Università degli Studi di Perugia

Degree course in Petroleum geology [LM-74] D. M. 270/2004

General information

Qualification awarded

Master’s Degree in Petroleum Geology – Post-graduate in Petroleum Geology

Level of qualification

Second cycle

Specific admission requirements and specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning

To be admitted to the Master’s Degree in Petroleum Geology students must be in possession of a three-year or single-cycle five-year degree. In the case of university degrees obtained abroad, the validity of these qualifications will be assessed by the Didactic Board, taking into account legislation and international agreements in force. In addition, the student must have earned at least 60 ECTS credits in CHIM, FIS, MAT AND GEO​​, of which at least 36 in the areas of GEO.
The following Bachelor’s Degree courses give automatic access to the afore-mentioned Master’s Degree:
L-34 – Geology; and L-7 - Civil and Environmental Engineering and undergraduates in the corresponding three-year degree categories DM 509/1999.
With regard to the personal preparation for admission to the Master of Science in Geology of Hydrocarbons required basic training in mathematics, physics and chemistry and adequate knowledge in various areas of the geological sciences.

Profile of the programme

The Master’s Degree in Petroleum Geology is directed at providing an in-depth and specialized cultural, technical and professional formation, aimed at the locating and sustainable use of mineral resources, with particular reference to the exploration and modeling of natural oil and gas systems. The ultimate goal is to provide students, beginning with a solid general preparation in the fields of stratigraphy, sedimentology and tectonics, the opportunity to acquire cultural knowledge, professional preparation and the skill of critical analysis necessary for entering the world of exploration and development, also through experiences of experimental work both in the countryside and in the laboratory.

Qualification requirements and regulations

The Master’s Degree in Petroleum Geology has a duration of two years, during which the student must acquire 120 ECTS credits, 60 credits for each year of the course.
The Master’s Degree in Petroleum Geology is included in the "Geology Project" promoted by ENI, which provides some professors for vocational disciplines (Geochemistry of Petroleum, Seismic Interpretation, Log Analysis, Modeling Petroleum System, Reservoir Geology) and financially supports both field and laboratory activities.

Key learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the graduate in Petroleum Geology acquires.
- a sound general and thorough knowledge and understanding of the main areas of Earth Sciences characterizing the activity of exploration and development (Geology, Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Tectonics, Geophysics, Geochemistry and Mineralogy) and an adequate knowledge of specialized fields of Petroleum Geology.
- methods of study and expertise in the areas of geological survey of the subsoil and locating and exploitation of natural resources, which are essential to the understanding of the activities and objectives of the field.
-understanding of the key elements and processes that govern the petroleum system; in particular, he/she will acquire skills in: processes of accumulation, preservation and transformation of organic matter, migration and emplacement of petroleum, characterization and development of mineral deposits.
The Graduate will also develop the ability to:
-competently operate in the various fields related to petroleum geology, in particular in the acquisition and critical interpretation of analytical data.
-interpret and evaluate data for the planning and design of interventions, and to process and represent them also through a computer system.
-analyze and select scientific data of both terrain and laboratory, and to plan and coordinate activities of study and work;
-develop physical-mathematical models aimed at understanding the distribution and space-time evolution of petroleum systems, which are of use in the evaluation of mineral resources and their development.
-autonomously use modeling software 1D, 2D, 3D, 4D of the kinematics and dynamics of petroleum systems.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading

The credits are acquired after the successful evaluation of the results (examination), with rules laid down by the professor responsible for each educational activity. Evaluations have individual characteristics, and may consist of written and / or oral and / or exercises to be performed in the laboratory or in situ. The tests for individual courses are evaluated on a scale of thirty, and where appropriate, awarded honours. The Master’s in Petroleum Geology ends with a final exam, which involves preparing a written and public presentation in a seminar format of a report (thesis), assigned by a professor (Rapporteur), belonging to the CIL of Earth Sciences. The final examination for obtaining the Master’s in Petroleum Geology consists of the preparation of a thesis, carried out under the guidance of a supervisor and discussed by the student before a Board appointed by the Dean of the Faculty of Science.The thesis will be written in Italian (with extended abstract in English) or English (with extended summary in Italian). The Board will be composed of 11 professors, chosen from those pertaining to the CIL of Earth Sciences and include the Speaker of the thesis. In the assessment of the dissertation, the examing board will verify the ability of the student to work independently and to present and discuss clearly the results of an original work of an experimental or theoretical nature, on a specific topic and consistent with the training of the student. The criteria for final assessment and grading take account of the career of the student in the Master’s Degree Course, timing and mode of acquisition of credits, the quality of the paper produced for the final examination and its presentation. The final exam will be awarded a maximum of 10 points, that will add to the basic mark, resulting from the average marks of the tests carried out during the two-year course.

Graduation requirements

The final qualification is awarded upon achievement of 120 credits and approval of a written thesis.

Mode of study (full-time, part-time, e-learning, ...)

Attendance is highly recommended for all courses. The Annual Academic Programme specifies the obligations of attendance for activities such as excursions and exercises in situ and laboratories that cannot be replaced by personal study and commitment. Part-time study is also possible: the student employee may submit an application to the Chairman of CIL by indicating their training needs. For students who enrol as part-time students and with an individual study plan that includes a different educational programme, ad-hoc didactic activities will be scheduled. Depending on one’s needs due to work commitments and according to the syllabus approved by the Study Course Council, there will be educational tutorial assistance, monitoring of preparation and, where appropriate, e-learning.

Occupational profiles of graduates with examples

The natural professional outlet for graduates in Petroleum Geology lies in oil exploration, with the major Italian or foreign companies in the sector. In this context, graduates will be able to carry out professional activities which involve taking responsibility for planning, design, construction management, will be able to carry out coordination and / or direction of technical facilities management, process, and manage models and applications of data even with the use of innovative methodologies.
The level of qualification achieved, however, will enable Graduates to effectively perform similar tasks in companies operating in other fields (eg. in the planning and management of land and the construction of large engineering works), as well as to carry out professional consultancy, independently or as an associate.

The Master’s degree will also, through the subsequent PhD, permit the training of qualified personnel for scientific research at universities and other public and private research organizations. Graduates will also have access to any specialized courses for teaching qualifications of some specific disciplines in secondary schools. The degree also provides access to the qualification Examination to be a registered Geologist.

Access to further studies

The Master’s Degree will provide access to the courses of 2nd-level Vocational Masters and PhD, which require a Master’s Degree category LM74.

Programme director or equivalent

Tabella riepilogativa regolamento

General (Regulations 2013)