Postgraduate Geology and Geophysics 2026-2027

This module will cover on the most important essentials of reflection seismics: from basic to advanced information on how seismic data are acquired and processed to generate images of the subsurface. Practical exercises involving processing of seismic reflection data will form a significant part of the curriculum with the aim of familiarising students with key industry software packages.

By the end of this course, the student should:

• Understand the Petrophysical rock properties that affect fluid storage and movement (Porosity, Permeability, Saturation, Mineralogy).
• Understand the primary wireline and LWD logging tools: Measurement, Fundamental physical principles, and applications.
• Understand the theory of seismic signal description.
• Appreciate the main processes involved in a typical seismic data-processing suite.
• Understand the basic concepts of seismic stratigraphy and the interpretation of seismic data.

Spectroscopy, radiative transfer and retrieval methods are rapidly growing fields with extreme importance in atmospheric and planetary science. They are fundamental to study weather, climate, air quality on Earth, the evolution of greenhouse gases and biogeochemical cycles on Earth. They provide information about the physics and evolution of the atmospheres of the solar system planets and exoplanets at a larger scale. This course will provide the fundamental knowledge to a depth that will leave a student with the background to perform quantitative research on atmospheres. It spans across principles through applications, with sufficient background for students without prior experience in spectroscopy or radiative transfer.

By the end of this course, the student should:

•  Understand the Petrophysical rock properties that affect fluid storage and movement (Porosity, Permeability, Saturation, Mineralogy).
• Understand the primary wireline and LWD logging tools: Measurement, Fundamental physical principles, and applications.

The course covers aspects of geology, geophysics and subsurface evaluation to illustrate how geologists deal with uncertainty and risk when assessing energy resources in the subsurface. It will look at the place of the geoscientist during the productive life of an hydrocarbon field and the role that they play in subsurface energy storage. Another key aspect of this course will be the issue of communication between geoscientists and engineers. By the end of this course students should understand how geologists look into the subsurface, and the main tools at their disposal; the role of the geophysicist; how to make subsurface maps; volumetrics; subsurface fluid flow; and the creation of static reservoir models.

Space weather describes the varying conditions in the space environment between the sun and Earth. Phenomena associated with space weather have the potential to impact systems and technologies in orbit and on Earth. For example, solar energetic particles can penetrate satellite electronics and cause electrical failure. These energetic particles also block radio communications at high latitudes during solar radiation storms. Each phenomenon of space weather impacts a different technology. 

In this course, we will review Space Weather on Earth, and we will use the lessons learned to understand the impact of the space environment on planetary exploration.

Lectures and practical exercises will provide you with the knowledge and skills to de-risk the subsurface for storage of energy (in the form of compressed air and hydrogen), and for the safe and long-term storage and sequestration of CO₂. Seminars will introduce case-study examples of storage within porous rocks, evaporites and volcanics. The course concludes with a group project that is designed to emulate how a subsurface storage site would be evaluated by a technical team in industry.

This module will take students to the boundaries of applied geophysics, through hands-on training to academia and industry standard techniques in field geophysical data acquisition, visualisation, and mapping. The course content is drawn from academic research, industry geophysics case studies, and dedicated field geophysics training. It provides skills that open up career paths to graduates in a range of geophysical industries. The balance between topics and techniques may shift from year to year in response to changing patterns of research and changing employer demand.

Through lectures and site visits delivered by academics and industry professionals, you will develop a general understanding of how geoscientists can support low carbon energies in the energy transition. This will include the role of fluid flow and heat transfer in different geothermal systems, and supporting renewable energy infrastructure placement. You will gain practical experience in reservoir modelling and sustainable reservoir management using industry standard computing software..

The course covers aspects of geology, geophysics and subsurface evaluation to illustrate how geologists deal with uncertainty and risk when assessing energy resources in the subsurface. It will look at the place of the geoscientist during the productive life of an hydrocarbon field and the role that they play in subsurface energy storage. Another key aspect of this course will be the issue of communication between geoscientists and engineers. By the end of this course students should understand how geologists look into the subsurface, and the main tools at their disposal; the role of the geophysicist; how to make subsurface maps; volumetrics; subsurface fluid flow; and the creation of static reservoir models.

In the final project you are expected to undertake and complete a study of a subsurface problem applicable to the energy industry. The project is an extended, independent, self-directed, piece of practical work integrating and reinforcing the material taught on the programme, and giving a detailed insight into the demands of, and ways of working in the energy industry. The project forms a major part of the MSc’s employability strategy. 

The project is an extended, independent, self-directed, piece of practical work integrating and reinforcing the material taught on the course, and giving a detailed insight into the demands of, and ways of working in the oil and gas industry.