Study plan for MAMN-PETMK Reservoir Mechanics, spring 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).

The program combines the classical natural sciences, physics, mathematics and chemistry with geology and provides a solid theoretical basis for working with problems based in oil and gas recovery. The goal of the program is to exploit research and expertise from both the university sector and external research environments, to educate graduates with technological expertise that is well suited for work in the oil industry and i industry and management that requires expertise in quantitative modeling. Since the program is interdisciplinary, it will provide a good basis for working as a teacher.

Development and analysis of mathematical / numerical computational tools are essential to create simulation models for multi phase-flow in a reservoir. Simulation models are used in the industry when considering if the reservoir can be exploited commercially and in planning of drilling. Such models can be created with existing simulation tools or by developing own code (for example, by means of Matlab).

Required Learning Outcomes

A candidate with a master´s degree in Reservoir Mechanics will have deep, research-based knowledge in that research field, 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:

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 specialisation.

Admission Requirements

In order to apply for the Master Programme in reservoir mechanics 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 (courses PTEK212, MAT212, GEOV260 and PTEK211 must be included)
Bachelor degree in mathematics (courses PTEK212, MAT212, GEOV260 and PTEK211 must be included)
Bachelor degree from the faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences 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 PTEK212, MAT212, GEOV260 and PTEK211 are included.
Norwegian bachelor degrees in energy where courses similar to PTEK212, MAT212, GEOV260 and PTEK211 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 Mechanics 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.