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Lincoln Pratson
The oil and gas industry has an enormous impact on all aspects of daily life. Individuals, corporations, and national governments make financial and policy decisions based on the cost, use, and availability of these two natural resources. This two-week course looks at the two most fundamental aspects of the oil and gas industry, its operations and markets, each of which is addressed as a separate module in the course. In the operations module, the course provides an overview of the production of oil and gas, from initial exploration to final transport. The second module focuses on the forces that drive the industry's operations, the oil and gas markets, including the cost of wells, seasonal impacts on prices, and the role of oil reserves. After every lesson, learners will take short quizzes to test their newly acquired knowledge, participant in crowd-sourced discussions about global markets, and complete a final project.
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Syllabus
Oil and Gas Operations and Technology
In this module, you will learn about the core activities that the Oil and Gas Industry executes to bring natural gas and petroleum products to market. We will look at the exploration and production of oil and gas, the processing and refining of the oil and gas into useable fuels and other valuable commodities, and finally the transport of oil, gas, and petroleum products from wells to refineries to retail outlets.
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Syllabus
Oil and Gas Operations and Technology
In this module, you will learn about the core activities that the Oil and Gas Industry executes to bring natural gas and petroleum products to market. We will look at the exploration and production of oil and gas, the processing and refining of the oil and gas into useable fuels and other valuable commodities, and finally the transport of oil, gas, and petroleum products from wells to refineries to retail outlets.
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Traffic lights
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what should give you pause and
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Ideal for professionals who want to advance their knowledge of oil and gas operations and markets
Provides a solid understanding of industry fundamentals
Instructors are experienced professionals in the oil and gas industry
Covers both upstream and downstream aspects of the industry
Delivers practical insights and industry best practices
May require some prior knowledge of the industry
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Reviews summary
Oil & gas industry overview
According to learners, this course provides a good overall introduction and a solid foundation in the oil and gas industry. Students appreciate the well-structured modules that cover the entire value chain, from exploration to market dynamics. While many found the explanations clear and easy to follow, some felt the content was high-level and lacked sufficient depth for those already experienced in the field or seeking specialized knowledge. The quizzes serve as helpful checks, although some reviewers found them too simple. It is considered highly relevant for career development or for those new to the sector needing a broad understanding.
Content is organized logically and clearly.
"The content is well-structured into digestible modules."
"The modules on upstream, midstream, and downstream operations were particularly useful."
"I found the course materials were clear, and the presentation style was engaging."
Offers a comprehensive foundation.
"Excellent overview of the oil and gas value chain... Great for professionals needing a broad understanding."
"Good foundational course... Definitely geared towards beginners or those new to the industry."
"As someone transitioning into the energy sector, this course provided exactly the context I needed."
"I found this to be a fantastic introduction to the subject matter."
Quizzes reinforce concepts but are basic.
"I found the quizzes to be trivial."
"The quizzes were helpful check-ins for me."
"I thought the quizzes were too simple."
May be too basic for experienced learners.
"The information is accurate, but it's quite high-level. If you already work in the industry, you might find it too basic."
"I expected more depth. It felt like watching introductory YouTube videos."
"It was good as a starting point, but I didn't find enough depth for specialized roles."
"Some parts, like the financial aspects, could have used more real-world case studies."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Oil & Gas Industry Operations and Markets with these
activities:
Read 'The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power' by Daniel Yergin
Show steps
Gain historical context and insights into the economic and political significance of the oil and gas industry.
View
The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of the book.
-
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key passages.
-
Reflect on the book's content and how it relates to the course material.
Review basic algebra and trigonometry
Show steps
Sharpen your foundational math skills to enhance your understanding of the quantitative aspects of the oil and gas industry.
Browse courses on
Algebra
Show steps
-
Go over your notes from previous algebra and trigonometry courses.
-
Take practice problems from textbooks or online resources.
-
Attend a review session or workshop.
Explore online tutorials on oil and gas production
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the processes and technologies involved in extracting oil and gas.
Browse courses on
Oil and Gas Production
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online platforms offering tutorials on oil and gas production.
-
Choose tutorials that align with your learning goals and current knowledge level.
-
Follow the tutorials diligently, taking notes and asking questions as needed.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Write a blog post or article summarizing a key concept from the course
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding by explaining a concept to others and practicing your writing and communication skills.
Show steps
-
Choose a key concept from the course that you want to summarize.
-
Research the topic to deepen your understanding.
-
Write your blog post or article, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
Develop a presentation on the environmental impact of oil and gas operations
Show steps
Apply your understanding of the industry's environmental impact and develop critical thinking and presentation skills.
Browse courses on
Sustainability
Show steps
-
Research the environmental effects of oil and gas extraction, processing, and transportation.
-
Organize your findings into a logical and visually engaging presentation.
-
Practice your presentation to ensure clarity and effectiveness.
Read 'The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power' by Daniel Yergin
Show steps
Gain historical context and insights into the economic and political significance of the oil and gas industry.
View
The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of the book.
- Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key passages.
- Reflect on the book's content and how it relates to the course material.
Review basic algebra and trigonometry
Show steps
Sharpen your foundational math skills to enhance your understanding of the quantitative aspects of the oil and gas industry.
Browse courses on
Algebra
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Go over your notes from previous algebra and trigonometry courses.
- Take practice problems from textbooks or online resources.
- Attend a review session or workshop.
Explore online tutorials on oil and gas production
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the processes and technologies involved in extracting oil and gas.
Browse courses on
Oil and Gas Production
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online platforms offering tutorials on oil and gas production.
- Choose tutorials that align with your learning goals and current knowledge level.
- Follow the tutorials diligently, taking notes and asking questions as needed.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Write a blog post or article summarizing a key concept from the course
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding by explaining a concept to others and practicing your writing and communication skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a key concept from the course that you want to summarize.
- Research the topic to deepen your understanding.
- Write your blog post or article, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
Develop a presentation on the environmental impact of oil and gas operations
Show steps
Apply your understanding of the industry's environmental impact and develop critical thinking and presentation skills.
Browse courses on
Sustainability
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the environmental effects of oil and gas extraction, processing, and transportation.
- Organize your findings into a logical and visually engaging presentation.
- Practice your presentation to ensure clarity and effectiveness.
Career center
Learners who complete Oil & Gas Industry Operations and Markets will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineers can work in oil and gas operations to plan and execute exploration or production of oil or gas, depending on experience and interest. The practical knowledge of exploration, production, and refining in this course may be useful to aspiring Petroleum Engineers, as they will learn about the upstream and downstream processes.
Petroleum Geologist
Petroleum Geologist
Petroleum Geologists study the earth's physical properties to identify and facilitate exploitation of oil and gas deposits. This course's overview of oil and gas operations, from exploration to transport, may be helpful to students seeking careers as Petroleum Geologists.
Geophysicist
Geophysicist
Geophysicists study the physical properties of the earth to identify and facilitate exploitation of oil and gas deposits. This course's overview of oil and gas operations, from exploration to transport, may be helpful to students seeking careers as Geophysicists.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers can work in oil and gas to design and optimize processes for refining crude oil into petroleum and gas products. This course's overview of refining processes from oil and gas operations may be helpful to students seeking careers as Chemical Engineers.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers can work in oil and gas to design and maintain equipment and infrastructure for exploration, production, refining, and transport. This course's overview of oil and gas operations may be helpful to students seeking careers as Mechanical Engineers.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists can work in oil and gas to research and develop new materials for use in exploration, production, refining, and transport. This course's overview of oil and gas operations may be helpful to students seeking careers as Materials Scientists.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists can work in oil and gas to ensure that operations are conducted in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. This course's overview of oil and gas operations may be helpful to students seeking careers as Environmental Scientists.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts can work in oil and gas to analyze and improve business processes. This course's overview of oil and gas markets may be helpful to students seeking careers as Business Analysts.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts can work in oil and gas to analyze and interpret financial data. This course's overview of oil and gas markets may be helpful to students seeking careers as Financial Analysts.
Investment Analyst
Investment Analyst
Investment Analysts can work in oil and gas to make investment recommendations. This course's overview of oil and gas markets may be helpful to students seeking careers as Investment Analysts.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts can work in oil and gas to collect, analyze, and interpret data to improve decision-making. This course's overview of oil and gas operations and markets may be helpful to students seeking careers as Data Analysts.
Commodity Trader
Commodity Trader
Commodity Traders can work in oil and gas to buy and sell oil and gas contracts. This course's overview of oil and gas markets may be helpful to students seeking careers as Commodity Traders.
Oil and Gas Lawyer
Oil and Gas Lawyer
Oil and Gas Lawyers specialize in the legal aspects of oil and gas operations and markets. This course's overview of oil and gas operations and markets may be helpful to students seeking careers as Oil and Gas Lawyers.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts can work in oil and gas to develop and implement policies that affect the industry. This course's overview of oil and gas operations and markets may be helpful to students seeking careers as Policy Analysts.
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
Management Consultants can work in oil and gas to help companies improve their operations and performance. This course's overview of oil and gas operations and markets may be helpful to students seeking careers as Management Consultants.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/1ohk3n/oil
Reading list
We've selected 19 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Oil & Gas Industry Operations and Markets .
This comprehensive handbook provides an in-depth overview of the petroleum engineering field, covering a wide range of topics from exploration to production and transportation. It is commonly used as a reference tool by industry professionals.
Save
Frequently used as a textbook at universities, this Pulitzer Prize-winning book provides a comprehensive history of the oil industry from its early days to the present day, offering insights into the political and economic forces that have shaped its development. It provides invaluable context for understanding the industry's current operations and markets.
Provides a thorough understanding of the accounting principles and practices specific to the oil and gas industry. Helpful for learners who seek to deepen their knowledge of the financial aspects of the industry's operations and markets.
Provides a comprehensive historical analysis of the relationship between energy and civilization. It explores how energy has shaped human societies and examines the implications for the future.
Save
This quarterly journal publishes original research on energy economics, policy, and technology. It provides a platform for academic and industry experts to share their insights on current energy issues.
Offers a comprehensive analysis of the future of energy, examining the challenges and opportunities associated with various energy sources. It provides a valuable perspective on the long-term trends shaping the energy landscape.
Serves as a valuable reference for understanding the natural gas industry, its operations, and market dynamics. Particularly useful for learners interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the role of natural gas in the global energy landscape.
Save
Examines the complex challenges of global energy security. It offers insights into the geopolitical and economic factors shaping the energy landscape and explores potential solutions to address future energy needs.
This report from the International Energy Agency provides a detailed analysis of the potential of renewable energy sources in meeting future global energy needs. It offers insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning to a clean energy future.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the oil and gas industry in the 21st century, covering everything from the impact of technology to the rise of new markets. It would be a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the future of the industry.
This thought-provoking book examines the challenges and uncertainties of prediction in the face of complex systems. It offers insights into the nature of risk and how to make better decisions in the face of incomplete information.
Examines the fundamental principles of energy, providing a broad understanding of energy systems and their implications for society. It offers a theoretical framework for analyzing energy issues.
Provides a thought-provoking analysis of the future of the oil industry in light of technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and environmental concerns. Offers valuable insights into the potential challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the political economy of oil and natural gas, covering everything from the history of the industry to the impact of climate change. It would be a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the political and economic aspects of the industry.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the economics of natural gas, covering everything from supply and demand to pricing and regulation. It would be a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the economics of the industry.
Offers a concise and engaging explanation of the fundamentals of energy, covering topics such as energy sources, conversion, and consumption. It valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the energy landscape.
Provides a forward-looking perspective on the transition to a clean energy economy, including the challenges and opportunities for the oil and gas industry. Offers insights into the implications of climate change and renewable energy developments on the industry's future.
Offers a comprehensive overview of the natural gas industry, covering its exploration, production, transportation, and utilization. Provides additional insights into the role of natural gas in the global energy mix, complementing the course's focus on the oil and gas markets.
Provides an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical dynamics of the Caspian region, a major producer of oil and gas. Offers insights into the regional conflicts and international competition for control of Caspian energy resources, complementing the course's focus on the oil and gas markets and their global implications.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/1ohk3n/oil
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Effort
2 Weeks, 3 - 5 Hours Per Week
Via
Coursera
Institution
Duke University
Instructor
Lincoln Pratson
Language
English
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