Information for Prospective Students

Coursework in Energy Resources Engineering

Students with a good background in physical science, engineering and mathematics are well-qualified to join the department. Most of our students, and all but one of our faculty, did not have a first degree in petroleum engineering. Our present students have degrees in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, physics and mathematics, as well as petroleum engineering.

Classes are usually taught in small groups of 5-15, in a stimulating, informal atmosphere. Students receive rigorous training in the basics of petroleum engineering, petroleum geology, reservoir engineering, well testing, simulation and reservoir modeling. Students benefit from courses, seminars and interaction with fellow students and faculty of the associated School of Earth Sciences departments, Geophysics and Geological and Environmental Sciences. Students are also encouraged to take relevant classes given by departments outside the school, such as Civil Engineering (Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport), Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, and Mathematics.

The academic year is divided into four quarters, although most students take a job over the summer quarter. Full-time study amounts to 15 units a quarte.

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