AAPG Education is now able to offer scholarships to five U.S.-based AAPG Student Chapters and five global AAPG Student Chapters (10 students per chapter) for year-long licenses for three full-length courses that cover upstream and downstream operations through a partnership with AAPG and the OPEN Initiative. The scholarships are being funded by a donation by the SGS Group and Techno-Media.

The Petro-Ed courses feature robust graphics, simulations and automated, interactive learning modules. They are completely self-paced and can be used as a supplement to existing courses. For links to the full catalogue and to see more samples of the animations, visit the course descriptions and links below, or click the link: http://www.aapg.org/education/online/petroed.cfm

This is a wonderful opportunity for AAPG chapters and student members. While it is not unusual to find open-access learning objects on the web, such as quizzes, interactive maps, interactive instructional diagrams, full lessons that develop knowledge and skills can be quite expensive, particularly in areas such as petroleum exploration and development. Qualifying student chapters will have access to three courses at no cost.

Scholarships for three separate online interactive learning courses are available for the following online, interactive module-based courses, which are completely self-guided, with automated reviews and quizzes. There is no instructor interaction, which makes them an ideal complement to traditional classroom-based courses, and an effective supplement to course texts and lab materials.

Apply for the Scholarship

Please send an e-mail to Dr. Susan Nash (), Director of Education and Professional Development, AAPG. In your e-mail, please provide responses to the following items:

1. Name / Institution / contact information (address / email)
2. What is the name of your AAPG chapter?
3. What kinds of online learning does your university’s geosciences program currently use?
4. How would your student chapter use the software licenses if they are awarded to you?

In addition to keeping in touch and providing suggestions about how to use the license, we will interview the winning chapters and feature photos of members and leadership (along with their faculty sponsor) on the AAPG Learn! Blog.

• Descriptions of the Courses
• Basic Principles of Petroleum

http://ils.techno-media.com/SITES/petroed_2010/?unitid=BPP

This course is designed for students who require a basic understanding of the petroleum industry to perform their jobs. It provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the basics of upstream and downstream activities. Students will learn how hydrocarbon deposits are formed, explored for, and produced. Next, students will learn how crude oil and gas are converted from a raw material to finished product and delivered to markets, or traded worldwide, as a commodity.

• Geology of Petroleum
• Exploration for Oil and Gas
• Drilling Operations Basics
• Production of Oil and Gas
• Petroleum Refining Process
• Transportation, Distribution and Delivery of Oil and Gas
• Marketing Petroleum Products
• Introduction to Well Control

http://ils.techno-media.com/SITES/petroed_2010/?unitid=IWC_IADC

The premise of Introduction to Well Control computer based training course is that every member of the rig crew should understand the fundamental principles of well control in order to obtain the highest degree of safety during drilling operations. This self-paced interactive multimedia program takes a rig hand through the basic concepts of well control in an easy to understand, straight-forward manner. 3D animations, graphics and other visual imagery are used to quickly communicate complex subject material to manpower with diverse technical backgrounds and language skills.

• Well Control Equipment
• Units of Measure
• Hydrostatic Pressure
• Pressure Balance
• Causes of Kicks
• Controlling the Well
• Restoring the Well
• Oil Well Drilling

http://ils.techno-media.com/SITES/petroed_2010/?unitid=OWD

Oil Well Drilling introduces the techniques and technologies involved in drilling oil wells. The course is intended for personnel new to the oil and gas industry, specifically including those in the administrative and support services as well as those in the field. Oilwell Drilling provides a firm foundation knowledge of oilfield practices and terminology that can prove invaluable in every sector of the industry. This course comprises ten computer-based training modules, each representing two hours of instruction and exercises.

• Introduction to Rig Types and Basic Drill String Components
• Basic Blowout Prevention Equipment Components
• Introduction to Drilling Fluids
• Mud Circulation and Treating Equipment
• Hoisting Equipment
• Rotating Equipment, Mast, and Substructure
• Pipe Handling
• Casing and Cementing
• Well Logging, Mud Logging, and Drill Stem Testing
• Power Systems and Instrumentation