GEOLOGY 3515 - Energy Resources III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2022

This course covers the processes and systems that control the formation and storage of energy resources (e.g. water, hydrogen, heat (geothermal) and hydrocarbons) in sedimentary basins. This course will examine the formation of different types of sedimentary basins, the geological settings and climates that control the sediments and structures we observe within them and the burial and uplift histories of basins, all of which set up the present-day setting where energy resources can be stored naturally or anthropogenically (e.g. CO2 injection for storage). Thus, this course draws upon sedimentary, structural and igneous geology, stratigraphy, geochemistry and geodynamics. The course introduces stratigraphic, geophysical and geochemical techniques that can be applied to the detection and mapping of energy resources and location for storage of CO2. Practical work emphasises the integration of different types of data at a regional scale to understand the geology of a basin and its potential for energy resources and storage at all scales from small to large.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GEOLOGY 3515
    Course Energy Resources III
    Coordinating Unit School of Physical Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Course Description This course covers the processes and systems that control the formation and storage of energy resources (e.g. water, hydrogen, heat (geothermal) and hydrocarbons) in sedimentary basins. This course will examine the formation of different types of sedimentary basins, the geological settings and climates that control the sediments and structures we observe within them and the burial and uplift histories of basins, all of which set up the present-day setting where energy resources can be stored naturally or anthropogenically (e.g. CO2 injection for storage). Thus, this course draws upon sedimentary, structural and igneous geology, stratigraphy, geochemistry and geodynamics. The course introduces stratigraphic, geophysical and geochemical techniques that can be applied to the detection and mapping of energy resources and location for storage of CO2. Practical work emphasises the integration of different types of data at a regional scale to understand the geology of a basin and its potential for energy resources and storage at all scales from small to large.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Rosalind King

    This course will be taught by course coordinator A/Prof. Ros King, Dr Kathryn Amos and Dr Mark Bunch. Kathryn and Mark are for the Australian School of Petroleum and Energy Resources.
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Schedule
    Week Module Lecture Practical Assessment
    Week 1 Basins

    Sedimentary Basins and New Energy
    Tectonics of Basins
    No Practical
    Week 2 Basin Formation and Development
    Basin Fill
    Basin Structure
    Week 3 Basin Analysis
    Stratigraphy
    PUBLIC HOLIDAY
    Week 4 Sequence Stratigraphy
    Biostratigraphy
    Flume Tank Stratigraphy Practical Assessment
    Week 5 Integrated Stratigraphic Analysis
    Sediment sources, provenance, geochemistry
    Stratigraphic Interpretation Online Quiz
    Week 6 Petrophysics
    Geofluids and Diagenesis
    Provanance of Sediments/Burial Uplift
    Week 7 Fluid dynamics
    In situ stress and Overpressure
    PUBLIC HOLIDAY
    Week 8 Fracture networks
    Hydrogeology
    Rock Properties from Borehole Logs Practical Assessment
    Week 9 Hydrodynamics
    Hydrocarbons I (resources)
    World Stress Map Practical Assessment
    Week 10 Hydrocarbons II (hydrodynamics)
    CO2 Sequestration
    Store It Online Quiz
    Week 11 Hydrogen Storage
    Geothermal Energy
    Trap It
    Week 12 Future of energy in Australia
    No Lecture
    Don't Lose It
    Week 13 Online Quiz
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    Successful students in this course should be able to:
    1 Demonstrate proficiency in practical skills to identify energy resources
    2 Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of the formation of sedimentary basins and evaluate and interpret the processes leading to the storage of energy systems
    3 Use and evaluate the appropriate strategies and methods for exploration of energy resources and potential storage and the scientific approaches being applied to exploration, production and storage
    4 Integrate data of varied type (stratigraphic, geochemical, geophysical) to analyse the potential of an energy resource
    5 Demonstrate understanding of the position of the energy industry (e.g. water, CO2 sequestration, hydrogen, geothermal, hydrocarbons) in the Australian economy
    6 Demonstrate knowledge of the geological characteristics of the geology of Australian energy resources
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1, 2, 3, 4 and 6

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1, 4

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    4, 5, 6

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    5, 6

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    5, 6

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Students will receive a detailed packet of course notes and a digital copy of all slideshows from lectures. These will be readily available on MyUni.

    While not compulsory, a laptop or tablet will be useful for some practical sessions.
    Online Learning
    Additional course-related material is available through MyUni. We use it often. Students should regularly check the MyUni website for important course-related announcements. Teaching materials, reminders and course documentation will also be posted on this site. This information will be sent to your University of Adelaide email accounts so ake sure you check them regularly.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course consists of:
    • 1 x 5-hour COMPULSORY practical session per week from weeks 2 to 12 (excluding the public holidays). There is no practical session in week 1.
    • 2 x 1-hour lecture sessions per week from weeks 1 to 12.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., practical and lectures), as well as non-contact time (e.g., completion of tasks, reading and revision).

    For this course there are 7 hours of contact time in class, therefore, you are expected to spend an additional 5 hours on non-contact time finishing practicals (where appropriate), revising and completing additional readings.
    Learning Activities Summary
    See course timetable above
    Specific Course Requirements
    Attendenance at ALL practical sessions is COMPULSORY. 
    Absences must be approved by the Course Coordinator via the form on My Uni and appropriate documents.
    Failure to attend these practicals may result in failure of the course.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting Learning Outcome
    Online Quizzes Formative and summative Weeks 5, 10 and 13 30% (10% each) 2, 6
    Practical Component Formative and summative Weeks 4, 8 and 9 30% (10% each) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
    Final Exam Summative Exam Period 40% 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Attendance at practicals is compulsory. The learning outcomes for this course are substantially dependent on
    this hands-on experience and practice. Therefore, missing any practical class in the semester without an allowed absence will result in a grade of FAIL being recorded for the course. Students are able to apply for an allowed absence to the Course Coordinator.
    Assessment Detail
    Online Quizzes (30%)
    Online quizzes will examine a students knowledge of the subject at weeks 5, 9 and 13. The quizzes will be a mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions.

    Practicals (30%)
    Practicals weeks 1-12 will cover aspects of energy resources and associated datasets. Three practicals will be taken for assessments. These practicals will assess the breadth of the student knowledge and practical skills of the subject so far.

    Exam (40%)
    An exam is set at the end of the course to ensure summative knowledge of the course material.
    Submission
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the
    assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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.