This course introduces the learner to the fundamentals of shale gas, including current theories that explain its origin, and how to determine which reservoirs are commercially viable.
Shale gas represents an important direction in hydrocarbon exploration and production. Success in shale play production requires an understanding of the complex nature of heterogeneous reservoirs. This course introduces the learner to the fundamentals of shale gas, including current theories that explain its origin, and how to determine which reservoirs are commercially viable.
Key Topics
- shale gas
- naturally fractured reservoirs
- heterogeneity in formations
- horizontal drilling
- geochemistry of shale gas
- thermal maturation
Course Structure
This course is designed to be equivalent to a 3 credit-hour graduate-level seminar. It is a 4-week online course which consists of 4 one-week units that involve readings, multimedia, guiding questions, and assignments for you to do and to email to your instructor. You will receive feedback from your instructor, and upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate.
- Unit I: Definition of Shale Gas
- Unit II: Early Shale Plays
- Unit III: Recent and Emerging Shale Plays
- Unit IV: New Technologies, New Techniques
Required Work: For each unit, readings, research/review of recent articles, and a short paper in response to guiding questions.