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Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum)

Campus North Terrace Campus

Degree Type Bachelor

Duration 4 years full-time or part-time equiv.

SATAC Code 314951

2012
ATAR 81.75

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  • Program Outline

    Petroleum (natural oil and gas) is found in the tiny spaces between rock and grains deep below the earth's surface. Petroleum engineering is the practical application of physics, mathematics, chemistry and geology, combined with engineering and economic principles to the recovery of petroleum.

    Petroleum engineers are designers. They create, plan and supervise all aspects of petroleum recovery: helping to find oil and gas; assessing how much is there; designing the wells and processing facilities to get as much out as possible; supervising and optimising production operations and ultimately, planning for the abandonment of the project. all of these designs and operational plans must be economic and safe from a human and environmental perspective.

    A key feature of the University of Adelaide's petroleum engineering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees is the modern curriculum, integrating core petroleum engineering with geoscience and management, leading to a skills set that matches both the needs of industry and the way it operates.

  • Program Structure

    The Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum) builds a strong foundation of mathematics, physics, geology, geophysics, computer applications and engineering principles. During the degree, the courses studied change from more general engineering topics to very specific petroleum-related topics. There is also a strong focus on management and business-related aspects. This integrated structure makes the petroleum engineering teaching curriculum at the University of Adelaide unique.

    In the first year, students study a range of engineering, mathematics and physics courses that are common to many branches of engineering. Students are also introduced to the petroleum industry and to the key geological, physical and chemical principles that govern recovery from petroleum reservoirs.

    In the second and third year, these areas of study are developed with the addition of a broader range of petroleum engineering and geoscience topics. In the fourth year, students expand their technical knowledge and  develop business skills such as economic evaluation and project management as well as undertake a final year project. 

    Students are required to complete 12 weeks approved practical experience.

  • Assessment

    Assessment can vary from course to course and can include a combination of class work, tutorials, assignments, laboratory work, quizzes, project work and exams.

    Students are required to complete a minimum of 12 weeks of approved practical experience.

  • Related Programs
  • Admission and Fee Information

    Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
    I am a:

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant?

    SATAC Code 314951
    2012 CSP ATAR 81.75
    Adelaide Approved Score 80
    2012 CSP IB 28
    Annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $8,350
    Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
    Deferment? Yes - 2 year
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria
    Year 12 applicants
    You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
    Prerequisites
    SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Studies, Physics plus one of Specialist Mathematics or Chemistry.

    IB: either Mathematics (HL grade 3) and Physics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3); or, Chemistry (SL grade 4/HL grade 3), Physics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) & Mathematics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3)

    Assumed Knowledge
    SACE Stage 2 Chemistry

    Alternative entry pathways
    • Higher Education applicants
      You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent higher education study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.
    • VET applicants
      You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.
    • Special Entry applicants
      You must be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying. If you have studied a higher education program within the last two years, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent in that program and you must not hold a completed higher education level award. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
    • Without formal qualifications?
      You may be eligible for our special access schemes.
    • Other Entry Pathways
    How to Apply
    SATAC Code: 314951

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant?

    International ATAR 80
    IB 27
    IELTS Overall 6 [more info]
    Annual tuition fees International student place: $28,750
    Mid-year entry? Yes
    CRICOS 036336A
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria
    Prerequisites
    Mathematics and Physics
    Assumed Knowledge
    Chemistry is desirable
    Equivalent Scores
    International ATAR 80
    IB 27
    IELTS
    Overall
    Reading
    Listening
    Speaking
    Writing
    6
    5.5
    5.5
    6
    6
    A-Level 9
    UEC [Malaysia] 15
    SAT [US] 1770
    OSSD OAC [Canadian Pre-U] 75
    Eynesbury Foundation Program 380
    Bradford Foundation Program 77
    How to Apply

    International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

    Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results?

    International ATAR 80
    Annual tuition fees International student place: $28,750
    Mid-year entry? Yes
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria
    Prerequisites
    SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Studies, Physics plus one of Specialist Mathematics or Chemistry.

    IB: either Mathematics (HL grade 3) and Physics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3); or, Chemistry (SL grade 4/HL grade 3), Physics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3) & Mathematics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3)

    Assumed Knowledge
    SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
  • Study Plans

    The study plans given are examples of pathways through this degree for students that commenced their program in 2013 (refer to the program rules). Students that commenced in previous years should refer to the tabs above(referring to years) or consult their Faculty for advice.

    To download a copy of your study plan to guide your 2013 enrolment, please use the following link: http://ecms.adelaide.edu.au/current-students/enrolment/study-plans/

    Core courses

    #Students who have not passed SACE Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics are required to enrol in MATHS 1013 Mathematics IM as a prerequisite to enrolling in MATHS 1011 Mathematics IA. The satisfactory completion of MATHS 1013 Mathematics IM is in addition to the normal requirements of this program.

    Unless exempted by the Faculty, all international students are required to undertake a specialist course ENG 3003 Engineering Communication EAL. This course must be completed in the first semester of study and will be presented in lieu of another course as determined by the Faculty.

    The availability of all courses is conditional on the availability of staff and facilities.

  • Career Opportunities

    Petroleum engineers are employed in a diverse range of occupations in oil and gas companies, government agencies and companies that service the oil and gas industry.

    Graduates of this degree could become:

    • reservoir engineers, using sophisticated computer simulation models to determine the optimal petroleum recovery process and plan the number, type and location of wells and production facilities
    • drilling engineers, working with geologists and contractors in designing wells (office-based) or supervising drilling operations on location (onshote and offshore platforms)
    • production engineers, developing processes and equipment to optimise oil and gas production from reservoirs or supervising the operation of that equipment.

    Graduates with an interest in research could pursue an academic career or work for larger operators and service companies with their own research facilities. There are opportunities in teaching through academic careers or providing industry training.

    Other possible career opportunities include working as an oil and gas analyst for investment bankers or brokers, starting up your own company, working in government developing or regulating policy for the exploration, development and production of natural resources. Many managers in the petroleum industry started as petroleum engineers or geoscientists and graduates could also go on to become commercial analysts or move into business development within the industry.

    Potential careers

    Petroleum Exploration, Commercial and Operation Analyst, Petrophysicist, Project Manager, Environmental Engineer, Researcher, Mining Engineer, Oil and Gas Analyst, Drilling Engineer, Reservoir Engineer, Engineer

  • Graduate Attributes

    The objective of the undergraduate Petroleum Engineering program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in the University Calendar.

  • Professional Accreditation

    Graduates qualify for professional membership of Engineers Australia.

  • Work Placement

    Students are required to complete 12 weeks of approved practical experience outside normal class time. Practical experience can be undertaken in Australia or overseas.

  • Program Rules
  • Further Information

    Please direct enquiries to the University Contact Centre
    Phone: +61 8 8313 5208 (toll free 1800 061 459)

    The annual Open Day and Information Night events provide an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.

  • Useful Links

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Wednesday, 6 Mar 2013

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