https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/sustainable-geoenergy
https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/reservoir-evaluation-management
SCQF Level 11 course worth 15 credits.
Course Aims
For the learner to appreciate the fundamental principles of geomechanics and apply them to predict rock deformation and evaluate relevant risks (e.g., induced seismicity) during Net Zero subsurface operations.
Syllabus
1. Fundamentals of stress and strain
1.1 Definitions
1.2 Rock failure criteria
2. Rock deformation mechanisms
2.1 Elastic and inelastic deformation
2.2 Rock failure criteria
2.3 Poroelasticity
2.4 Anisotropy
3. Geological structures (faults and folds)
3.1 Definitions
3.2 Identifying faults in the field
3.3 Theories of faulting
3.3 Stress distributions during folding
3.4 Fault compartmentalisation and transmissivity
4. Experimental rock mechanics
4.1 Overview of testing methods and apparatus
4.2 Application of experimental data to solving rock mechanics problems
4.3 Advanced imaging techniques for microscale processes
5. Reservoir geomechanics
5.1 Introduction to geo-pressures and stress paths
5.2 Compaction and pore pressure evolution
5.3 Secondary overpressure mechanisms and thermal effects
5.4 Geological controls on pore pressure fracture gradient distribution
5.5 Fracture pressure analysis
6. Applied geomechanics
6.1 Borehole stresses
6.2 Leak-off and extended leak-off tests
6.3 Well-log analysis
6.4 Wellbore stability
6.5 Case studies
7. Coursework and Field Trip to Cleveland Basin in Yorkshire
7.1 Application of geomechanics to field-based case study
https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/subjects/undergraduate/geography.htm
SCQF Level 7 course worth 15 credits.
Course Aims
For the learner to develop in-depth knowledge of the Earth System and its interactions in the context of current and past Climate and the consequences of human intervention.
Syllabus
1. Introduction to the Earth System
1.1. Introduction
1.2. Earth system science
1.3. Global pumps
2. The Atmosphere
2.1. Atmospheric composition, structure and circulation
2.2. Weather and clouds
3. The Hydrosphere
3.1. Where is all the water?
3.2. Ocean circulation
4. The Climate
4.1. The climate system
4.2. Climate change
5. The Biosphere
5.1. An overview of life on earth
5.2. A world ruled by microbes
5.3. Impact of climate stresses on the biosphere
5.4. Case study: deep sea ecosystems
6. Interconnected Earth System
6.1. Biogeochemical cycles
6.2. Feedback loops and daisyworld
6.3. Welcome to the Anthropocene
6.4. Net-zero and the energy transition
7. Coursework
7.1. Review and debate a current topic in earth system science
8. Exam
8.1. Synoptic exam with Dynamic Earth 2 at the end of Spring Semester
https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/subjects/undergraduate/geography.htm
SCQF Level 7 course worth 15 credits.