Introduction to the oil and gas industry

CNST 6335

Course Description
This course provides construction students with a comprehensive overview of the oil and gas
industry. Students will receive basic understanding of the technical aspects of the industry as
well as its history, politics, business processes, and facilities.

Course Prerequisite
Graduate standing or consent of instructor

Textbook
Joseph F. Hilyard (2012). The Oil and Gas Industry: A Nontechnical Guide, PennWell
Corporation, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Learning Objectives
Upon the completion of the course students will demonstrate the ability to:
1. Be familiar with industry terminology and facilities.
2. Understand the oil and gas value chain and the industry as a business.
3. Understand the operations of various segments of the industry.
4. Understand the importance of oil and gas as an energy source.
5. Understand the competing scenarios for the future of the industry.

Schedule of topics
Week Topic
1. Introduction and history of the industry I
2. Introduction and history of the industry II
3. Petroleum geology: Origin and accumulation of oil and gas
4. Exploration: Finding and evaluating oil and gas fields
5. Drilling and testing: Mechanics of tapping the accumulation
6. Well completion methods and production: Extracting the product
Reservoir mechanics and production management: Maintaining and
7.
optimizing production
8. Transportation and storage: Getting the product to market
9. Refining and petrochemicals: Converting to usable products
10. Marketing: Delivering the product and optimizing profit
11. Structure of the industry: Roles of the stakeholders
12. Energy and the environment: Impact of oil and gas in the energy picture
13. Future scenarios for the industry
14. Review: Putting it all in context
15. Final exam