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Energy 101

Overview of Energy -- Sponsored by CB&I

This course provides an overview of energy, starting with the first energy sources used by humans, and continues through today's newly emerging energy sources. It also includes a look at the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy sources and the most popular energy sources in use around the world.

Energy 201

Formation of Hydrocarbons

This course discusses how the universe began with a "big bang" of energy and describes how microscopic life in the earth's ocean basins flourished by capturing and storing that energy. It explains how heat and pressure slowly transformed the microorganisms buried in the ocean's sedimentary basins into hydrocarbons.

Energy 301

Geology of Hydrocarbons

This course explains the role that plate tectonics plays in the formation of sedimentary basins, where microorganisms are transformed into hydrocarbons through burial and cooking. It also describes the importance of source rock porosity and permeability, and how geologic trapping structures such as faults, anticlines, stratigraphic traps, and salt domes play a role in the migration of hydrocarbons and the formation of hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Energy 401

Geology and Topography

This course is the first in a two-course series covering hydrocarbon exploration.

This course explains how petroleum geologists use topography and geology to help locate hydrocarbon reservoirs. It explains that, as a result of their topographic and geologic features, certain locations are more likely than others to have reservoirs. It also describes how geologists use imaging techniques to search for these areas.

Energy 402

Survey Techniques for Hydrocarbon Exploration

This course is the second in a two-course series covering hydrocarbon exploration.

This course explains the techniques that petroleum geologists use to narrow their search from a large area down to one spot where they can drill for hydrocarbons. These include magnetic surveys, gravity surveys, and seismic surveys.

Energy 401: Geography and Topography is a recommended prerequisite for this course.

Energy 501

Drilling Basics

This course is the first in a series of courses about drilling for hydrocarbons.

This course provides an overview of drilling for oil and natural gas, including an explanation of the drilling process, a description of the types of wells, and a discussion about factors that influence the cost of drilling a well. It also describes the components of a drill rig, including the drill bit and the drill string. Additionally, the course provides information about the process of casing and cementing, and the purpose of drilling fluid (mud).

Energy 502

Advanced Technology in Drilling

This course is the second in a series of courses about drilling for hydrocarbons.

This course provides information about advanced technologies used in drilling today. There are two important areas where technology has improved: data collection and drilling techniques.

Energy 501: Drilling Basics is a recommended prerequisite for this course.

Energy 503

Specialized Drilling

This course is the third in a series of courses about drilling for hydrocarbons

As "easy oil" becomes scarcer, companies are broadening their search for oil and gas to more challenging locations. This course describes two types of specialized drilling: extreme drilling and offshore drilling. The three most common types of extreme drilling are Arctic drilling, high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) drilling, and helicopter-assisted drilling. Both extreme drilling and offshore drilling pose unique challenges that must be overcome.

Recommended prerequisites include:

• Energy 501: Drilling Basics
• Energy 502: Advanced Technology in Drilling

Energy 601

Well Completion and Production

This course explains the purpose of well completion and the process for completing a well. It also describes production techniques, including the techniques for primary recovery, methods of artificial lift, and improved recovery techniques. Finally, the course provides information about common types of production platforms used offshore, including steel jacket towers, concrete gravity platforms, and tension leg platforms.

Energy 701

Refining Crude Oil

This course is the first in a series of courses about oil refining and natural gas production.

In this course, you will see the four primary processes refineries use to separate crude oil molecules by size, and to change the size or shape of crude oil molecules. These refined molecules are used to produce gasoline and other products.

Energy 702

Natural Gas Production

This course is the last in a series of courses about oil refining and natural gas production.

This course describes the chemical properties of natural gas, including its differences and similarities with crude oil. In addition, the path natural gas follows from the wellhead through the gas plant is explored. Finally, the course describes natural gas products and byproducts commonly used by residential, commercial, and industrial customers.

Energy 801

Transportation and Distribution

Oil and natural gas must be delivered from the wellhead to the end user. This course discusses the different methods of accomplishing this, including storage, distribution through pipelines, overland rail and truck transportation, and overseas transportation.

Energy 901

Other Non-renewable Energy Sources

This course is the first in a series of courses about energy sources.

This course provides an overview of non-petroleum, non-renewable energy sources, including coal and nuclear energy. It also explains the inner workings of a power generator.

Energy 902

Renewable Energy Sources -- Sponsored by PwC

This course is the last in a series of courses about energy sources.

This course provides an overview of renewable energy sources, including: wind, solar, hydroelectric, ocean, geothermal, biomass, and fuel cell energy. It includes a discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of each.