MSc Structural Geology with Geophysics  MSc Structural Geology with Geophysics University of Leeds ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1566809530University-of-Leeds-1.jpg

AIMS OF THE COURSE We aim to provide a focussed programme of training in state-of-the-art technical structural geology and seismic-based geophysical methods suitable for management of the subsurface for resource and environmental applications. OVERVIEW Structural Geology is a key discipline for the hydrocarbon and mineral industries, for water resource management and environmental issues such as carbon dioxide sequestration. It underpins the analysis of sedimentary basins, the geometric understanding of mineral deposits and hydrocarbon reservoirs and the impact of faults and fractures on hydrocarbon production. Through the past decade there have been huge advances in using subsurface data to build structural models and to predict the impact of faults and other structures on the migration of fluids. With this has come an increasing move towards exploring and producing hydrocarbons from structurally complex traps especially in the age of high oil prices. At the invitation of industry, we have set up this course to provide practical training in structural geology particularly applied to hydrocarbon exploration and production at the scale of reservoirs. We are building on our expertise in MSc training within the School of Earth & Environment, home to a long-standing structural geology research group, and upon the expertise of Rock Deformation Research, a university spin-off company providing specialist structural geology support to the hydrocarbon and mineral industries. You will learn how to build, visualise and validate structural models using subsurface data, analysing faults, folds and fractures together with their impact on fluid flow. Analogues for these structures will be studied using field examples ? with fieldwork also used to enhance 3D visualisation skills. This training has a strong IT component using industry-standard modelling and visualisation software. Dealing with multiple data-sets and using a range of different interpretation and validation protocols demands clear planning. Consequently we provide training in the design and implementation of work-flows in project management. As modern applied structural geology involves understanding and using subsurface data-sets there is a very strong strand of geophysics in the course. Working alongside students who are specialising in geophysical methods, you will gain in-depth training in the acquisition, processing and interpretation of seismic reflection data and well-logs. We provide practical training in the written and oral presentation of science, specifically to management audiences. We also provide training in numerical skills to a level not only suitable for the more quantitative parts of our programme but also for future use in industry. The course is delivered in collaboration with RDR, providing direct experience of industrial data-sets such as 3D seismic, core and production data. Short workshops are also provided by industry based structural geologists. Project work can require using industry data-sets and involve industrial partners. Facilities for working on geophysical data-sets are shared with the Geophysics MSc together with in-house hardwaresoftware for structural interpretation, 3D visualisation and modelling in RDR. Although focussed on hydrocarbons, the training is also directly applicable to mineral industries and provides a springboard to a research degree.