EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Fundamentals of Petroleum Geology course delivers a comprehensive foundation in the geological principles controlling hydrocarbon occurrence. It explains how petroleum is generated, expelled, migrated, trapped, and preserved within sedimentary basins. The course integrates basin analysis with structural and stratigraphic interpretation to support exploration workflows. Participants develop a clear understanding of source rocks, reservoirs, seals, and traps as an integrated system. Emphasis is placed on reducing exploration uncertainty through systematic geological reasoning. The course introduces basin evolution and its influence on petroleum prospectivity. Key datasets are interpreted within a coherent geological framework. Learners gain practical insight into how geological risks are assessed and managed. This course establishes a strong platform for advanced petroleum studies and professional application.

INTRODUCTION

The Fundamentals of Petroleum Geology course is designed to build essential knowledge of petroleum-related geological processes. It introduces the elements and processes that govern hydrocarbon accumulation in sedimentary basins. The course explains how tectonics, stratigraphy, and sedimentation interact through geological time. Participants learn the significance of basin formation and thermal evolution. The program highlights the relationship between geological structures and hydrocarbon trapping. It emphasizes integrated thinking across geological disciplines. The course provides a logical workflow for petroleum system evaluation. Concepts are presented in a progressive and structured manner. The scope supports both academic development and applied industry practice.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Participants will achieve the following objectives by the Fundamentals of Petroleum Geology course:

• Understand the origin, composition, and classification of hydrocarbons.
• Explain petroleum generation, maturation, and expulsion processes.
• Identify source rock properties and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Analyze reservoir rock characteristics and depositional controls.
• Assess porosity, permeability, and reservoir heterogeneity.
• Understand seal efficiency and hydrocarbon containment.
• Interpret structural, stratigraphic, and combination traps.
• Apply petroleum system concepts in basin evaluation.
• Integrate geological data into exploration decision-making.
• Develop critical thinking skills for petroleum risk assessment.
• These objectives are clearly defined, achievable, and directly applicable to professional petroleum geology roles, ensuring measurable learning outcomes and long-term skill development within exploration and development contexts.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This Fundamentals of Petroleum Geology program targets a professional audience seeking to improve knowledge and skills:

• Geology graduates preparing for energy sector careers.
• Junior petroleum geologists.
• Geophysicists requiring geological integration skills.
• Reservoir engineers seeking geological understanding.
• Exploration team members and analysts.
• Energy industry professionals.
• Environmental geologists transitioning to subsurface studies.
• Academic researchers in sedimentary and basin geology.

COURSE OUTLINE

Day 1: Foundations of Petroleum Geology

• Definition and scope of petroleum geology.
• Overview of the global oil and gas industry.
• Geological time scale and stratigraphic principles.
• Types and classification of sedimentary basins.
• Basin evolution and tectonic settings.
• Relationship between basins and hydrocarbon systems.
• Introduction to petroleum system elements and processes.

Day 2: Source Rocks and Hydrocarbon Generation

• Organic matter types and biological origins.
• Depositional environments of organic-rich sediments.
• Source rock lithology and geochemical characteristics.
• Burial history and thermal maturation.
• Oil and gas generation mechanisms.
• Hydrocarbon windows and transformation ratios.
• Expulsion processes and efficiency.
• Source rock risk evaluation concepts.

Day 3: Reservoir Rocks and Seals

• Definition and classification of reservoir rocks.
• Porosity types and permeability controls.
• Depositional environments and reservoir architecture.
• Diagenetic processes affecting reservoir quality.
• Clastic reservoir systems.
• Carbonate reservoir systems.
• Seal lithologies and sealing mechanisms.
• Capillary pressure and containment integrity.

Day 4: Traps, Migration, and Accumulation

• Principles of hydrocarbon migration.
• Primary and secondary migration pathways.
• Structural traps and fault-related closures.
• Stratigraphic traps and facies changes.
• Combination trap systems.
• Timing relationships between charge and trap formation.
• Preservation of hydrocarbon accumulations.
• Geological risk elements in trapping systems.

Day 5: Petroleum Systems and Exploration Integration

• Definition and components of petroleum systems.
• Critical moment and charge history.
• Basin modeling fundamentals.
• Play-based exploration concepts.
• Prospect generation and evaluation.
• Integration of geological and geophysical data.
• Uncertainty assessment and risk ranking.
• Comprehensive review and concept integration.

COURSE DURATION

This Fundamentals of Petroleum Geology course is available in different durations: 1 week (intensive training), 2 weeks (moderate pace with additional practice sessions), or 3 weeks (a comprehensive learning experience). The course can be attended in person or online, depending on the trainee's preference.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

This Fundamentals of Petroleum Geology course is delivered by expert trainers worldwide, bringing global experience and best practices.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1- Who should attend this Fundamentals of Petroleum Geology course?

This course is suitable for geologists and professionals involved in petroleum and energy studies.

2- What are the key benefits of this Fundamentals of Petroleum Geology training?

It builds a structured understanding of petroleum systems and exploration geology.

3—Do participants receive a certificate?

Yes, upon successful completion, all participants will receive a professional certification.

4- What language is the course delivered in?

English and Arabic.

5- Can I attend online?

Yes, you can attend in person, online, or in-house at your company.

CONCLUSION

The Fundamentals of Petroleum Geology course provides essential geological knowledge for hydrocarbon exploration. It strengthens understanding of petroleum systems and basin evolution. Participants gain practical skills applicable to real exploration workflows. The course supports professional growth across energy-related disciplines. It delivers long-term value for careers in petroleum geology.