This course covers the fundamentals of the Earth sciences and examines their role in controlling the occurrence, distribution and quantification of oil and gas resources. It focuses on geological and geophysical principles and practices, demonstrates their application to hydrocarbon exploration and production and provides an understanding of the factors and processes involved in the formation of oil and gas fields and their worldwide distribution.

It also reviews the recent trends in the global petroleum industry and provides an insight into the operations of the international oil companies.