Introduction to Subsurface Geoscience & GeoEnergy

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
ENGP 1011
Course ID icon
Course ID
206790
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus West, Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Elec and Mech Eng
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Course level
1
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

This course provides an introduction to geology and subsurface geoscience (first half of the semester) and an introduction to GeoEnergy resources (second half of the semester). No prior knowledge in geology is assumed and the course starts from basic geological concepts (e.g. minerals, igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, rock deformation and geological time) then moves onto critical concepts in GeoEnergy resources (e.g. source rocks, reservoir rocks, sealing rocks, maturation, migration and trapping of hydrocarbons, carbon capture and storage) and finally introduces the tools used in the safe and sustainable exploration for subsurface. GeoEnergy resources (seismic surveying, drilling and logging). Throughout the semester one lecture per week is also given by a guest speaker in order to provide an overview of the GeoEnergy industry. Theoretical concepts introduced during the lectures are applied during series of interactive practicals addressing topics including rock and mineral identification, geological mapping and seismic interpretation.

Course learning outcomes

  • Recognise and describe minerals and sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks
  • Recognise and describe geological structures (faults and folds)
  • Recognise and describe the elements and processes of a petroleum system
  • Work collaboratively in groups during laboratory sessions to determine solutions for practical acitivities related to the decsription of rocks, geological structures and petroleum systems
  • Explain and apply the use of seismic reflection data and wireline logging and other technologies in petroleum exploration
  • Explain the scope of the upstream petroleum industry
  • Apply knowledge of geology and petroleum systems to complete group and individual work

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus West

Class number
Class number 29689
Section
Section 01CW
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
- Adelaide City Campus West ,

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed PETROENG1005 Introduction to Subsurface Geoscience & GeoEnergy at the University of Adelaide

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.