Goal:
The main goal of this course is to give the students a theoretical fundament for interpretation of geophysical (seismic and electromagnetic) data with respect to both physical and microstructural parameters, and also modern methods for dynamic reservoir characterization based on integration of 4D geophysical data with historical reservoir production data. A further goal is to contribute to the establishment of a common language for geophysicists, geologists, reservoir engineers and applied mathematicians, that often need to collaborate to solve petroleum oriented problems.

Content:
The syllabus includes elements of the theory for effective properties of micro-inhomogeneous media, up-scaling, mechanical properties of dry rocks, fluid flow and permeability, acoustic and seismic properties, electrical conductivity, dielectric properties, electromagnetic waves and diffusion, and thermal conductivity and heat flow. Special attention is given to analogies between different physical phenomena, and correlations between different physical properties.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:
On completion of the course the student should have a deeper understanding of the relations that exist between geological processes, rock microstructures and effective physical properties at different scales. Emphasize is given on analogies between different physical properties, and the use of rock physics relations in different interdisciplinary applications, biased towards seismic rock physics.

Skills
On completion of the course the student should

• reproduce central mathematical derivations from syllabus
• be able to solve new problems based on the compulsory theory
• implement most rock physics relations on a computer
• demonstrate general skills within rock physics modelling
• discuss analogies between different physical phenomena
• discuss interdisciplinary use of rock physics relations

General competence
The student will obtain experience with

• mathematical modelling of physical phenomena in general and seismic wave phenomena in particular
• use of Matlab for numerical calculations
• to work independently and in collaboration with others

• Lectures, 2 hours/week
• Supervised exercises, 2 hours/week

The lectures emphasize rigorous derivations of results from the list of syllabus, but also includes informal demonstrations and discussions of more applied nature, related with applications within integrated petroleum research.

The excercises includes problem solving and implementation of central parts of the theory in the form of different Matlab programs. The excercises are designed in such a way that the students get continuous assistance from the lecturer, and also exercise in collaborating with each others.

The students must complete and hand in two problem sets in order to be allowed to take the final exam. These problem sets are only valid for the semester when the course is taught and the following semester (for the repeat exam in the spring).

The compulsory exercises must be passed in order to sit the exam. Feedback on the compulsory exercises function as a formative evaluation.

The student coordinator can be contacted here:

Studierettleiar@geo.uib.no