master's programme in Reservoir and geoenergy - Reservoir Geology consists of an individual research project (master's thesis) of 60 ECTS credits, and courses or special topics of 60 ECTS credits. Some of the courses are compulsory, while the other courses will be chosen in agreement with the academic supervisor.

Teaching and learning methods

In preparing your master's thesis you will independently use methods and scientific working techniques from the subject field to research a relevant topic. In some cases, analyses of observation data and data from models are very important in addition to theoretical and experimental studies.

Employability

Many of the candidates are employed as a reservoir engineer / production engineer / scientist in an oil company or service company. There is also a demand for our candidates in state governance bodies. A master degree can in addition qualify you for a doctoral program.