Course overview
he Integrated Field Development Project (IFDP) course provides students with a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience in petroleum field development planning. Through a structured, three-module approach, students gain the necessary technical, economic, and decision-making skills to develop and evaluate an optimal field development strategy.
Module 1: Decision Making and Economics introduces key decision-making principles and economic evaluation techniques essential for petroleum engineers. Topics include decision-tree analysis, Monte Carlo simulation, petroleum fiscal regimes, and economic performance metrics. Emphasis is placed on managing uncertainty and understanding the psychological factors influencing decision-making in the oil and gas industry. This module provides foundational skills that are crucial for the subsequent stages of the course.
Module 2: Fundamentals of Field Development Planning explores the process of developing an optimal petroleum field development plan. It examines key project drivers, the integration of multidisciplinary expertise, and the trade-offs between cost, risk, and recovery. The module covers the entire field development lifecycle, from initial screening and appraisal to project sanction, using real-world case studies to illustrate best practices in balancing reservoir management, drilling, facilities design, and economic considerations.
Module 3: IFDP Group Project Work applies the knowledge gained in the first two modules and throughout the degree to a realistic offshore field development scenario. Working in teams, with each team member taking on a specialised role, they analyse exploration and appraisal data, assess uncertainties, and develop a technically and economically viable field development plan. The course culminates in formal presentations to an academic and industry panel, as well as the submission of a detailed written development plan.
By integrating technical expertise with economic and decision-making frameworks, IFDP prepares students for real-world challenges in petroleum field development, equipping them with the skills necessary to make informed, high-value engineering and business decisions in a complex and uncertain environment.
- Decision Making and Economics
- Basis of IFDP
- IFDP Group Project Work
Course learning outcomes
- Apply specialised petroleum engineering and geoscience workflows, integrating principles of natural and physical sciences, mathematics, and digital literacy to solve complex industry challenges.
- Critically evaluate and synthesise multi-source industry datasets to support decision-making under uncertainty, applying economic evaluation tools (e.g., NPV, DCF, Monte Carlo Simulation) and risk assessment frameworks to optimise petroleum project outcomes.
- Design, execute, and present a comprehensive field development plan, integrating technical, economic, safety, and environmental considerations, and effectively justifying recommendations to academic and industry panels.
- Lead and collaborate effectively in diverse, multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating cultural and emotional intelligence, inclusive teamwork, and professional communication. Apply leadership, project management, and creative problem-solving to develop sustainable and innovative engineering solutions.
- Demonstrate commitment to ethical engineering practice, health & safety, and environmental stewardship by applying regulatory frameworks, risk management strategies, and sustainable development principles in petroleum engineering projects.
- Conduct independent research, critically reviewing academic and industry literature to expand knowledge, foster innovation, and support lifelong learning in evolving energy sector challenges.