MSc Geoscience for Sustainable Energy

The independent project is intended to demonstrate that the student can apply the technical and communication skills learnt in the taught part of the MSc/Diploma course to an independent piece of research that is relevant to either hydrocarbon exploration or production. The work is presented in the form of a poster, written dissertation and a conference style oral presentation.

This unit forms an independent, but supervised research project based around a petroleum geoscience theme. Students are encouraged to design their ideal research topic with staff, or alternatively be assigned a project in their area of interest.

A typical project may involve field work, petrophysical samples or workstation based analysis of 3D and /or 2D seismic and associated well/ production data. Students may use University of Manchester research facilities to gather and analyse data. In the past, projects have made use of SEM/ QEMSCAM, XRD, X-ray computed tomography (CT) and traditional microscopy, UAV (drone) imagery, petrophysical and other laboratory facilities.

This unit takes place over approximately 12 weeks from the end of May.  During this time the student will organise and direct their independent research project with the help of a University of Manchester supervisor. Research data is typically sourced from subsurface studies, reports, field work, the literature, or directly from an energy or geophysical company; the final report can be kept confidential if required.

The content of the dissertation will be agreed with the supervisor and also, if applicable, with an industrial sponsor. A formative assessment of the introductory section and regular supervision discussions aim to ensure that the project work is progressing on track.